Mid-Atlantic Gardening: Yardening Summer 2013 Part 2, 4 by typwc

typwc wrote:
Happy, I agree with you that terracing might not be so great for your hill, it would make your house look like a fortress. I have had the same problem with the tall plants that you are talking about. This year I had plants at the top of the hill that got really tall (3-4') and I felt totally closed in on the patio above it. I couldn't enjoy the rest of the yard b/c I couldn't see it (my backyard steps down from the back door). Next year I will try to stick with plants that stay under 2' tall at the top of the hill. I pick up Fine Gardening at the local library, usually not the current edition. Always great info and beautiful pictures. I loved that picture you linked to. Good luck and keep us posted!

Oh Holly, That sounds so idyllic.... *sigh*

1. My backyard a month ago, looking from my dining room window.
2. MY "awful hill" last month, when everything was still happy and thriving. Before I put the little retaining wall in.
3. The hill looking pretty bare since adding the wall. Also the Susans went to the Great Meadow in the Sky and the shasta daisies finished up.
4. Same point of view as #1, but this was tonight. With the shasta daisies out of the way, I planted Black and Blue Salvias to keep the hummingbirds close to the window so that I can see them (THANKS GITA!).