Sometimes we get so focused on something that we forget the broader picture. Unfortunately when I step back in my garden, I'm still not entirely happy with what I see. But we are our toughest critics, right? Anyway, I thought I'd give a little tour of what I'm looking at as I spend most of my garden time in the backyard's upper garden.
My dilemma (at least one of them) starts just about here, as we stand on the lower deck and look west into the backyard. That raised bed holds Skimmia, Japanese Willow, Red Flowering Currant, Nandina, and a soon to be replaced dead Pieris. The big guy built the back fence and deck a couple years ago. It's a sweet little spot that I hope to eventually turn into a semi-secret sanctuary for reading or taking a nap. I just need to get all the plantings right. Of course, are our gardens ever really complete?
The raised bed is otherwise filled with Daylilies, Columbine, Anemone, Kinnickinnick and Lavendar. If you look closely, you may also spot the footprint stepping stones we bought from a roadside rock place during a roadtrip through Montana. I keep meaning to take a mold of them to make more. They're one of the few quirky garden art items I've had the courage to add. But the kiddos love them, and I do too!
Clearly an early evening shot of the south facing "native border" I'm working on. As you can see it's rather leggy right now but should improve as the Redtwig Dogwood leafs out. There's also a Snowberry shrub I'm hoping makes it, but I've only seen a few leaves so far and am a bit suspect. This border really needs some more oompf, though. It's an acidic area that gets the brunt of morning and midafternoon sun.
The White Flowering Currant I've shared in previous posts really enjoys all the sun it gets in the border. I'm considering adding the Daphne Odora seen in the pot but have read mixed suggestions on whether it's a shade lover or sun goddess.
9 comments:
I know exactly how you feel. we are our own worst critics. I never feel like my garden is where I want it to be. The trick is to not point out the faults to anyone admiring it. Not always easy though. Your garden looks really great to me. You have a nice variety and wonderful landscaping.
Your garden looks lovely! Don't forget it is always a work in progress and an expression of yours. I enjoyed the walk! I only see growth and beauty. It is wonderful to see the green for here there is only white and white!! Happy gardening!! ;>)
I want a Daphne odora...they smell just like 'Froot Loops' to me! LOL In my area, they're definitely in need of part shade. The sun here is too brutal. But in your area? I'm not an expert, but I would say they could take some more sun.
I already pruned my Spireas, the summer bloomers, so they can put out heavier foliage. I prune the ones that bloom in late March/early April after they bloom.
I really like the hardscaping -- the raised beds with the steps and the deck with the pergola. It looks beautiful. I love the foot stepping stones.
I love how your deck garden is looking! I'm constantly rearranging my garden, it's hard to know how something will look until it's been there awhile. My shaded area has been my most difficult area to figure out too, it seems so much of what likes shade here blooms in spring so it seems that foliage is really important there. My daphne odora is in part shade and has done well there, lots of flowers this year. Our neighbor's is also in part sun and looks really healthy.
Yes, we see the bare spots and such, while others' eyes are drawn to what looks good. Your beds look great to me. I bet when summer comes, there will be even more going on. I frequently put annuals in bare spots.
I am tired of the way some of my areas look, and plan to do a lot of moving things around.
Hi Gardeness, It's so good to step back and focus on the broader picture. It's easy to get discouraged. I think getting discouraged depends more on our current mood than what's happening in the garden. Anyway your garden is looking great - and I especially love your aim to achieve a semi-secret sanctuary! To answer your questions: choosing plants that go in a particular spot - trial and error! Limp spiraea - if it doesn't shape up - compost it!!! This is called tough love. cheers, catmint
Your garden is amazing. Well done! How did your daylilies bloom this year in your raised bed.
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