flynn070

I love the winter season because it gives me a chance to wind down and really think about plans for the garden. In particular, it is a good time for me to accomplish hardscape projects. The weather is always a deterring factor, however, but so far we are experiencing a very mild season and a noticeable decrease in rainfall. I do not like to work in cold, wet conditions so I have to be really motivated to get outside the comfort of a warm, cozy house this time of year. My big project at the moment is transforming the former vegetable garden into a courtyard area with a deck and pergola to anchor it in. We enjoyed the vegetable garden but they were a lot of work and locally grown produce is so plentiful here. I wasn't really pleased with the location of it - right in the middle of the back garden. I felt that a more dominant focal point was needed. That, coupled with the fact that we also desire more shade, resulted in a courtyard idea.  The plan is for a large deck with a pergola to...

Flicker at the suet feeder (January) It is always fun and surprising to look back at the garden photos from the previous year - Camellia 'Nuccio Bella Rosa' (March) Anemone coronaria 'Marianne Blue' (March) The Pan Garden, just off the back deck, in May. It has really filled in since this photo was taken. This was also before new grass was planted. I continue to move things around and experiment in this area.  Spanish Lavender, Barberry 'Orange Rocket', California Lilac (Ceanothus 'Black Diamond') (May) Talk about changes - since this photo was taken last May, the borders has filled in and the steps have been completed. Everything looks so fresh and vibrant here as opposed to unruly and ragged like it looks now. Rose 'Mutablis' (May) California Lilac (Ceanothus 'Julia Phelps') and Lupine (May) A wider shot of Ceanothus 'Julia Phelps'. This photo makes me so happy. This was the first shrub that really captivated me after moving he...