We're "finally" back with a brand new garden update! While we've been lax in website updates, we were busy working in our back yard. Gardens are not static and they must grow, evolve or die. Sometimes it's all of the above! We hope you enjoy looking at the changes while you stroll through our back yard.
New "hidden" tropical garden
The biggest change in our gardens in the last 3 years is shown here.
We had an above ground pool with surrounding wooden fence for nearly
18 years.
When our sons moved out we found the pool was under-used and
past it's normal life span-
so it's out with the pool and in with a new (hidden) garden!!
That's about twice the normal life expectancy for a vinyl lined steel pool.
Our kids all learned to swim here but after 18 years, it was time to go.
May
“A hard beginning maketh a good ending.”
Garden Note:
The best thing you can do for your garden is to improve the soil.
Our pool sat here for 18 years.
The soil under the pool was compacted and needed some TLC.
We "plowed" the new beds by hand shovel and then used a mini tiller
to mix in lots of coarse builders sand and mulched leaves.
John Haywood 1497-1580
If you're going to spend money on plants- spend time on soil
improvement FIRST.
If you have heavy clay like us, add sand and compost.
If you have sandy soils add compost.
If you have great soil you are very lucky indeed! (Add some compost anyway)
Your plants will thank you for this extra effort for years to come!
“Many hands make light work.”
-My mother 1910-2003
Rita is my soul mate and garden companion.
These gardens and web pages would not be here except for
her encouragement and help.
These gates are made of recycled (salvaged) privacy fence boards.
Once the old pool was removed we needed access to the new garden area.
Closing the gates gives this garden room a cozy, protected feeling.
Water features are always a welcome addition to a garden.
Our mermaid fountain is right at home here in the "hidden garden".
It doesn't take long for the once tiny plants to start filling up the space.
Elephant ears- Colocasia "pink china" in front.
Nandina left side.
Native honey suckle in back.
Extra wide curving steps give easy access between the deck and
garden areas.
With the addition of railings our newest garden room is
coming together nicely!
The long hot days of summer kick our tropicals into high gear.
Colocasia "big dipper" on left under the hearty banana on right
and chartreuse sweet potato down in front.
We just stand back and watch them grow.
Bananas can add inches to their height in a single day!
By late summer the "big dipper" colocasia and chartreuse sweet potato vines are
giving the bananas some serious competition.
Would you believe all those sweet potato vines came from
just ONE plant?
Yep!!
Our mermaid is practically hidden by the nandina, banana and colocasia
in front while the purple hyacinth beans and native honeysuckle vines
are sneaking up from behind.
When we must fight the bananas for control of the
stairs we know that summer is very nearly at its end. (sob!)
THIS makes all the work worthwhile!!
Sitting by the fire, with a glass of wine, enjoying
a late summer afternoon-
Life is GOOD!
We don't dig up our tropical plants in the fall!
Then we wait for spring.......
when days are mild and hard freezes are over we pull off some of
the soggy leaves so the sun can warm the sleeping roots.
Just before the first hard freeze, I chop the bananas and colocasia
down and toss them on the compost pile. I sprinkle some general purpose fertilizer
on the beds, add some compost and then pile on mulched tree leaves to a depth of at least
15".
Each spring brings new hope-- so far we have not been disappointed.
Our tropicals have returned for the last 4 years.
Our nandina gives us a bit of year round interest.
The lush green leaves and red berries of summer turn bronze
but hang on throughout the winter.
I bet you have room for some potted flowers.
Why not let Rita show you some of ours!
If you garden like this, you can save a bundle by canceling
your gym membership!!
Maybe you don't have this much space or energy or time?
We also plant several patio pots so if you have a tiny yard or even
just a patio or balcony, we're here to help!
That's it for our sunken/hidden garden addition for now. We sincerely hope you've enjoyed your visit as much as we've enjoyed having you here.
NOTEPAD.
Thanks for stopping by. We hope you enjoyed your visit to our tiny piece
of Kentucky!
Come back, anytime!
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