Garden description: Most of my favorite gardens include sculpture so I have included several in my garden. My gardening style is “controlled exuberance” with a soft hand. There is an emphasis on form and texture with spots of color. The entrance garden has a shade cottage garden feel while the adjoining courtyard feels mysterious with its moss, vines, and mirror. The beds in the back get plenty of sun and curve around each other. They include small trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables.
Who are the gardeners: I am a woman of a “certain age” who loves being outside and creating beauty. So far, I have been able to keep up with the garden. I have a partner who is willing to dig holes and help with pruning. When we travel, we always spend time in gardens. As a fiber artist, I enjoy dyeing yarn and cloth out in the garden.
Why do you garden: My grandparents were farmers and my parents also gardened so I could not help myself even if I had wanted to do so. It is a great pleasure.
How has gardening impacted you during this time: The garden has had more TLC than ever this year since we are not traveling.
What do you have in your garden? I love Japanese maple trees and of the 6 in my garden, two I have grown from grafted cuttings. Hellebores have had their way with the entrance garden while vines ( honeysuckle, Gelsemium, Clematis, Akebia) hide the gutter downspouts. The containers on the deck have annuals and herbs.
Do you have any problems with disease or pests? If so, how are you dealing with this problem? The Chinese Fringe tree in the front of the house has anthracnose. We have had a professional treat it and feed it for several years. It looks like we must take it down in a year or so.
