We many times spend a lot of time and money blocking out the views from our garden, garbage cans, messy yards, ugly buildings, alleys, etc. I know, I put up a fence so I could have a frame for my garden and put in all of the beautiful plants I loved without distraction.
So, here I am with this six foot fence, many lovely plantings but, I have only one tree in my back garden. There was only room for my Pagoda Dogwood which sits back in the corner of my yard. I feel it may even be a struggle to keep this smaller tree within bounds.
Early on in this home I realized that I had a room with a view! As I stroll through the patio door on a Spring morning I have not only a Dogwood, but a beautiful Bradford Pear that peeks over my fence in the background. I used to have many farm lilacs in my old old house but now I just have one that frames the left side of my patio. The scent is as wonderful in my yard as it is in my neighbor's. As I walk around to the north side of my home there are beautifully healthy arborvitaes reminding me of my last home.
None of these trees are mine but they all impact the look of my garden. Thankfully, they are desirable. If you have a view next to your garden that you would like to borrow, you don't even have to ask. Just say, thank you!
21 comments:
I love the smell of lilacs. Have a good weekend.
Dear Eileen, You do, in fact, make an important point here concerning one of the principles of garden design: the borrowed landscape. I fear that too many gardeners are looking down and never consider the effects of looking upwards. Indeed to take the skyline into account may well determine where, or where not, a large shrub or tree is placed.
Your Magnolia stellata is perfection. Have an enjoyable and restful weekend.
Hurrah for your hardy Star Magnolia, Eileen. Though I don't have any, I enjoy many blooming in the neighborhood. I love the view from my kitchen window where I (spend countless hours) watch the stunning magnolia bloom across the street ... a never-ending joy each spring for the 34 years we lived here.
Hi Edith,
I think because of my limited planting areas I was forced to look up and use surrounding plantings for my view.
Unfortunately, my magnolia is bordering a pathway (here when we moved in) and I am required to trim it each year after flowering. It will never be the shape it was meant to be!
Also, I don't think it will get tall enough to limb it up and walk under it.
Eileen
I wish my neighbor had a giant lilac tree!
Hi Joey,
I love it also, so I hope I can keep it where it is (see comment to Edith). This is a good lesson for landscapers that they should look where they are putting plantings in relation to how large they are going to get!
I think I can effectively keep it trimmed so that one can walk by the path, but it bothers me that I have to do this.
Eileen
Hi Becca,
It will probably be a couple of weeks before that perfume hits the air. I hope you have some good planting weather this weekend!
Eileen
Dirty Girl Gardening,
I know, I am lucky to live next to two homes that are over 100 years old. My home is newer and can take advantage of these very old plantings.
Eileen
Hi Eileen. Girl your Star Magnolia is so pretty. I do not think mine is ever going to bloom. I have had it for five years and not one bloom.If it wasn't such a nice looking little tree I would probably have traded it in for another by now.
The flowering trees are so pretty now.
Some gardeners will look at a neighbor's tree and get annoyed because it blocks sunshine while others appreciate how the tree enriches their own garden view.
What a beautiful blog!
aloha Eileen,
the borrowed view is always welcome especially when it blends nicely to your own landscape, i love the fencing work also!.... thanks for sharing
Lona,
I am am sure you have gone through all the reasons why your Magnolia isn't blooming. I trimmed my too late two years ago and last year I had very few blooms. I didn't make that mistake again, and this year it has made up for it.
It is not in full sum during the summer as it is on the north side of the house and Panicum grass comes up in front of it.
Eileen
Thanks Allan, it is the only way I can fit all of these trees in my yard!
Eileen
Thanks Noel for your nice comments. The fence is a shadow box effect with a wave. It is the same of both sides and lets the light through but also screens.
Eileen
nice shots and post. love the photo of the Star Magnolia
You're getting all the perks!!! Great way to enjoy gardening!
great post today!!! I love the view my neighbors trees hide!!! they do not care for thier yard at all so a tree or two to screen the mess is welcome!!! not to mention it makes a great backdrop for my gardens!!!
thanks for linking in today
I have a view of the Ugliest Fence in the World!
Lisa and Robb,
You might have to plant it out!
Eileen
That Chanticleer pear is beautiful! It has such a great shape. Happy spring!
I know Avis, I love that it doesn;t spread all over my lot lines into the neighbor's yard.
Eileen
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