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.