A Tale Of Four Gardens - Part Two

GARDEN THREE

This garden is not just big but a huge property for a suburban area.  It is approximately two acres comprising woods, an inground pool area, patio, and expanses of lawn and border gardens.

Rudbeckia greets us as we pull up in the large circular driveway.

 

This is a very tall hot pink zinnia without an identification.  They were planted in the spring from a flat purchased at a local nursery.  I must look for this one next year!

 

This is the entrance to the woodland garden with many intersecting paths of flagstone.

 

This garden was developed over a period of thirty-five years. 

 

There are watering stations set up in the woods where a hose can be attached.  Even with the ability to water there were some trees and shrubs lost to the heat this summer.

 

Joe Pye Weed at the edge of the formal garden area

 

Beyond the woodland the landscape becomes more formal with a pool, large lawn area and perennial borders.

 

The Rudbeckias are everywhere on this property, just being pulled out where they are not welcome.

 

GARDEN FOUR

 

The last garden is on a smaller property with a wooded setback and an enticing stroll leading up to the back of the house.

 

Even the common hosta has survived the heat under this towering pine.

 

Such graceful branches

 

These steps lead to the home's front door.  We are still on the path to the back garden.

 

 

 

The path and plantings create an anticipation of what's to come.

 

The deck is built around a wonderful pond with lush landscaping.

 

The pond area is very intimate and closed in, however, there is an expanse of lawn behind the landscaping.

 

The plastic lines are to keep large birds from fishing.

 

 

Cotoneaster

The variety was not identified, but this is one of many shrubs and grasses around the pond area.

 

Daphne

The owner mentioned that this can be a difficult plant to grow but it is sure happy around this pond.

 

No matter how large or how small each of these gardens creates an atmosphere and a feeling.  I love ponds, so I guess you know which one is my favorite!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Makeover

For awhile now I have been redoing the north side of my garden.  It is a small area a little over six feet in the narrowest area and about ten feet in the widest area.  There is a path down the center with a fence on the northern most side.

Anemone Andrea Atkinson and Hosta Dancing Queen

The carex grass was not fun to remove, had grown under the fence into the neighbor's yard.  There are lots of grass roots to clean up so I am sure we will be pulling out grass for sometime.

Multi-Blue Clematis and Hosta Maui Buttercup

This is a Type 2 clematis and will bloom early, also taking part shade.  I have had to go smaller with the hostas so that the watering system can be effective. 

Epimedium Rubrum and Heuchera Pinot Gris

The Epimedium Rubrum will turn red in the fall and the Heuchera Pinot Gris will grow in full sun.  I have tried to relate colors even though the plants are different.  The repetition of plants is not part of the plan for this narrow garden, but more concern with color, form, height and blooming time.

Crested Wood Fern

The Crested Fern will grow three feet tall and are at both ends of the long pathway.  It is a shade fern but I am hoping with the water it can hold its own in this environment.  I like the strength in its fronds.

Some people do not even landscape an area like this, just mulch or stone works for them.  However, with limited planting space I welcomed the chance to develop a shade garden.  I really missed the plants I was able to grow in my old, old house and my last home, like Trillium, Jack In The Pulpit, Dutchman's Breeches, Brunnera, Thalactrum, Aruncus Dicocus, Bloodroot and even the violets.  I really do not miss the violets, have them popping up all over because my home is built on an old garden.

Quick Silver Showy Ginger

Brunnera Jack Frost

After this summer, I am not recommending Astilbe in this area, water not being the problem, just heat.  I will keep my many Astilbe for another year and see what happens but right now they look fried.

The ferns have done well so I am planting some additional varieties along with more Heucheras.  Heucheras are interesting in that some hardly notice the heat like Peach Flambe and some go into hiding when the heat hits like Miracle and Plum Pudding.

Lady Fern 'lady in red'

This is fern that produces red stems.

Dicentra Luxuriant

This is one of my favorite bleeding hearts, blooming all spring and summer.

I have added another Hellebore, Red Racer and a Type 3 Clematis Claire De Lune, can't wait to walk this path next year.

The fences are no longer needed, but I wish the foundation wasn't showing.  Most of the plants will grow taller and cover this area.  I like the idea of being able to add some annuals on both sides.  The sides of the pathway have similar plantings but do not match.

This area is still a work in progress, need a couple of more plants and of course some mulch.  It will certainly be a more interesting path than previously!