Garden description: This is an area in my back yard that has been neglected for the 16 years we’ve owned the house. We recently cut down a dead black walnut, so the area, which is visible through my family room windows, suddenly had a little 1/2 day sun to work with! The ground and retaining wall were choked with English ivy and refuse from the old tree and an existing Hemlock. I removed the Ivy from the wall and ground (digging out the roots) and placed full shade plants nearer the Hemlock and part sun plants near the corner of the house, some in a colorful raised bed. It’s now a beautiful, deer resistant, tranquil site that features many native plants, that I can enjoy throughout the seasons.
Who are the gardeners: I planted and maintain this garden, and my front yard (which is all garden) myself.
Why do you garden: I garden for exercise, enjoyment, and stress relief.
How has gardening impacted you during this time: Being able to create a new backyard oasis was very cathartic for me. It allowed me to get out and do something I knew was healthy for my body, my mind, and my soul. Now when I see it from outside, or inside through a window, it will remind me of one of the ways I got through this time…in a positive and constructive way.
What do you have in your garden? Arctic Fire Yellow twig dogwood, Scentlandia sweetspire, Lemony Lace elderberry, Let’s Dance Big Easy bigleaf hydrangea, Jack of Diamonds Brunnera, Spot On lungwort, sweet woodruff, Crested Surf Japanese painted fern, Carex, Astilbe, assorted coral bells, hellebore, hens & chicks, and sedum. (Pot contains ColorBlaze Lime Time Coleus.)
Do you have any problems with disease or pests? If so, how are you dealing with this problem? My biggest problem is deer…and lots of them.
