Wednesday, July 6, 2011

A Secret Garden in the Village

I admire large, sweeping gardens surrounded by open countryside or woodland. Gardens like these easily invite nature in and keep the rest of the world at bay. It's ironic to me that I have ended up with less than a 1/4 of an acre to garden in, in the middle of a village, with a view into my neighbors' windows. How much privacy can one really expect living in such close quarters? How can one truly get away in a backyard that's stuck in the middle of it all?

It was uplifting to tour a garden right here in our village that offers such an escape – a tour made possible through our local garden club. There is so much to learn from this garden. I hope some of its magic rubbed off on me. Hopefully you, too, will be inspired and walk away with ideas of your own.

There is not a stitch of lawn.


The back of the house leads into the garden by way of gravel and stone. The gates transport you into another world.


Deep borders seemingly creep into the gravel pathways. There are plenty of seating nooks.


Shadblow Serviceberry and Magnolia trees will soon form a cradling canopy above.


Corners of this square plot have been erased by curving lines and focal points. I enjoyed this creative play of branches, one of many "stations" ensuring you pause and keep your pace slow, present, relaxed.


Sculptures alight on this stage. A dark green curtain of fence is the perfect backdrop. It doesn't distract – a perfect frame for a palette of plants.


Even stone becomes art.


Flowers dance around this crowned wooden toadstool. How small am I, Alice?


This potted fairy seems surrounded by a gigantic, flowing meadow that is really not all that big. It is magic.

Now I believe I can escape in my own secret, backyard garden. I was certainly transported to another world when I stepped into this one. This post is for all gardeners, but especially for those with limited space and unlimited imagination.

4 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing this beautiful garden. I enjoyed it all, but I think the rocks put together so artfully are the best.

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  2. I love the stacked rocks too! What a clever, inexpensive way to add texture and structure to a difficult spot. I have one in mind...thanks for the inspiration!

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  3. Thanks for sharing, there are some wonderful sculptural details in this garden that I haven't seen elsewhere. I have high hopes that in a few years when my shrubs fill in, my back garden will be a private getaway, with an isolated feel to it.

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  4. I like your last sentence and post dedication to gardeners with "unlimited imagination". I agree 100% that creativity does not have to be curtailed by the space available. great garden! My favourite shot is the last one. I love the statue buried up to its waist in flowers with the pot of orange flowers hoisted above its head.
    P.S. Your rustic odalisk project came out really nicely!

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Thank you for joining me in my garden in the making!

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