T ODAY IS OPEN DAY AT A WAY TO GARDEN, THE FIRST THIS SEASON. It’s been a little hectic (understatement), but I’m as ready as I can get. In case you can’t make it, here’s a small peek at some of the goings-on. Enjoy your “walk” around.
Click on the first thumbnail to start your tour, then navigate from slide to slide using the arrows beside each caption.
I WATCHED A ZOOM lecture the other day that really put into words a lot of the ways my own deepening understanding of ecology is shaking up the way I practice horticulture—from spring cleanup, right on to the last chore of the active year. The lecturer was Rebecca McMackin, director of horticulture for Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City, where she leads the team that manages 85 acres of diverse parkland with a central focus on habitat creation of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows to build soils and support birds, butterflies, and other organisms.
We talked about the dynamic tactics they use and when and why–a whole different approach to spring cleanup, where the life cycles of animals (from insects on up) dictate what happens when, garden maintenance-wise. Like why some things don’t get cut back, and others that are still seed-laden when they do have their seeds collected and set aside, then returned to the spot after whatever cleanup is needed there.
(Stream it below, read the illustrated transcript or subscribe free.)
Just looked at your beautiful,beautiful garden. Your book has been a bible in the last several months.My husband and I bought 3 acres in Mendocino County, Calif. last year. Recently put in our first vegetable garden. Yesterday, we drove over some irrigation with our mower and things sort of went downhill after that. But, at the end of the day i sat on the ground, gazed at the amazing lettuce, chard, and upcoming plants..watched the quail (eating our strawberries) and it made the hassles of the day definitely worth it. I sure wish you lived nextdoor. Keep those pictures coming!
Thanks and welcome, Rebecca. Mendocino certainly is a beautiful place to be, perforated irrigation lines and all. I was watering yesterday and thinking the same thing as I looked at the kale and Brussels sprouts and salad greens and peas and all of it: amazing. See you soon again I hope.
I meant — I really, really meant — to get my poor tomato plants into the ground yesterday. But I spent too much time lying on the grass looking at clouds instead of kneeling in the dirt, for a change. I consider this my “slow” year, so another few days won’t hurt, will it? And yes, you were right: I do love it, Margaret.
Quite lovely! I love all the rock walls and the color of the house.
Welcome and thank you, Chiot’s Run. Yes, I am happier with my more vivid colors these days, too. Nice to see you here (and to visit your “garden”) and hope to see you again soon.
What a treat to see your beautiful garden in these pictures
You mentioned that this was the first tour of the season. Do you have more scheduled? Where are your gardens located?
@Melissa: Info is here.
Margaret,
I particularly enjoy the combination of heucheras. They are really quite lovely. I was wondering what it is next to them with the golden foliage that just sings “come over here for a look?” I recognized the creeping jenny, but there is something else, too. Lovely photos.
Welcome, Liisa. That is the dreaded barberry (a small gold cultivar I cannot recall the name of). I have had them for so many years, and though now we are supposed to toss them all (because barberries are declared invasives in many areas) I have not. My favorite gold thing actually is ‘All Gold’ Hakonechloa, which you may also like (or already have). See you soon again.
Margaret. You have a great site here.Ive enjoyed visiting it. I have a acre and a half. Alot of shade and mature trees. The back of my property is occuppied with a leach bed. So I have to plant along side. I would love some suggestions on how and what to plant. The property is lined by woods so is mostly shade. Any ideas? Thank you so much for the wonderful inspiration.
Welcome, Colleen. Start with the shade category of stories here to see some ideas of things I enjoy growing in shady areas. Then let me know what you think.
Love, love, love your new terrace!!! The pictures from your Open Days event were fantastic!! So many new plants for me to check out.
So enjoyed your Mini Garden Tour. It is 25 degrees, not considering wind chill, in Lutsen, MN on the North Shore of Lake Superior this morning. So, how wonderful to see another season so beautifully displayed in gorgeous color, creative landscapes and practical ideas for best use of space. We have a zoom board meeting of our West End Garden Club today, and I will surely recommend your site to them, if they haven’t discovered it already.
Thanks so much!
Rae Piepho, W.E.G.C. Chair