First look at new woodland garden

Hi all. I think I have successfully translated the first of my landscaping project designs from "mind's eye" to paper to reality.

This one is the woodland garden that I put at the front of our property. It measures 54 feet wide by 6 feet deep at the centre, 8 feet deep right and left of centre, and 20 feet deep at the far right and left ends. We dug the whole thing out by hand, trucked in 10 yards of topsoil and 60+ bags of triple mix and sheep manure, and tilled it all together. Then my other half set me loose alone and I cheerfully went to work.

I laid out the two small flagstone "patios" and pathways first on Sunday - these will each have a white wrought iron bench on them for peeps to sit and enjoy the peace of the garden. On Monday, I did all the planting. I have trilliums, Jack-in-the-Pulpits, Virgin's Bower Clematis, Toad Lilies, Turtleheads, Golden Forest Grass, Japanese Anemones, Ruby Stlleto Wood Rushes, "Captain Kirk" Hosta, Bloodroots, Downy Yellow Violets, Trout Lilies, Wintergreen, one Yellow Lady's Slipper (It cost me $47.00! Only one untill I see how it does.) Giant Solomon's Seal, Blue Cohosh, Wild Ginger, Marmalade Huechera, and Black Hellebores. I also have 22 Lady Ferns, but most of them are still dormant. They outline V-shapes coming out from the left and right front corners of the garden (where you see plant tags, but no plants).

The edging that I used at the front corners that looks like small maple logs (but is actually cement) is what I will be using to edge the street side of the garden as well.

Here is the first picture - 6 more to follow. This one is the left side of the garden.

Here is the right side....

Here is the centre....

Here are some of my Jacks....

Here are some of my Trilliums. Sorry, they're a little blurry....

Here's a closer view of part of the centre....

Finally, here is a closer look at the mini patio on the left side of the garden. Oh yeah - the overall shape of the garden - the front side closest to the street is a straight line. The other side closest to the house is like a curly bracket - } - on its side with the point facing the street.


This message was edited May 24, 2005 10:27 AM

Ginny, I love it! You did an awesome job. Such a large variety of plants and flowers, WOW! You are gonna have two very happy trees sitting in all that lovely top soil and manure as well. :D I would love to be one of the peeps to come and sit on a wrought iron bench and admire the garden when every thing is said and done. WTG!

Thanks Donna. I'd be pleased to have you use one of my benches, if you ever happen to be in the neighbourhood :-)

After I was all finished planting yesterday I sat on the front step and just looked out over it, letting the feel of the garden sink in. I think I managed to get exactly what I was looking for - peace and tranquility, even though it's right next to the street. It's almost like you're really in a woodland.

I went out to take a last look just before I went to bed last night, and the trilliums seemed to glow under the filtered light from the street lights across the street. What a magical moment that was.

--Ginny

You've accomplished what you wanted to Ginny...it looks very tranquil from here! Ü

Thanks Pam. As the season progresses and plants start filling out I'll post new pics.

I have to admit those dormant lady ferns are making me nervous, even though the one I've had for 3 or 4 years now is still dormant as well. Oh well. The grower promised I could return and exchange if they didn't perform well. I just don't want to have to dig all 22 up and replant the new ones - ohhhhhhhh, my aching back!

ginnylynn

love the look of your woodland garden, and you sure have chosen great plants,
I too have the yellow lady's slipper and it has formed a nice large clump..
I can just picture the bench,,
I really like the painted fire hydrant, did you do that?
can't wait to see more pictures as the garden grows..
enjoy,,
Wilma

Thanks Wilma. No, I didn't paint the fire hydrant. There is a young lady here in the village who went around and painted every single one a few years ago. Every one is different. We have a dalmation, a Canadian flag, a number of different flower and plant themes, and I'm not sure what all. I haven't actually seen all of them yet since I moved here. --Ginny

What a cool idea!

Your infrastructure looks perfect! I'm sure it will be a showcase in a couple of years when the plants start to mature.

Thanks Todd! Sorry for the delayed response. I've been out of town. I'm hoping, and keeping my fingers crossed, that the mature garden will bear out what I "see" in my mind's eye.

Well, with that plan, I think anything growing there would look good. It is lovely even now. Can't wait to see it progress. Congratulations .

Thanks Sunrize! I'm having a lot of fun with this.