Today’s photos are from Martha Lundy. She says, “I live In eastern Michigan. I am 59 years old and gardening runs in my family. I’ve had two hand surgeries from gardening for over 35 years. I grow my plants from seed in my basement. I love to add that splash of color mixed in with my evergreens. I can’t wait until spring!!”
Me too, Martha! Your garden is lovely. Thanks so much for sharing!
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Speaking of sharing, I’m officially in Seattle for the Northwest Flower & Garden Show! Those of you going to the show, be sure to stop by Fine Gardening‘s table outside the lecture halls to introduce yourself–I want to meet you!! I’ll be there off and on until the show closes on Sunday night. And, of course, speaking on the GPOD this afternoon…eek! But you know what? I’m not as nervous as I was a while ago, because you guys have some seriously gorgeous and inspiring gardens, and everyone in the audience to is going to LOVE them! Thanks, everybody, for all of the support and encouragement, both here and in the incredibly nice emails you’ve been sending. Wish me luck….
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—-Winter is the perfect time to take a photographic stroll through the photos you took in your garden this year……and then send some in to me at [email protected]!
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Comments
Thanks for sharing your lush labor of love with us Martha! Love the pops of color amidst the shapely evergreens. Sorry to hear about your hand injuries. Perhaps you can provide us some helpful management and preventive health advise as you are not alone.
Good luck Michelle! Hope you are enjoying Seattle as with Danielle and Lynn. Regards to all.
yet another beautiful garden in Michigan, i never knew there were so many! i'm right there with you on the age and hand thing and yet we still soldier on. also hats off for the starting from seed, i've never mastered the patience and skill for that . great garden you have, Martha
Martha your garden is beautiful. One picture looks like it has impatiens....if so they are lovely. We can't grown them here any more because of powdery mildew. They last about 3 weeks and then die. Beautiful, thanks for sharing.
Wow! I LOVE that explosion of red on this minus 6 degree morning!. How I yearn for Spring. I envy those going to the Seattle Flower Show this weekend. (ENJOY, everyone! Hope we hear about it. Best Wishes, Michelle!)
GREAT garden. Wonderful designs, combinations,plant material and color. What is the featured plant in the last photo?
Thanks for sharing. Your garden is a beauty.
Martha,,, your yard is Beautiful!!! Love it all!!! Love all the boulders,,,LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the white pine,,, they are so soft and whimsical,,,,,I love the photo of the arbs, weeping spruce and ( looks like ) Daubs frosted juniper,,,, lovely balance!
and of course, your impatiens are gorgeous!!! And your red salvia is such a great
' pop ! ' Also love all your red buds, I'll bet they are fabulous in the spring! It is all so lovely! I too can understand the
' hand ' thing,,, but that does not stop us!,,,,thank you for sharing,,, so nice to see these fresh pops of color and GREEN when it is so COLD and snowy!
Best of luck to you too Michelle!,, I am sure you will be just Great!!! Enjoy!
Oh- And I just had to mention that I LOVE the trellis with your Clematis.... I've ordered two new Clematis from Song Sparrow this year... hope they look as beautiful as that!
How big of an area does your garden cover?
i like that trellis A LOT too , favorite photo is the one with the flat of plants in the bed waiting to be planted, work in progress of a real gardener :)
Martha: Your annuals in one color are very effective against your more permanent plantings. What I like best, though, as the special touches. The recycled trellis is very nice. My favorite is the light fixture that looks like an armillary sphere.
Good luck Michelle. You'll be great. I wish they'd book you for the Boston or Maine flower shows!
Very beautiful, Martha! I just love all the different shades of green. The recycled garage doors is a great piece!
This spring iam trying to start seeds inside. I thought it would be fun to try. But it takes a lot of misting! For mass color or type its worth it. I Hope your hands will provide you with many more years of work! Same age as me and iam also starting to have problems..too many weeds to pull!!!
Hopefully I will be able to hire a gardener to help when iam 64! Thanks for sharing with us, Martha!
Michelle, I will look for you today. It will be great to meet you in person and to see the gardens! You will do great as well. Us gardeners are very generous with our love, care and attention! We are all humane! But I have a feeling that it will just flow out of you because you enjoy it all so much!
A really lovely yard, so arranged, such nice balance of size and color and placements...and so perfectly kept. I have tried starting seeds but never found it very successful, too spindly or sudden demise from too much or too little water, your success with annuals is impressive. But...is your beautiful yard under snow and ice right now?
We hope Michelle will bring back photos and stories of the show. Barbara
Martha, all your hard work over the years has created a very wonderful garden.
I love how your garden combines formal and informal elements of structure and plantings!
The striking juxtaposition of the red salvia and golden yellow autumn tree leaves is captured well in the photo.
Both the trellis and shady screen house are well crafted and greatly appeal to me.
Michelle,
Best wishes today!
I am very positive that your talk will be great fun and a wonderful inspiration for all!
Martha, you have so many lovely vignettes in your garden. Your graceful sweeps of grass invite the eye (and your cute dog) to move along at a leisurely pace and take everything in.
I'm intrigued by the labeling of the fabulous looking trellis as "recycled garage door"...love to know the story behind that but if it's too complicated to put into words, don't worry. They are just so perfect looking in their current "job".
Michelle, hope you have a wonderful time giving your talk, mixing and mingling and feeling the love!
love all of the densely-planted evergreens, the vibrant salvia, and of course, the rocks! As already commented, that trellis screen is unique and creative.I guarantee copies are going to popping up all over now.
What an uplift on this -11 degree morning, all that lovely greenery framing explosions of color... reminds me of July 4th fireworks. A lovely garden and complete with kitties. I'm intrigued by that interesting plant in the Shady Hidaway photo, looks like a kind of weeping spruce, and those leaves look like eastern redbud... is that a gazebo? Thank you for sharing your garden, Martha, and keep sending photos.
Michelle, I've no doubt you will perform wonderfully well, you will wow them! Bring back lots of photos.
Wow! Your gardens are beautiful - flowing and weaving about - and I understand how you overworked those hands. I would love, love to hear more about that trellis / screen built from a recycled garage door? It looks fabulous! You certainly do have a way with color. A great way to start my day. Come on Spring!
Beatiful garden - love the pops of colors against the dark evergreens - you must be in heaven wandering the pathways and looking at all you've accomplished
Michelle - good luck with everything - I know you'll do well as you have a lot of great/beautiful gardens to show people
Martha, Do you grow your impatiens from seed? If so, perhaps that's the reason yours look so lushly healthy and vibrant!
Couldn't help pick-up on brainbear's comment..because of the downy/powdery mildew epidemic plaguing their growth in most states and beyond. My alternative use that comes close to the impatiens appearance has been to use the New Guinea and Sunpatiens varieties. Needless to say,.. they do cost more, yet provide continual color throughout the season, can take more sun and don't die out on me!
No- I don't grow these from seed! But do dabble with other
flowering plants by seed. Love to hear other gardeners who do!
Fabulous years in the making landscape and your yard, Martha! Bless those hard working hands!!
Martha, your evergreens are amazing! I love your garden. I might be stealing your screen idea, too! Thanks for sharing, and enjoy the rest of the winter.
Your gardens are so lush Martha. I just love the little explosions of color the flowers have brought to the textural tapestry you have woven with evergreens. I'm so impressed you grow your flowers from seed, I'm with tntreeman... patience is not my strength.
sheila,,,,,,,,,,,god grant us patience,,,,,,,,,,,,and we want it NOW
Oh, this is beautiful. Exuberant with all those pops of color but serene at the same time with those wonderful curving swaths of grass.
Love your rock borders---or maybe boulders is a better name for them. We see them a lot when we go to Wisconsin and they really frame a garden bed nicely.
Wow, COLOR! Out my window all I see is white...such a delight to see your vibrant color, Martha. Love your use of shapes as well. I , too, am always impressed and amazed by folks who succeed with seeds...I'm not one of them. How clever and handsome the re-cycled trellis is with that stunning clematis. Your beautiful photos make me pine for the end of winter. I will deal with my yearning by putting on my x-ctry. skis and enjoying a bit of present sunshine before delving into my latest garden catalogs and dreams of the future.
Michele, I know you will do a great job and have an awesome day meeting other avid gardeners. Just imagine all the new GPOD folks you'll be adding to our already rich group!
Beautiful garden, Martha! Worth all the pain,isn't it?
Why did I not see the recycled garage doors before sending my own to the dump! The trellis is gorgeous - the clematis too.
What type of soil do you have? Mine is clay so thick that my daughter made pots from it. I pile on the compost and keep hoping for spectacular results.
Impatiens are hard to successfully grow from seed, but probably the only answer right now - you clearly have the right touch.
Great job with it all. Thank you for sharing.
Michelle, everyone will love you. How could they not? Have a wonderful time.
Your photos boast such amazing flashes of color and superb design. The second photo shows such depth, texture, color and design, it must certainly have been designed by the professional Martha Lundy. So beautiful
Good Luck, Michelle. We'll all be cheering you on in spirit. You go Girl!!!
Jeff, yesterday would even be better ;)
OK, I'm dense, but I just don't see the garage doors!!! I love the trellis, but I don't see how it could have functioned as a garage door? Oh well, maybe I just don't have the vision. The gardens though I love, so lush and green! And is that a somewhat rotund long-haired weiner in the 5th photo down on the right?
Thank you to everyone for the nice comments about my yard.Its nice to receive compliments from fellow gardeners that know the love and labor that it involves! grew up in this house and when my parents moved out my husband and I moved in. Its been 32 years since then. My husband has been a big part of the creative process and the overall look of our yard. He re purposed the garage doors into the beautiful trellis that has clematis growing on it. He did this by using the window sections, removing the glass,cutting them in half,turning them vertical,filling the openings with the lattice and attatching them to fence posts.
I just joined Fine Gardening on Wednesday February 5,2014. I cannot wait to see all of the beautiful gardens that others have submitted here. I would like to try and answer some question you all have asked. So here goes. I got hit with the downey powdered mildew in September of 2012. We grew begonias instead in 2013. But this year I am growing new guinea impatiens from seed because they are not affected and are beautiful. The only way I can afford that many is to grow them from seed. I attribute my success with seeds from using a heating cable, greenhouse salad containers from McDonald's and keeping regular florescent shop lights 4 inches from the tops of the plants. I water by holding each 4 pack into a bucket of water until the bubbles stop.It takes along time but I don't have to do as often. Our back yard is our sanctuary. It changes from spring thru fall. We love to walk around at night. Especially with a full moon! We do have vignetts that we call berms. We've named them after our pet dogs that have died. Lie the "Molly berm", "Corky berm" etc..
I just joined Fine Gardening on Wednesday February 5,2014. I cannot wait to see all of the beautiful gardens that others have submitted here. I would like to try and answer some question you all have asked. So here goes. I got hit with the downey powdered mildew in September of 2012. We grew begonias instead in 2013. But this year I am growing new guinea impatiens from seed because they are not affected and are beautiful. The only way I can afford that many is to grow them from seed. I attribute my success with seeds from using a heating cable, greenhouse salad containers from McDonald's and keeping regular florescent shop lights 4 inches from the tops of the plants. I water by holding each 4 pack into a bucket of water until the bubbles stop.It takes along time but I don't have to do as often. Our back yard is our sanctuary. It changes from spring thru fall. We love to walk around at night. Especially with a full moon! We do have vignetts that we call berms. We've named them after our pet dogs that have died. Lie the "Molly berm", "Corky berm" etc..
Martha, thanks so much for coming back on the board and sharing how your husband made that wonderful trellis. I have kept the enlarged picture of it open all day and your explanation really helped me understand the creative process. Handy husbands are priceless in helping to give gardens special touches and unique architectural features.
Our lot is about a half acre in the back yard. Our trellis is part of the pool area. We love the privacy it gives us.
Our gazebo was made by my husband. It was made out of mostly re claimed scrape, except for the 4 screened doors. We have a ceiling fan, futon, a chair and a lamp in it. Looking out from there we have our fire pit.
Our soil was mostly a light clay and I brought in worm castings. I add compost to every hole I dig and I mulch with oak or maple leaves from my leaf mulcher. It takes time but if you are willing to pay for natural additives you can get there much faster.
My husband brought all the rocks in himself. He works in construction and would find many from the basements he would dig.
I'm not sure of the name of the weeping spruce but it is a slow grower. We have about 5 red bud trees and a pink dogwood. Lots of pink in the spring with all of my bleeding heart plants. My newest love is my Knock out roses!! I have 10 of the hot red ones.They go non stop from Spring to Fall!!! Oh did I mention that we have been married for 40 years? Every birthday, anniversary or Mothers day and Fathers day we usually get something for our yard! Yeah, we are crazy with the yard! Happy gardening all and thank you for all the wonderful compliments you have given to us. We will be looking at all of your beautiful pictures now.
Have a great weekend Michelle. I wish I could say I'd be joining you! What a great job you must have! I'm enjoying Fine Gardening .com very much! Everything on this site is great! I will be spreading the word! Martha
Martha: You have a wonderful sense of composition. I have been inspired by your gardens and believe I'll add more shrubs and conifers as you so artfully have done. I'm right up there with you on the hand injuries.
Martha, thank you for your explanation of the trellis. Brilliant idea. You and your husband make a wonderful team. A BIG "THANK YOU" to you both for sharing your wonderful yard/gardens. I know we all will be anxious to see another set of photos from you!
Martha, Thanks for sharing your beautiful garden with everyone! Love the recycled garage doors and beautiful clematis. Too many reusable items just get thrown in our landfills. I was lucky enough when dropping off aluminum at the recycle salvage to find two metal chairs, side table and table that someone had sent for recycle, older and French style. Just paid the going rate of $17 to purchase all of them.
Are those boxwood hedges that you've shaped so perfectly? Thanks again for sharing. It's like a walk in the park on a lovely day!
Lush and lovely! Your clematis on the recycled garage door trellis is a true work of art! Your annuals are awesome also!
Just spectacular, Martha! I love your special trellis that your clematis are growing on - I've never seen one like it. I also love how your paths meander through your yard and flower bed areas. You have done wonderfully choosing such colorful plants for a yard with such mature trees that must make things shady. I can see your little dog enjoys you beautiful garden too. Just wonderful and so enjoyable to see!
Margaret, I just saw your post about your plans on growing New Guinea Impatiens from seed. In case my experience might be helpful, I wanted to share. In 2012, I lost all of my regular impatiens to downy mildew. Since I normally use 14 flats of impatiens for my shade beds surrounding my house, I was devastated, thinking I had lost these colorful shade growers forever. For 2013, I decided I would try something new and grow New Guinea impatiens from seed since they are immune to downy mildew. I found the seeds available in the Jung catalog. I ordered 500 seeds and set up 12 shop lights with double 48" grow bulbs in my basement. I studied everything I could find about how to successfully grow New Guinea impatiens from seed and even got the proper grow mix directly from a nursery supplier. I planted all 500 seeds and was dismayed that only about 40% of the seeds emerged. Additionally, there was then a steady die-off of the remaining seedlings for no apparent reason over the next two weeks until I was left with only 75 little plants. In dismay, I ended up contacting a farmer I had met at the farmer's market that owned a large greenhouse complex and he indicated that cuttings were the way he grew the New Guineas he sells and that seeds were extremely tricky and difficult. I scoured the internet and found a source and ordered 440 New Guinea cuttings (aka "plugs"). When they arrived in these two boxes, my sister and I spent 5 straight hours getting them potted up when they arrived. After they were all potted, I put them up on my light table and in no time, the plants took right off! In spring, I moved the now nice sized plants into my small greenhouse to transition them to the outdoors, where I ended up planting them in my beds just as I had previously done with regular impatiens. Out of 440 plants, only six didn't make it to maturity (mostly because I accidentally dropped a tray and snapped them off!). The plants ended up blooming beautifully all the way until frost and I was really pleased! In contrast, by planting time, I only had 12 (out of 500) of the seed-grown plants still alive. I put them in a spot in one of my beds to see what would happen. They made leaves, but never made a bloom. I'll be doing this again this year using cuttings only. I just wanted to share my experience on the New Guineas, Martha, in case it was helpful. Here are a few pictures from my experience last year in case they are of interest: http://www.flickr.com/photos/60703385@N07/sets/72157640663661254/
Great pictures. . .
Hi Martha, Just want to pop back in again to thank you for
sharing your answer to my question regarding the impatiens.
I have also had to convert to growing begonias as well, in
some shaded areas to help stretch the cost of new guinea impatiens. Did try experimenting by taking cuttings of new
guinea to see if they would root in water...nope..NOT SUCCESSFUL!! Anyway- It's always fun to see what happens!
Do wish you much luck Martha and to you John429 !!!
Hello John. Thank you for helping me with your experience growing New Guinea Impatiens.So sorry they died off for you!! I have had the same problem with vinca. I have grown new guinea impatiens twice before without any problems. Very lucky I guess. They flowered really well too. I germinated mine in a greenhouse type salad container with bottom heat at 72°. and I poked holes in the bottom for drainage.They need light to germinate so I didn't cover the seeds and placed my shop light 2" from the top of the container. Also used a soiless growing medium. I bought my seeds from Harris Seed Co.. They say they have an 84% germination rate. I start them in Feb. so they are ready to set out by June 1st after the soil has warmed. Cross you fingers for me because I am starting them today! Can you tell me where you get the cuttings from just incase I don't succeed this time? I can't thank you enough for taking the time to help me and warning me of the potential for serious problems! I appreciate your kindness. Happy gardening!
Yes, Garden Smiles those are my boxwood shrubs. I've been very lucky to have had nice boxwoods where ever I plant them. I don't ahave to baby them at all during the winter either. I have been reading up on starting them from cuttings. I'm going to give it a try this year along with some hydrangeas. I've just got to pick up some rooting compound and vermiculite. Wish me luck. I haven't done much with my front yard yet. But as soon as we get a design figured out we will get to work. If my body can take it that is. It gets harder every year! I have to remember to stop, walk around and stretch! Lol Thank you for the nice comments! I really love everyones pictures on here. Very inspiring to me!
Yes, Garden Smiles those are my boxwood shrubs. I've been very lucky to have had nice boxwoods where ever I plant them. I don't ahave to baby them at all during the winter either. I have been reading up on starting them from cuttings. I'm going to give it a try this year along with some hydrangeas. I've just got to pick up some rooting compound and vermiculite. Wish me luck. I haven't done much with my front yard yet. But as soon as we get a design figured out we will get to work. If my body can take it that is. It gets harder every year! I have to remember to stop, walk around and stretch! Lol Thank you for the nice comments! I really love everyones pictures on here. Very inspiring to me!
ml73alhi:
Boxwood is easy to propagate by layering... bend a branch to the ground, place a rock on it, keep moist and within a month it will root... than cut off and plant.
Martha, the cuttings were a little tricky to get since they were only available wholesale. Please shoot me an e-mail if you like at [email protected] and I'll be glad to fill you in on the details :-)
Hi Martha... yes, it is quite easy to propagate boxwood. When I prune to shape mine I stick the largest branches in the soil and then about 8months later they are rooted. And then I move them around and start new gardens... I so love the boxwoods...I hope this helps too,
Thank you greenjeans. Very helpful. I have done the layering type before with great success but I'm thinking I will do a bunch with rooting hormone and vermiculite. Thanks for your help!
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