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A Blanket of Snow, and Winter Plans
The first, is a valuable lesson in gardening that I learned last summer. And, that is the importance of planting in groups, and using repetition to create pattern in the garden. Like many new gardeners, when I set out to plant my garden, it involved a lot of time emerged in gardening books studying design concepts, and the importance of planting in groups. Rinse. Repeat. I did not follow the advice. How could I plant in groups when I wanted to incorporate all of these amazing plants? Several trips were made to various nurseries. I discovered many new plants, and fell in love with a multitude of new species. Often times they ended up in my backseat. This happened over the course of the summer, two years ago. Last summer, as I was looking at a garden full of beautiful plants, there was definitely a lack of order and rhythm. And, it was not pleasing to my eye. Last summer I spent much of my time ripping apart what I had planted, and replanting everything in a way that I thought would be more appealing. This included planting in groups and using repetition to create pattern. I have been reflecting on this valuable lesson, and wondering if I now wish that I had done things differently. In some ways, yes. It was a lot of work planting and then re-planting everything. Also, there was money spent on a few plants that I decided not to keep because they just weren’t working. On the other hand, I wouldn’t trade the excitement I felt over planning and discovering plants I couldn’t live without. And, I believe this experience helped to shape my love for gardening. Planning, I have found, is one of the greatest pleasures. Similar, I suppose, to sitting in front of a blank canvas with several colors of paint spread out before you.
The second thing that has been weighing on my mind is the slope in front of our house. I have been pondering what I would like to plant here for a couple seasons now. And, since I have already re-planted part of my garden, while it was a lovely experience, I am not willing to do it again. So, I want to be REALLY SURE before I start planting all kinds of crazy. Originally, I wanted a retaining wall. Then, as I thought about the plants I wanted to incorporate, as well as the desire to create a meadow in this area, I decided against a retaining wall, to keep a more natural appearance. Perhaps a gravel path and/or some stone steps. Then I had a change of heart. Maybe a tiered rock wall would be nice. Ok, maybe not. So, now I am putting my foot down and making a decision. Really. Yes, I do want to create a natural-looking meadow in this area. And, no rock wall. I want the plants to be the main focus, as I have all sorts of plans for hardscaping in the back. But we’re not even going to get started with that one. Focus. So, the excitement this winter will be in planning my meadow. And, I will enjoy taking you along for the ride as my plans begin to unfold next spring. If you would like to add your two cents, or if you are experienced in working with slopes, I would certainly be happy to listen. 19 comments to A Blanket of Snow, and Winter Plans |
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There are a couple things that have been on my mind these past couple of weeks, intermingled with the stress and anxiety of final exams and papers that are due.
Hi Liisa~~ I totally agree. The assessing, [obsessing] tweaking, moving…that somewhat intangible bit of disatisfaction is part of the process of gardening, an inevitable part. Although it can be frustrating. There is no way to visualize exactly how a border is going to pan out until it’s in front of you and because gardens are constantly in flux, editing is required. So much fun!! … I love your slope. I think the paramount question is, how much money do you plan to spend? LOL I look forward to seeing your progress.
Liisa, I also have a slope in the front of my house — although not as steep as yours — that I have been pondering. I have plans to put an L-shaped addition on the front of my house in the next couple of years and front garden design will go along with it. I’ll be really interested in hearing/seeing what you decide to do with yours, as it will help me in thinking through my own.
Hi Liisa, I would suggest incorporating some shrubberies into your plan … maybe along the edges if you want a meadow. Shrubs help with erosion and birds love them for shelter and nesting. If you plant viburnums you can feed the birds too. You could put a blue bird house in the meadow when it is completed. I have made lots of “mistakes” over the years but find that there really are no mistakes. We learn from gardening and even with a perfect paper garden one cannot be sure all will work out as planed. Enjoy your planning and dreaming. Carol
A meadow would look lovely there. My first thought would be to create a terraced garden but it is a lot of work! I will look forward to seeing how it turns out.
I still have a hard time not picking one of everything when I go to nurseries. I have rearranged my front garden several times trying to make it flow better.
I agree with you, the planning is almost as much fun as the actual planting. I think winter is the perfect time for it. I think the idea of a meadow sounds beautiful.
Catherine,
It is rather difficult to exercise restraint at times, isn’t it?! For me, it seems to work best if I only purchase plants on my list. That’s the only way I can keep myself from buying one of this, and one of that.
I love the planning process. Hopefully my meadow will turn out as lovely as it is in my head.
Thank you Philip! I have always loved the look of a terraced garden. But, my mind keeps going back to the meadow. So, I think that is what it wants to be. Hopefully I’m as excited about it when it’s finished.
Carol,
Viburnums are a wonderful suggestion. And, I love the idea of a blue bird house. Maybe some viburnum and a dwarf crabapple or two. I discovered your magnolias on your blog the other day. They are so beautiful. I’m going to have to find a spot in the yard somewhere to put one of those, too. Thank you for the wonderful ideas!
Jean,
I have scoured many garden blogs and books looking for ideas for my slope – but it is difficult to find a whole lot of information or ideas. Honestly, I think that once I get my plan all put together, I am going to seek out a second opinion from a knowledgeable source. Just to have some additional feedback and suggestions. Slopes do pose a challenge, don’t they!?
Grace,
Thank you for the reality check. HA! I think over the summer I had better look for a job at a nursery!
It is really difficult to visualize exactly how a border is going to turn out. And, sometimes what looks so lovely in your mind’s eye, isn’t really so great when you’re standing there looking at it. It can be a little frustrating, but exciting at the same time! And, yes, I do need to keep in mind that whole budget thing.
Hi Liisa, a good thought process you are working through. My problem is I have never been able to accomplish do-it-right-the-first-time when it comes to the garden. As my DH says, “unless she has planted an area 3 times, it’s just not right”, and we laugh.
One of the thoughts which always come to mind is “how much labor is involved in what you plan to do”. My guess is you have lots of energy, but as we get older I have found myself removing 3 or 4 more labor intensive plants and replacing them with flowering shrubs and evergreens.
A meadow sounds lovely and with grasses.
One of my favorite plants is Kinnikinick, a low growing evergreen that once it gets established is absolutely beautiful and maintenance free. So another possibility is to couple that kind of plant with some smaller evergreens and shrubbery, minature boxwood.. and I can picture the crabapple Carol suggested (my favorite is ‘Prairefire’)in the upper corner… stability and structure.
Hope this helps. Diana
Diana,
My fiance teases me and says “wouldn’t this look better if it was just 4 or 5 inches to the left?”
Glad to hear I am not the only one with replantitis!!
I am glad you brought up the point about how much work/energy I want to spend with upkeep of my meadow. I plan to incorporate a lot of grasses, (more grasses than flowers) which *should* keep maintenance to a manageable level.
I love the idea of crabapple, and looked up the one you mentioned ‘Prairiefire.’ It is a beautiful tree, and I’m glad that you recommended it. I was thinking how beautiful a lilac or two would look near the crabapple. Being a little challenged in the design department, what I will most likely do is put a plan together, and then run it by a professional to get some feedback/additional ideas. And, make sure there isn’t anything I have forgotten. Thank you so much for your suggestions!!
Sadly, I have absolutely no gardening/landscaping suggestions for you, but you have a beautiful house!
You are being SO smart…to plan and then execute! Of course you will tweak, but that’s inevitable. But getting some feedback, planting the bones are important first steps. I didn’t do that and am now working backwards;) and it’s hard because of a few garden injuries limit too much lifting. have fun! gail
Good morning Liisa,
Would you mind swinging by my blog; I have something for you.
Thanks, Diana
Gail,
It’s hard sometimes when you are so excited to begin a project – you want to just dive right in! Which has been my dilemma with this slope! I have had to exercise much restraint not to just start planting the darn thing! I have done lots of working backwards, too. But, we also learn so much this way. Take it easy on the lifting, and stay warm! Your fireplace looks soooo inviting!
Thank you, DeAnne! I hope you are enjoying the holidays with those beautiful girls of yours!!
Liisa the stellata Magnolia is wonderful and small! Hope you planning is going well! Carol
Carol,
I long for the blooms of M. stellata, M. x soulangeana, and M. ‘Butterflies’… I’d gladly plant all 3 if I could find a spot for each.