Conquer a Hillside With Stone

What to do with a slope? Conquer it with stone and plant a garden, of course!

I love rocks, and I am deeply covetous of genuine stone walls and terraces. I love the ageless charm of stone that modern concrete blocks and pavers can't duplicate. I love its durability and its strength of character. So when I heard about Madlynn Morgan's backyard garden, I had to see it. 

Here is a picture of Madlynn's slope in spring. One walks through an arbor and up steps to different levels of the garden:A fence at the top of the slope was necessary to prevent deer from turning the garden into their favorite buffet.

Here is a recent summer image:

I like how garden tools are incorporated into the arbor:

The steps lead to a sitting area beneath a weeping Japanese maple, and then on up to a swing on the far side of the fence:

Now, as summer temperatures soar, colorful foliage complements the stone:Clockwise from top left: a view of some of the foliage; Nandina 'Blush Pink'; Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'; Acalypha wilkesiana 'Tiki peach whirl.'

Lovely decorative elements are incorporated throughout Madlynn's property, not just in the backyard garden:

I like this grilling area adjacent to the house:

Madlynn's garden is a great example of how hardscape can define and contain a garden. It is not a huge garden, but it is filled with interesting elements and lovely plantings and a few ideas I would like to copy!

A Little Bit of Heaven

A marvelous garden is tucked into a lush hillside near Birmingham.It is filled with hundreds of hydrangeas and azaleas and myriads of other woodland plants. Winding paths take you into primeval settings of moss and ferns beneath towering trees. A charming garden house, a true retreat for the gardener, nestles in the middle of the garden.Scriptures are etched onto stone plaques, and you can't help but be affected by the peaceful atmosphere.

A friend and I recently spent a morning exploring, storing up memories of this remarkable space. The owner pointed the way and left us to wander, but we were not alone. Two identical gray cats vied for our attention.One kitty went to the extent of wrapping his legs around my own and holding on for the ride. All in fun, of course, but now I know why the owner warned me to wear long pants!

Here are some photos of this little bit of heaven:

Though our world is in turmoil tonight, my hope is for you to have a refuge, and peace and light in the darkest places.   Deb