We’re well into that part of the season when there is more going on in the garden than I can document. I could do one of these posts daily! This is the garden’s fourth year — a proper walk-through tour is sorely overdue. Unfortunately, I have a tendency to put off proper photos, telling myself it will be better tomorrow when such and such is blooming, I’ve weeded this one bed just a little more, or insert another excuse here.
Clockwise from Top Left:
1. I started planting out tomatoes a few weeks ago and most are in save a few that I will put in as soon as I remove the greens that are currently occupying their spaces. This ‘Whippersnapper’ was one of the first planted, but that’s not why it is the first to pop out a baby tomato. It’s just an exceptionally fast and early variety. For that reason it is a yearly must-grow in my garden. This variety tends to adjust its size to the space it is provided. It has a tumbling growth and produces pinkish, cherry-sized fruit. I always grow it in pots.
2. The weather has been a bit cooler than usual and salad greens are still growing strong. I have begun to pull out a few plants that have bolted or become bitter and thought I’d take advantage of the cooler temps by resowing seed.
3. The view from above the garden doesn’t show much progress from the last image shot 3 weeks ago. However, changes on the ground are significant. Staking has begun and some perennials, such as the Persian catmint are close to blooming, after which they will receive a big haircut.
4. This is a corner of the garden close to the house. It is the shadiest spot I’ve got and the area that is best protected from wind. This is where I keep all of my shade loving plants as well as my bourgeoning collection of Japanese Maples. It’s hard to believe that it was only 5 years ago that I was deathly afraid to grow these beautiful trees. Now I can’t seem to get enough! I bought a new one at the same time that I bought the dwarf gingko trees. Choosing just one was no easy task. My trick is to keep them in containers so that I can shift them around as conditions change with the seasons. As far as cost goes I’ve found that it’s worth it to save your dollars and purchase affordable seedlings. They grow quickly!
The reasons for putting off a garden tour are endless! I really hope you do one soon, though. I love how your space has evolved over the past few years.
I have a Japanese maple and a ginko in the same bed, I love the contrast of their leaves (both color and shape).
I covet your potted Japanese maples! How big a container do you recommend?
I usually start with containers that are at least a few inches wider and deeper than the rootball and then repot yearly, bi-yearly or less, depending on when they need it. I have one that has been in the same container for about 3 years now because it had lots of space to grow into.
Gosh- I love seeing your updates. What an amazing space you have!
http://affinityforpretty.blogspot.com/2014/06/gifts-for-gardening-enthusiast.html
The Persian Catmint remark intrigues me. I have Nepeta ‘Blue Wonder’ and Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low”, both perennials. Are they close to your Persian Catmint? Blue flowers for most of the growing season, takes shearing well, aromatic, gray-green foliage. Tip cuttings taken in April can be potted up in about 3 weeks and they try to bloom right after that.
For 39 years I have been driving past a Japanese Maple vendor on a busy highway, in a woodsy section, always wondering what his offerings look like. Perhaps this is the year I will make myself stop and visit. It’s 40 minutes away from here, always passed as I drive to my parents’ house. I do not have a Japanese Maple and it seems my collection is crying out for one.
I love your garden photos, they are such an inspiration. When I get into hour two of pulling weeds I can loose a little of my inspiration.
My daughter just emailed that she bought her 1st window sill box and dirt to grow herbs in her NY apt. Can you give quick reference tips I can refer to her?
I am referring to her your book (I love) and your web site.
My prized plantings since buying my home are two Japanese Maple trees that I proudly planted myself in place of two old and out of control bushes with surrounding grass and weeds. I replaced the grass with concrete tiles and planted a nice floweing ground cover around the trees themselves. It is the most beautiful front strip in my neighborhood. Now I want the same enjoyment out of my front garden, and your post offers me inspiration. How long overall has this garden taken you?