Thursday, August 30, 2012

A Tale Of Four Gardens - Part One

GARDEN ONE

It was one of the cooler days we have had this summer when we decided to go on a garden walk sponsored by our local hospital's Wellness House.  By cooler, I mean in the low 80's in August, what could possibly be left to see after the heat we have experienced this summer?

The first garden is on a large property and divided into several outdoor rooms.

This pathway really displays the importance of a focal point and directing your eyes not only forward but from side to side.

Boxwood is used extensively in this garden to create the rooms within one very large garden.

Containers are placed throughout the borders with pedestals and statuary.

Sedum is used as a groundcover in this topiary container.




 
The use of seating in a garden is important in that it is a welcome to come and relax and enjoy.



A clear glass dining table with basket weave iron chairs, great small plantings and decor on table

Structures can be purposeful but also add interest in the fall and winter garden.



The birdhouses are permanent structures in the garden.





The header is a photo of one area in this garden.

GARDEN TWO

The next garden is a very small one, deep but narrow.  It is just as interesting what you can do in a small space.

Every inch of space is used in this garden.
 
This is one of the best specimens of a climbing hydrangea that I have ever seen trained along the wall that runs along the back garden.
 
It is beginning to look very Williamsburg to me!
 
A grass and stone patio, difficult to keep green this summer.
 
Interesting use of the double boxwood hedge as a frame for the tuteur and containers
 
The hydrangeas are supported by the limbed up multi-stemmed tree and by other plantings in front of them like azaleas and large hostas.
 
Even a seating area has been tucked into the back of this colorful border.
 
Again, boxwood is used extensively in this small garden, doing well containing the plantings in the border.
 
The garden shed is not only beautiful but keeps the tools for this wonderful garden.
 
 
Even as you approach or leave the back garden the garage tells you that it is a gardener who lives here!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

14 comments:

GRACE PETERSON said...

Amazing gardens! They both have formal bones are exuberant too. This is much easier said than done. Just gorgeous!

I saw that 'Peppermint' (?) Phlox today at a nursery. I might have to go back and get it. Great post!

BernieH said...

What a wonderful garden. There was just so much to see. I particularly loved the huge ferns.

Unknown said...

Such great gardens here. I really want to incorporate some boxwoods in my gardens...thanks for the tours.

Karen said...

Another fascinating post, Eileen. Love the climbing hydrangea as well, very skillful pruning to create the look. So many elements in the gardens that I can use to advantage here, too.

Wasps this year are horrendous, I'm glad you remembered to remove your rings before the swelling set in. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Jennifer said...

I really like the fountain area and the focal point/urn in the first garden, Eileen. The first image in the second garden has given me a good idea. I too have an old wall fountain that has a big crack in it and can no longer hold water. What a super idea to turn it into a hanging planter!

Beth said...

Beautiful gardens! Love the horsehead and flowerbox on the garage, as well as the stone patio. Love your header photo, which I would have thought was in your garden if you hadn't said it was from tour garden #1. Love that pretty phlox! Thanks for sharing. I look forward to the next two tour gardens!

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Grace,

The Peppermint Twist is difficult to find, better grab it.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Bernie,

I don't know how she kept the ferns looking that good this summer.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Darla,

I have never seen so many boxwoods in these gardens. It gave me the feeling that I under use them in my garden.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Karen,

These gardens were like a living garden book.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Jennifer,

I didn't even realize this was a fountain until you mentioned it, what a great idea.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Beth,

I think that phlox is Peppermint Twist. I bought it last year and it is a great bloomer and responds to deadheading.

Eileen

Diana LaMarre said...

Beautiful gardens, Eileen. I really enjoyed tour, part 1 and am looking forward to the next post!

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

These gardens are so beautiful! I love the blackeyed susans and I am determined to have some.

Our gardens are in such sad shape from the drought. We need to get them fixed up while we are home for awhile.