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Thursday, February 28, 2008

Snow Falling On Cedar's Retreat

I have a private space in my yard. I don't know about you but when someone says private space in their yard, I think retreat and jacuzzi. This isn't a retreat; it's a section of my garden/yard that I prefer folks not see. It's right off my patio, so it is quite visible from the kitchen and the den. I have been pretending that no one can see it!



Here it is.


A few years ago it was a pleasant spot, not perfect but pleasant with structure and form. But after contractors put in the new patio and dug ditches for french drains there was destruction everywhere. A beautiful 20 year old Japanese Maple and all the Coral Bell Azaleas died. I was heartbroken, I loved that Japanese Maple.

It became easier to just shut the metaphorical door on the junk room then jump into a new project. I have ignored it for far too long. I am putting myself on notice...that it is time to address this mess. Not sure yet what I will do, but something will come to me.

But now I am wondering if you all have spaces in your gardens and yards that are less then ready for prime time viewing?

Gail
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13 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2008 at 9:49 AM

    Yes, I do. A strip along the driveway has given me trouble for a few years. When you come for the Spring Fling you'll see it; unfortunately, it's in a very public place. I wanted a bit of a screen because a busy road is visible past the driveway, as well as a less-than-well-kept house, but nothing too overpowering. I've tried Southern wax myrtles there, but they got too thirsty in full sun. I've tried native Lindheimer muhly grass, but it was too sparse and meadowy for the effect I wanted. I've just redone the strip again, with a slightly more formal look involving 'Will Fleming' yaupons. Time will tell if the strip becomes part of the rest of the garden and less its own messy section.

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  2. GailFebruary 28, 2008 at 10:37 AM

    We must all have them!

    I like Yaupons, you have to like a shrub with the vomitoria in its name!
    Do you get berries?

    Gail

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  3. Phillip OliverFebruary 28, 2008 at 10:51 AM

    Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm looking forward to exploring yours.

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  4. GailFebruary 28, 2008 at 11:28 AM

    Hey, Phillip,

    You are welcome to look around. I enjoyed my time at your blog...

    Gail

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  5. GailFebruary 28, 2008 at 11:55 AM

    Nancy,

    Glad to meet you. Great idea...I will post photos as I tidy!

    Gail

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  6. CanadianGardenJoyFebruary 28, 2008 at 12:47 PM

    Hi Gail
    I think every garden has a "tricky" spot .. I have such small "spaces" that they GLARE at me .. I so wish I had more room to plant specific plants to a dedicated area .. like a woodland garden .. a rose garden .. I think you know what I mean ..
    So what I have is one MIXED garden and when a section goes "downhill" I can't ignore it for long .. believe me .. I have tried !
    Any self respecting garden .. has to have a naughty side .. LOL
    I think yours will be wonderful though .. good luck and yes, ! lots of pictures .. I need ideas too ! LOL
    Joy

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  7. Frances,February 28, 2008 at 2:24 PM

    So sorry for the loss of your maple and azaleas, we lost four maples and numerous azaleas from last spring's surprise frost. Our neglected space has been at the far corner of the property, where an overgrown rambler rose we named Killer was growing over an old privet hedge, sounds yummy, doesn't it? Killer is gone, the privet is gone, Foster Hollies are in and an arbor is getting ready to be built. This is a post in the making, waiting for the finished product. Looks like we'll see you at Pam's, for the Spring Fling! Hooray!

    Frances at Faire Garden

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  8. GailFebruary 28, 2008 at 2:27 PM

    Frances,

    So looking forward to the spring fling and meeting you all...
    Gail

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  9. tinaFebruary 28, 2008 at 6:48 PM

    hi gail, i have an area in behind my ugly metal shed way back in the corner. it is where i store miscellaneous and though it has some plants, it is sadly neglected. what to do? i don't look at it often.

    had a great day at the lawn and garden show. you really must go! got a tree peony for $15. that is a good price. i hope it does well here. so much fun! is hubby going to go with you?

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  10. DaveFebruary 28, 2008 at 10:26 PM

    That would be awful to lose a Japanese maple like that! You could put in a koi pond or a raised water feature of some sort. I like the kind that cascade down an object like an obelisk or a natural looking rock pile and disappear into the ground. To replace your Japanese maple would you like a purple leaf plum? ;)

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  11. Robin's Nesting PlaceFebruary 29, 2008 at 12:14 AM

    The space has great potential! I look forward to seeing what you do.

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  12. GailFebruary 29, 2008 at 5:55 PM

    Dave and Robin's nest,

    Glad you stopped by and glad you did....I am out of town with a family emergency so will write more to both of you....I am a bit distracted!

    Thanks,
    Gail

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  13. Shady GardenerMarch 3, 2008 at 7:44 PM

    Of course I do! But, everything is Always a "Work in Progress," don't you think? ;-)

    ReplyDelete

"Insects are the little things that run the world." Dr. E O Wilson


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