a peek around

my own garden ~ on the off chance you would enjoy a glimpse into corners here and there.  The front bed is looking decidedly spring-like with Centranthus, Poppies, Iris, Alliums & now peonies taking center stage:

I heard several people mention (on last weekends garden tour) how we are running at least two weeks behind (from typical bloom schedules).  I would have to agree.  As long as it's green and growing I'm happy tho ~ it was such a long winter of brown and drab.

Below:  Back door grouping ~ you've seen all this (albeit separately) before:

 

Since you've seen the back door, it's only fair to share the front, right??  Here's where your opinion counts ~ see the column with the birdhouse on top??  

That's my latest display, idea, experiment (gone wild) and I'm wondering if it's going to manifest as I envision.  There's a mandevilla vine in the birdhouse so my thought process was ~ instead of training it up, why not let it drape down (and around the column).  What do you think?  Will it work or should I just start over now (and save myself from a flop)??

Below:  Side gate area where, believe it or not, I "need" another container! 

Don't you think the top step of the vintage ladder could use a splash of color??  This area is the only one with nothing in bloom at the moment (aside from the yellow sedum in the foreground) ~ the spring bulbs have finished and the next stage is lagging.  I think I may have just found my own next project! 

Around the corner from the gate is this little shade bed:

The predominant color here is green as well but I promise there is lots of color to come.  It seems to come into itself as the summer progresses.  Behind the giant fern are Chelone, Monkshood and Ligularia.  To the right, out of the photo, is a huge stand of Thalictrum, almost ready to bloom!

Continuing into the back yard, my antique birdfeeder is being usurped by roses ~ how fantastic is that?  Noelle, please overlook the pruning job ~ I like these bushes to bloom high so that all I see out my dining room & kitchen windows is a cloud of pink.   I'm pretty sure it's an incorrect method of pruning tho!

 

Ignoring the rose canes, and looking at the birdfeeder, you'll notice Clematis 'Hagley hybrid' climbing the post.  It was planted last summer so this season will be the first for blooms in my garden.  There are several buds on it that you know I'm watching very closely! 

And that, my friends, completes our "peek" for the day.  If you didn't get/see enough, be sure to visit again tomorrow ~ I could bore you with photos, I'm snapping so many these days!  :-)

Comments

[Catherine]

I loved the tour. It's fun to see the wider angle as well as the close ups. I like the birdcage on the column, you are so creative.
I've barely been on the computer the last few days, the sun was actually out! :) Your garden sure looks happy whether it's behind or not.
PS I love the new glass floats.

[tina]

Letting the vine drape sounds like an ingenious idea. I have no idea if it will work but it will be fun trying. Let us know how it goes. Everything is very very pretty.

[marnie]

Your photos are never a bore.

First, love the back door grouping. Perfect. The little step ladder is really cute. I have two old ladders but both are too tall.

The front door will look wonderful when the mandevilla begins to trail down that expanse of post. The roses look lovely. Your birds will be dining in an elegant setting.

The side gate would look better with some color. I suppose there is too much shade to put a vine on the fence. One or two colorful pots would brighten the area.
Marnie

[Noelle / azplantlady]

Oh, I just love your roses up high like that. I would probably do the same to be able to see them from my window :-)

I am interested in seeing what your vine does. Many plants exhibit 'gravitropism' which means that they grow in response to gravity (usually against it). I wonder if your vine has this trait or not? Please let us know the outcome :-)

[Shady Gardener]

Looks Great over here, Kathleen! Yes, I agree that I can visualize you working in that one little spot! :-) I just posted a link to you!!

[Northern Shade]

Your house colour is great for displaying plants against. Yes, I think a pot on top of the step ladder in the side garden would look great. It would nice against the neutral wall and above the greenery. Your shade bed looks lush, and I like the pottery in it.

[Nancy Bond]

Your property is spectacular, Kathleen! It's really nice to see "the whole picture" too, to get a better idea of how your garden world is laid out. Love it.

[Dana]

I never get bored looking at your pics - and believe me everybody...it is even more incredible that the photos show. I love the pillar on the front porch - and I think the vine going down will be great. And yes to a container by the gate and color on the little ladder! You always inspire me!

[Gail]

Kathleen, I love all your vignettes and the long view peak! Yes, color on the little ladder would be nice....would it be too much to stain/paint the column on the porch a bit darker but in the same family as the house color or door? I love the path and gravel. gail

[Kala]

It would take me years to get my garden looking like yours. Just gorgeous!

[Grace]

Please, more peaks! Beautiful gardens, Kathleen. I hope you'll post more as the season progresses.

[Racquel]

What a wonderful tour, I don't think I've ever seen your garden this way. Just bits and pieces at a time I think. Yep I think a container on that top step is just the ticket! :)