Deb's Garden - Deb's Garden Blog

Friday

Oct222010

A Year in the Lower Lawn and Words About Maintenance

Friday, October 22, 2010 at 7:00PM

This is the final installment in my five part series featuring seasonal views of different parts of Deb's Garden. Today we will look at the lower lawn. At first I hesitated to include the lower lawn in the series, because I don't think of it as a real "garden" space. But it does help to complete the over-all plan, so here it is.

I define the lower lawn as the area beyond the front garden. It is divided in half by the drive as it travels away from the house and the front garden. This area is the farthest from the house and is the lowest of low maintenance. Except for mowing the grass during the summer, we don't do much here. Even mowing is kept to a minimum, as we cut our grass high and don't mow at all during times of drought. That means our grass hasn't been cut in two months! In the seasonal photos below, the double row of boxwoods defines the entrance to our property:

As we travel down the drive, on the right is the backside of the front garden, featuring Japanese maples, dogwoods, and a weeping cherry tree:

The main entrance to the woodland garden is on the left side of the drive, while across the lower lawn on that side, the edge of our property is defined by a screen of evergreen trees. We once had unobstructed views of rolling fields and trees when we looked out our front windows, until our neighbor built a workshop within a few feet of our property line. This massive building completely obstructed our view, and while its roofline had merit, the commercial-like side of the building was unattractive. I solved the problem by planting a border of evergreens. It is an eclectic grouping, including Canadian hemlock, white pine, Arizona cypress, deodar cedar, and upright yaupon holly. I also planted dogwood, Japanese maple and redbud trees to provide some seasonal color. Despite their diverse homelands, all of the trees have grown well, and I no longer think ugly thoughts about my neighbor when I look his direction. Here are seasonal views of the lower lawn, looking toward the evergreen border:

And finally, the right side of the lower lawn is bordered by natural woodland, including native oak, pine, and dogwood. The woods are edged by a row of oak leaf hydrangeas:

If you have followed the entire series, you are now thoroughly acquainted with Deb's Garden! Some of you have wondered about the size and maintenance of my gardens. Our property covers 3.5 acres, with at least one acre being untouched woodland. Lou and I do all the maintenance ourselves, and we have full time jobs that keep us busy. It is not as much maintenance as you would imagine! If you examine my photos, you will discover that most of the color comes from trees and shrubs, which naturally require less maintenance than annuals or perennials. I love flowers, but the backbone of my garden comes from sturdier, more permanent plantings.

Here is a summary of our maintenance chores:

1. Pruning of shrubs - once or twice a year, depending on plant

2. Weeding of pathways - thorough weed job once in spring, then once a month or so as needed. Weeding is something I often do as I stroll about. A handful here and there keeps the chore from becoming obnoxious.

3. Mulching of pathways - once every couple of years

4. Edging of lawn - once in spring, as needed again in fall

5. Fertilization of shrubs and flowers - once or twice a year, depending on plant

6. Fertilization of grass - twice a year with a natural "weed and feed" product

7. Mowing of grass - every two weeks or so during the growing season, except during times of draught

8. Watering - as needed. Newly planted areas or marginal plants need to be babied. Well established, native plants can take care of themselves.

9. Mulching of planting areas - once or twice a year. Mulch helps to conserve moisture, cuts down on weeds, and improves the soil. We use a lot of pine straw, which is readily available and complements our acidic soil.

10. Enjoyment of garden - daily! And I do include this in maintenance, because a garden that is loved is going to be a happier, healthier garden.

Thanks to everyone who has followed this series. I very much appreciate your comments. Happy Gardening to all of you!

A Year by the Patio

Sunday, October 17, 2010 at 6:45PM

On one side of our house is a large patio with steps going down to the lady garden. One end is bordered by a rose arch, and the opposite side is adjacent to the herb bed and dog lot. Continuing my series of seasonal views of Deb's Garden, today we'll walk around the patio and enjoy the views from there.

First, here are views taken over the past year through the rose arch. A Zephirine Drouhin rose grows on one side of the arch and a jasmine vine on the other. This year the jasmine has about taken over. Next year I will have to call this my jasmine arch!

Standing by the rose arch one can look down the hill toward the arbor at one end of the lady garden:

I searched, but I couldn't find the pot of gold at the end of that rainbow!

Just beyond the rose arch is the path that leads around the front lawn to the front garden. A small secondary path seen to the right is another way to get to the lady garden:

If we are leaving the lady garden, going up the main steps to the patio, these are some views seen through the seasons:

Finally, back on the patio, lets take a look at the herb garden. It is put together with a higgledy-piggledy assortment of rocks and leftover bricks and pavers from other projects. Technically it may not be an herb bed, because its contents are eclectic. Here I grow dianthus, oregano, basil, chives, salvia, sedum, penstemon, sweet peppers and onions, and the four corners are bordered with knockout roses. I am fretting over the whole area, and there are future plans to double the size.

The last shot above shows the herb bed's location, separated from the picket fence of the dog lot by a grassy path. I hope you have enjoyed the tour! My next post will conclude the five part series of seasonal views of my gardens.