5 May 2011

When A Garden Speaks… Part Two

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A wonderful iron angel is surrounded by what is the largest of the perennial borders and at this time of year is a riot of colour: the bright yellow Narcissus, the smoky plum of Helleborus orientalis, the near blue of Pulmonaria officinalis, all blending together in a delightful cacophony of pastels and bold colour!

DSC_0579 DSC_0594The ever delightful Corydalis ‘Blackberry Wine,’ with its fragrant smoky purple infused flowers is found in abundance, having seeded itself throughout most of the woodland. People dream a naturalized woodland, with fewer having the necessary patience required to achieve the desired results such as this!

DSC_0600DSC_0603  With the presence of so many mature deciduous and coniferous trees on the property, as well as its prime proximity to the river, a wonderful microclimate exists that allows for many plants to bloom two weeks in advance of those in my garden which is perhaps ten minutes away! On the downside, its riverside view also brings with it the sometimes unwanted presence of wildlife [beavers] that tend to find the shrubs and other woody plants downright delicious!

DSC_0601 On the left side of the property is an expanse of garden that is transformed into a potager every year. A teardrop shaped border is one of my favourites at the moment.

DSC_0611 DSC_0609 I have decided to create a visual record of the property throughout the seasons allowing for D and I to review the garden tapestries throughout the year to assist us with implementing changes as they become apparent. Currently there is a mass of white coloured Narcissus near to the ornamental grass border that would be better transplanted to the woodland ‘white’ garden. I do not want to make any monumental changes to the garden this year, choosing instead to observe the garden and how it ‘speaks’ not only to me, but to the surrounding landscape.

DSC_0614DSC_0613 Looking up towards the covered veranda from the river gives one a visual understanding of the slope of the topography. Each Spring, eight yards of composted bark is spread across each of the borders to ensure that the rains of the season do not wash away the black gold responsible for the lush plantings.

DSC_0617 A delightful corner of the property, when camouflaged and contained within the weeping branches of a nearby willow, creates an intimate getaway for D where she can listen to the nearby splash of a waterfall upstream along the river. Such moments of instant tranquility are essential in a life than includes ‘trips’ into the bustling metropolis of nearby Toronto.

DSC_0620Stay tuned for the conclusion of this magical garden tour!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous photos. Looks like a heavenly place.