Most of my regular readers know how obsessed I am with the macro lens on my camera. It's really difficult for me to disengage it (personal preference not the actual process) but if you've been hungry for some longer views, the latest posts should help quench that appetite.
The view from my patio ~ the back garden is looking decidedly more interesting:
Aahhh. Why did I ever leave it as "grass only" for so long? I wish I had the financial and physical fortitude to implement all my ideas right now ~ I'm SO eager to keep the progress moving. Instead, I have been contenting myself by tweaking the new bed:
I plan to eventually plant the hydrangeas in the bed (hopefully Aug/Sept) but since I only turned the grass over last month, I need to wait longer for it to decompose. Another chance to work on that "patience" attribute I am sorely lacking...
I am happy with the bee skep in this position ~ I think it looks good snuggled up next to the boxwoods?
An experiment has also begun with the addition of two Rhododendron's to the "fairy garden" bed ('Henry's Red & Hellikki). See them in the lower right corner?
I'm uncertain how they will perform in our climate but because of their evergreen neighbor, I'm hoping the soil conditions will be more agreeable than in other areas of the garden??
Since I've been working so hard on the back garden, I'm afraid the front garden is feeling a bit neglected. Maybe we can correct that just a bit by sharing a few photos:
A section of the large bed that runs along the terraced patio shows how everything is thickening and greening, especially the area around the little pre-formed pond:
It's finally (supposed to be) safe enough to add some floating plants ~ my favorite new addition is the Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia x 'Judith Hindle'):
Isn't it cool? I've never had one before so hopefully I can get it to flourish.
I'm still a bit slow getting around the web but bear with me ~ if you've left me a comment, I'll definitely get there! Hope you enjoyed the long shots ~ I fear the macro will be back on in a blink!
Your photos are incredible no matter what view you choose! The floating Pitcher Plant is intriguing!
Posted by: PlantPostings | May 16, 2011 at 07:32 PM
You have great garden ornamentation. Love your arbor and the wooden pyramid in the background.
Posted by: Girlsproutnm.blogspot.com | May 16, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Kathleen you are making great progress on your yard. Although I LOVE your macro shots, it's a nice change to see more of your beautiful gardens. Your pitcher plant is so COOL!
Posted by: Ramona | May 16, 2011 at 09:21 PM
It is nice to get the long shot views. I like the stone walls and the curved beds. I have never had a pitcher plant, good luck with it, it is really cool.
Posted by: Janet, The Queen of Seaford | May 17, 2011 at 09:30 AM
Your garden is very charming, Kathleen ... your photos grand!
Posted by: joey | May 17, 2011 at 11:56 AM
It looks so pretty! I love your macros, but it's great to see more of your garden.
What is it that your Pitcher plant is in/on?
Posted by: Catherine | May 17, 2011 at 02:54 PM
Your garden is looking wonderful. I love your pond.
Posted by: Sweetbay | May 17, 2011 at 07:29 PM
I sure enjoyed seeing the long veiws, and it all looks lovely! Like you, I much prefer the macro, because real life doesn't get in the way. There's always a neighbor's car, or the plain old beige siding, or something to obscure the beauty of my flowers. That's why I love the macro! I'd like to have lots more energy too, because my mind swirls with new garden ideas, just like you!
Posted by: RobinL | May 17, 2011 at 07:31 PM
Gorgeous Kathleen! I love what you've done in the backyard and I really can't wait to get up there to see it. You are amazing and talented and I am always in awe of your projects! Love the new pond plant too - I've never seen one. See you soon for the Boulder Garden Tour - I can't wait!
Posted by: Dana | May 17, 2011 at 08:18 PM
It's always good to see the long shots to get an idea of your overall garden. You've been a busy girl! It's all going to be beautiful. I can fully empathize with your back problems. Ouch! But we persevere because the rewards are great :)
Our spring weather sounds like yours - cool, wet and windy, with just a few beautiful sunny days sprinkled in to give us hope, and a chance to potter in the garden.
The pitcher plant is a stunner.
Posted by: kerri | May 17, 2011 at 08:21 PM
I do enjoy the long shots very much. Of course your macros are among the best on the web in my humble opinion. I think that pitcher plant is way cool. I've been tempted to try them but haven't. Too much work I think. P.S. The Culvers root is doing great. My clivia did not bloom this year. How ironic is that? Maybe next year. I remember yours bloomed? Hopefully better than last year.
Posted by: tina | May 17, 2011 at 09:12 PM
I like your "long" shots a lot. They offer a perspective that closeups can't. Your gardens are fabulous with lots of interesting things to look at. I know what you mean about finding the physical fortitude to implement all the ideas swimming around in your head. ME TOO. I have that pitcher plant too and it's a dandy.
Posted by: Grace | May 18, 2011 at 09:29 AM
I love the long shots of your garden Kathleen, your new bed shows great potential. :) Of course I love your macros too. lol ;)
Posted by: Racquel | May 18, 2011 at 11:42 AM
Hi Kathleen, Closeups are great, but it is also nice to see the long views as well. Your arbor is a really nice edition to the garden. The new bed is also coming along nicely. I love the little bee keep- I have always wanted one of those. The pitcher plant is a really interesting addition to the pond. The mix of colors in the one plant are really nice.
Posted by: Jennifer | May 19, 2011 at 05:44 AM
Awesome post,thank you.
Posted by: wayside gardens | May 19, 2011 at 12:07 PM
So pretty, Kathleen. I love your little pond;-)
Posted by: Jan@Thanks for today. | May 19, 2011 at 04:07 PM
You have such a fantastic garden Kathleen! One day I will have one. One day.
Posted by: Kala | May 20, 2011 at 03:10 AM
Kathleen, It all looks wonderful~Really! Boy oh boy doesn't that just about say it all!
I feel honored that I have seen your fantastic garden in person. xxoogail PS I was taken with your description~"financial and physical fortitude"!
Posted by: Gail | May 20, 2011 at 08:23 PM
Amazing as always!! I'm always so inspired looking at your photos/yard.
Good luck with all the changes, can't wait to see. We're doing a bit of the same here & boy am I sore. :)
Posted by: Sherry Wright | May 22, 2011 at 06:40 AM
Your plant looks like a jack-in-the-pulpit. We had them in CT years ago.
Posted by: Dora Reece | May 22, 2011 at 09:44 AM