As the New Year begins, my vision for the 2015 garden is undergoing evaluation.
Above: Back garden with a fresh dusting of snow yesterday morning.
Remember 2011 was the year evergreens (yews & boxwoods) were added for winter interest?
Their addition definitely contributed a lot to shaping the look of the back garden.
Above: Sharp shinned hawk that's been keeping the little garden birds on razor edge with his daily (frequently successful) hunting patrols.
All the plantings have not deterred him in the least. They've simply forced a showcase of his amazing aviator & hunting skills. It's pretty incredible to watch him swoop in, fly sideways ~ thru & around the shrubbery ~ then hone in on a prey all at breakneck speed.
But that's a side topic...
2011 was probably the last year any major changes occurred in the gardens.
2012 saw the addition of the lilac standard & completion of the bed it anchors but not much else.
The last two years, the garden basically just "maintained." Personal issues forcing it low on the list of priorities.
First thoughts for 2015 originally leaned toward hitting it "hard" and doing some overhauling that's been put on the back burner (barring any other mishaps or setbacks, of course.)
Lately tho, new visions have been forming and creeping slowly but steadily to the forefront of all others.
Visions of the low maintenance variety. Where the garden fends for itself, provided it's supplied with the correct plants and irrigation.
A garden that doesn't demand as much but provides an equal amount of enjoyment.
A garden to enjoy, entertain in, that continues to sustain & benefit wildlife but isn't nearly as fussy. One that allows me, the gardener, more freedom in the summer months.
Freedom to travel or indulge other pursuits during our favorite season.
Don't get me wrong. I LOVE the garden. It's served me well and I, it.
But the scares & curve balls of 2013 & 2014, are making me rethink the energy devoted to it. Maybe it's time to stretch our wings a bit and leave its comfortable confines?
What does that mean? How long will it take to achieve? Will there be fewer containers? More xeric plantings?? How many plants replaced? How expensive to alter the current sprinkler system? All questions that need further scrutiny before a plan is made to proceed. These thoughts and others run thru my head when I look out the kitchen window at the landscape I've created. Is it just this time of year eliciting these ideas? Is anyone else thinking of changes?? I'd love to hear...
I like your vision! I'm working on a similar one, myself. Here's to a beautiful, less complicated 2015! Cheers!
Posted by: Beth @ PlantPostings | January 11, 2015 at 08:43 PM
I love the Yews in your garden. I have been trying to make my garden more maintenance free too. With so much going on and getting older I want to make it less work but even that takes time. :)
Posted by: Lona Stevens | January 12, 2015 at 09:50 AM
Some health issues here have forced me to concentrate on the low maintenance garden. Or should I say, low maintenance plants. See, that's the key in my mind. I plant those easy care lovelies, like grasses, sedums, coneflowers, zinnias and then just sit back and watch!
Posted by: Robin | January 12, 2015 at 12:05 PM
Kathleen, you are not alone! We travel often, and every time I need to find someone to water my garden. But, even without a travel, I think about making it easier to garden. Planting drought tolerant perennials and shrubs helps a lot. One blogger wrote about her large plant bed which she never ever waters! I want such plants!
I love your pictures!Evergreens certainly add a lot of interest to the garden!
Posted by: Tatyana@MySecretGarden | January 12, 2015 at 03:44 PM
I know the last couple of years made it so difficult for you to get out into your beautiful gardens. I have no doubt that you will come up with something just as beautiful that will be easier to maintain. And you certainly know where you can re-home your plants if you do decide to get rid of some - HA! I can help you this Spring if you need me to come up. I am also thinking of making some changes to make my gardens easier as I age....another wonderful blog Kathleen!
Posted by: Dana | January 16, 2015 at 07:57 AM
I have trying for years to get a lower maintenance garden. One of these days it will stick, I know it... lol
I am sure you will be able to do it. A garden that needs to be babied less is a great thing.
Posted by: sweetbay | February 02, 2015 at 04:55 PM