Still channeling my childhood pastime of creating secret passages through the thick privet growing on the borders of our five-acre property, I'm drawn to places like the garden entrance above. The owner, Bill Reeves, created this narrow passageway that leads to the back garden, which is divided into two rooms.
I was on a tour when I visited his garden. It was so intriguing to walk through this richly planted area. You had no idea of what lay on the other side, but you felt this great anticipation. I was not disappointed.
A lot of times, you don't think about the side of the house as an opportunity to garden, especially if another house is not far away. If you don't have a lot of room, the area could be a great opportunity to have a vertical garden. In addition, that small strip on either side of the walkway is a good place for enjoying smaller plants that need to be viewed up close. In this instance, a dwarf astilbe is tucked in on the left, along with heucheras with interesting foliage. On the right, Begonia grandis, more heucheras and holly fern. All of these plants appreciate shade. This would also be a good place to try out some of those tiny hostas that might get lost in a larger setting.
Tomorrow: What lies beyond this appealing passageway.
Martha that is a perfect illustration of "the right plant in the right place" Narrow walkways tend to direct the eye DOWN and slow the pace; this is the perfect location for small plants that deserve a closer look.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are Landscape Design courses!!