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Gardening is one of those paradoxical and all-encompassing hobbies: the more of it you do, the harder it is to peel yourself away from the garden, and the more the garden needs you, and you it. At least that has been my experience so far. Does anyone else feel this way?
Two summers ago I started an experimental flower patch in front of our house. I say experimental because so far the results have been unpredictable, and the successes not always a given. While the back-yard gets quite water-clogged during wet seasons (which is sadly most seasons here in Western Mass) and is perennially tick-infested, our front-yard held great promise. The gentle slope and gravity would provide good soil drainage, while the southern exposure would be a welcoming habitat for flowering perennials, and a magnet for pollinators large and small. Against the heavy clay soil I thought, naively, I could do battle with periodic sprinklings of organic matter (mostly compost, shredded leaves and pine needles) and a continuous stream of optimism and hard work. Changing the chemistry of existing soil at a larger scale has proven to be more difficult than I had initially thought, but it has certainly been a worthwhile effort. After two years, numerous heat patches and back sores, the results are in and I thought I’d share with you my little happy place…
Here’s how it all started…
and here’s where we are now:
The lupine have been a playful, colorful bunch, spreading left and right, and having the best time taking over every available nook. Though there are many different plants in here, I love the vertical elements the lupine bring into the garden, and they are certainly stealing the show this time of year, along with irises and salvia. The peonies are next, getting ready to pop, and I have finally remembered to stake them ahead of time and keep their heavy blooms as upright and as safe from stormy weather as possible.
The limelight hydrangeas were a gift from a dear friend, as were the the sedum and the lilies. The rest of the plants are a mix of local purchases and Amazon risk buys. (Plants on Amazon have been a hit or miss experience for me so far. Last fall I ordered four pink anemones, yet this spring one of them has turned out to be a different variety from the rest, a pleasant surprise.)
It makes me so happy to see this concentration of life, color and activity. Bees buzzing about, ladybugs feasting on aphids, and toads seeking the cool shade under the floppy leaves. I have become very attached to these plants, to the point where I consider them less like patients (though they still need constant care and supervision) and more like friends. Sofia and I have even come up with names for some of them. There’s Becky, and Bob, and Lark and Murphy, and Jesse and Moe 🙂
Falling in love with the results makes all the effort worthwhile for me, and knowing that a whole new universe has been created out of sheer stubbornness, and zero previous gardening knowledge, feels like pure magic to me.
Here are some of the things and tools I’ve found useful to have in the process:
Landscaping edger, great for creating the contours of your bed
Fresh soil amendments – we bought this by the yard from a local supplier
Not useful or necessary, but certainly entertaining – Bird house – I moved ours to the front of our house, where it is easier to observe the constant flow of birds and hungry squirrels
THIS WEEK’S FINDS
It looks wonderful, Eva – I can only imagine how people passing your home feel that it is so lovely and welcoming.
Author
Thank you so much, Linda! I’ve been spending so much time out there weeding, watering and just fussing with them, and it’s been a boon to my social life! 🙂
How beautiful!!! Love the colors and textures–you did an awesome job!
Now let me tell you about my New Dawn rosebush–I know you have one and might be interested. I’ve had it for about 15-20 years, and it’s been transplanted to three different areas of my garden. It’s now in almost full sun in the southeast part of my front garden. For all these years, I have pruned it back hard in the fall and winter, and it comes up wonderfully, all pale pink with yellow anthers and stamens. This year, however, it’s turned RED!!!! A beautiful deep fuschia. AND there are still some pink roses on the bottom stems. I did some research and found out that the New Dawn variety was grafted onto a “Doc Huey” red rose, and that sometimes the ND branches die and then the DH takes over. So on the one hand I’m so sad for my New Dawns, but the red ones are outstanding! I may need to purchase another New Dawn and start over!
Nature is quite unpredictable, no?
Author
Thank you so much, Diana! What an interesting story about your New Dawn rose, it must have been quite a surprise to have it turn red! It’s good to know this might happen eventually, and I’m happy to hear the rose survives several moves and a massive pruning since I’m planning to move mine (it’s not doing so well in its current location). I wonder if the switch to the “Doc Huey” is permanent – please keep me posted 🙂
It’s just stunning, Eva. Bravo! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
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Thank you so much, Kathie!
Your flower garden looks amazing! I am so impressed since I do not have the patience or the tolerance for gardening (year round allergies). Thank you for sharing these images and the progress with us.
Author
Thanks, Lauren! You’re very kind!
Just beautiful!! You have created a beautiful haven!!!
Author
Thank you Bev!
Thank you for sharing the pictures of you beautiful and peaceful looking garden. I love the addition of the birdhouse, too. Yes, it is a lot of work, and I agree, it can be so rewarding for the most part; especially if we except the mishaps and failed experiments and learning moments. 😉
After many years of “sameness”, we had to remove a huge oak tree several years ago. That meant trying to move the hydrangeas, hostas and ferns that lived under it to another spot in the yard. Fortunately some survived. It was a opportunity to discover new plants that would survive in the harsh southern sun that became a fun challenge. I discovered perennials that attracted butterflies, bees, and still hoping to attract more hummingbirds, too. During Covid, I found Park Seed Nursery catalog that had a red lantana I had never seen. It came as this tiny little plant, but has grown and thrived enough to divide this year. Enjoy the beauty you helped create. Happy Summer!
Author
Thank you so much, Lynn! Happy Summer!