is easily the greenest, most luxuriant, brimming with potential-new life-blooms month of the year (at least in Colorado). Every day contains the makings of a new adventure ~ no wonder it's my favorite month. Warm enough to know it's summer but early enough in the season to think fall is far away along with school schedules and everything else structured.
This June I'm the happiest I've been with my garden in a very long time. Even tho it's a long way from finished, undertaking the back yard makeover has made all the difference. When I look out the kitchen window at the new beds and yew pathway, I never fail to smile. That's when you know you're on the right track, right?
Last night we experienced a torrential thunderstorm with swirling clouds, lightening, thunder, the whole nine yards. We were under a severe storm threat for most of the night which was pretty scary as many of you have experienced first hand. This morning tho, all the rain plus lingering overcast skies made for great conditions to take some updated garden photos. Among the changes you'll notice ~ the raised bed has been stained "Shipmate Blue:"
I'm still deciding whether I like it or not??? The other option is to go back for the "periwinkle" color?? It was stained a week ago and it's still not sitting totally well with me so I think I know my answer... One minor detail adding to the confusion is the fact I applied the stain a bit heavy-handedly (oops) so maybe I'm to blame for the indecisiveness?
Moving along & adjusting positions to stand on the patio & look thru the arbor, you can see a lot more growth since a month ago (when I first shared the makeover). The honeysuckle vine on the left side of the arbor is covered with blooms now and the pink shrub roses are beginning to bloom on the right:
In the back of the photo, to the right of the green tuteur, I've started an oval shaped bed. There are yews planted in the front but the taller shrub is a columnar Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia 'Obelisk'). Not very visible, in front of the Serviceberry, is a double pink flowering almond (Prunus glandulosa 'Rosea Plena'.) I'm very happy to have found both shrubs ~ I think they're going to be great additions to the garden especially when they're blooming next spring.
Before we view another area of the garden, another angle of the arbor, this time from inside the house ~ taken while standing at the kitchen window:
It looks so "thick" from this angle ~ exactly the look I want! I have white & purple cup & saucer vine seeds (Cobaea scandens) started to climb the bare side of the arbor. If all goes well, by the end of summer, the wood won't even be visible! It's amazing how hidden the antique bird feeder is already (at the very bottom of the photo), so different from during the winter months.
Turning in the opposite direction of the arbor, the bed along the back of the house is undergoing a small makeover as well. Why not tackle the whole yard at once, right?!! I've been on such a roll and even tho my body complains incessantly, I can't seem to stop myself. I think it's the awareness that next year I may not feel motivated at all ~ so my philosophy has been to "attack while the getting is good!"
This area has been covered with low growing evergreens since I moved in ten years ago. As you can see, last winter they suffered significant dieback ~ I'm blaming the dry winter with some extreme cold temperatures. My dreams for the garden include french doors (where the window is) leading into a glass conservatory. I don't know when that dream can be realized so in the meantime, in order to improve its appearance, I've been slowly removing the evergreens. I'll replant with small shrubs that can be moved along the sides of the conservatory if/when funds allow for that to happen.
In another part of the garden entirely (one I don't think I've shared recently) a couple of the original "Endless Summer" hydrangeas have been planted:
We'll see how they fare there. I'm a little skeptical but optimistic at the same time (if that's possible).
Finally, just because it's pretty ~ a little section of the front bed:
Who knew such a compilation of colors, forms & plants could be so attractive? My style is to plant and hope for the best. I can't claim any gardening design skills so it's always a bonus when it looks good!
Me too. Plant and hope for the best. And if things don't look so great--which often occurs in my garden--plants can be moved. There's always another chance. And this is the beauty of gardening, don't you think? I love your photos and your garden looks absolutely wonderful. Have you thought about lime green for your raised bed? The same color as your Adirondack chair? Just a thought.
Posted by: Grace | June 09, 2011 at 03:35 PM
Kathleen, your gardens are lovely. You remind me of myself...when the ball gets rolling on the garden projects, I don't want to stop. Now you need to invite friends over so they can also appreciate your hard work.
The pink honeysuckle seems very happy meandering over the arbor. Your conservatory idea sounds like a wonderful refuge to sneak away to during the long winter months.
My vote is for the chartreuse green or periwinkle blue on the raised bed. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
Posted by: Ramona/The Garden Explorer | June 09, 2011 at 05:28 PM
That pink honeysuckle is GORGEOUS. I would love to have a garden like yours one day ... one day.
Posted by: Kala | June 10, 2011 at 01:07 AM
I am so glad to hear the cheer in your voice with your gardens. If it makes you happy then yes, you are most definitely on the right track. Our gardens must reflect our likes and desires. Good job!
Posted by: tina | June 10, 2011 at 12:01 PM
Your garden is gorgeous! The honeysuckle blooming on the arbor is absolutely divine, and that last pic is so colorful and welcoming. Keep going! You've done great!
Posted by: Holley | June 10, 2011 at 12:30 PM
The arbor is beautiful! I love the view down the path. I can see why you are enchanted with your garden this time of year--just lovely and very inviting!
Posted by: PlantPostings | June 10, 2011 at 02:17 PM
What a gorgeous garden Kathleen. I think that pink honeysuckle is really pretty. You have some great plans for your garden. Seems they are always a work in progress. Just when you have things as you want them Mother Nature intervenes/interfers.....be it with super cold winters or deer or voles or drought or or or....
Posted by: Janet, The Queen of Seaford | June 10, 2011 at 02:29 PM
June is not a good month for us thus far, it's been hot like August and drier than the Sahara. :( But we are currently getting a rainstorm, yay! Your long shots of your garden are so gorgeous, I think the periwinkle blue is just what that raised bed needs to make it pop. Keep up the great work!!! :)
Posted by: Racquel | June 10, 2011 at 03:57 PM
Trial and error is a gardener's manta, Kathleen ... and all looks grand!
Posted by: joey | June 10, 2011 at 07:26 PM
I like the Shipyard Blue, but being a Tarheel fan I might be biased... ;) I love the views of your garden with the honeysuckle and the rose. The honeysuckle looks amazing. Your two new shrubs sound like great finds, both unique and beautiful, and so should suit your garden well! Also I love the view of your front bed. Gorgeous!
Alas, Animal Kingdom didn't have a good race in the Belmont; rough start and he stalled in the stretch. Could be he doesn't like mud and the track was very sloppy.
Posted by: sweetbay | June 13, 2011 at 08:16 PM
Kathleen, I hope you realize how beautiful your garden is! Just lovely.
Posted by: Victoria | June 15, 2011 at 08:32 PM
Your garden is so lovely and combination of plants and flowers with eye catching color is admirable.June just refreshed your garden I guess.
Posted by: Hydroponic Gardening | June 21, 2011 at 12:02 AM