As I've said, I've been combing through old emails lately, finding lots of gems that somehow slipped through my grasp last year. This is a prime example, from Michaeline Torres. She says, "My husband Jose and I made a corporate move from San Diego to the Twin Cities, Minnesota about nine years ago. We bought a home in a new development, and the lot had only very tall weeds, and a few mature pines. So we went to work designing and planting, and this is where it is so far. It is constantly evolving, as I am learning so much about gardening in the Midwest. I had been a Southern California gardener up until that point. I really went Hosta happy as I did not have those in California. I think they are a beautiful staple plant. We also planted many lovely hardy shrubs and perennials, with favorites being Spiraea 'Tor' and Hydrangea 'Limelight'. In the front we have 'Blanc double de Coubert', 'Rose Rugosa Alba', and 'Polareis' roses (Must have roses! I'm a Cali girl!) with hardy geranium 'Johnson's Blue' mixed in, as well as Viburnum 'Blue Muffin' and boxwood. We also have a south-facing perennial garden that is still evolving with trial and error. All we aim to do now is begin designing the hardscape." Beautiful, Michaeline! I think we need photos from THIS year, too!
OK, everyone, I've started going back through the archives and finding some great stuff to post, but in the meantime, I'm not getting any new submissions! Those of you on the west coast and down south, we're looking at you… Up here in the northern states, we're just barely waking up, but we KNOW you've got some garden goin' on. Send in some photos! Email me at [email protected]. Thanks!
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Comments
I love the ethereal quality of your garden Michaeline and Jose! I can't wait to see the hardscaping phase of your beautiful garden and home. Thank you Michelle for digging deep into the lost archives for these photos.
That amazing transition had to be a shock to your systems! You've met the challenge head-on with success. I love the white flowers and hostas have so much variety that one could garden exclusively with them. I'm waiting for the day when a breeder gets the red and purple from some hosta's leaf stems (forgetting the technical term) up into the actual leaves. That will be a million-dollar hosta!
I can't wait for that hosta too,each year closer and closer Tim. It will be a "gotta have it plant"
I love that tiny frog with the water lily!
That had to be quite the adjustment all the way around, Michaeline, going from southern CA to the upper midwest. It looks like you found a great gardening groove and have done a beautiful job with your once bare yard. It now has a lovely park-like vibe and that lush, green lawn welcomes strolling to admire the hosta and other happy plants filling the beds. Great job.
Simply beautiful.... The Lime Light is one of my favorite hydrangeas and yours is gorgeous. You and your husband have done a wonderful job. Arent you glad you are not in California now... with the water shortage going on and on and on..Let us see more this summer of your hardscape. Thanks for sharing with us...
I'm lovin' it! Your Limelight is awesome. One of my faves, also. Great job~ looking forward to more photos.
The blue and white is a super combination, formal like the columns but a relaxed shape. Hope the deer don't find your neighborhood.
It appears Minnesota has embraced 2 more gardeners and rewarded your carefully thought out plans in return. I'm sure the neighborhood is grateful and draws inspiration from you both. Do you has any issues with slug on your hosta? What a beautiful variety. I see the birds have found a santuary in your backyard also. It's a perfect setting for them. Happy 10th-year Spring!
Quite a zonal transition! This garden is very beautiful. I like the small park appeal. Enjoy the hostas - they are a great plant, and I hope you never ever have to deal with a vole in your garden. Thanks for sharing.
Such a lovely garden ! I love the gently curving beds with the small pond and bench and the intriguing path. Your plant choices are terrific and show off from a distance as well as close-up. I will certainly look forward to more photos and to seeing future projects. I'll bet your neighbors love you ! The Limelight Hydrangea looks so happy ! Thanks
Michaeline and Jose you've transformed a bare lot into a lovely and tranquil garden that must be the highlight of your neighbourhood. I love the restful blue and white colour scheme. Do you add other colours from time to time? Can't wait to see how your hardscaping works out. Thank you.
Michaeline, you and Jose certainly embraced a totally different style of gardening when you moved to the Midwest. Your yard really is like a park! It's beautiful and there's no doubt the birds and the bees are quite thrilled you moved to their neighborhood! I'm eager to see more photos!
You have a beautiful and peaceful garden. It must be a relaxing place to sit
after a hard days work. Quite a change from dry California.
Michaeline and Jose ~ It is really hard to imagine that this 'lot with weeds' now looks like a lush and beautiful park. What a wonderful job you have done throughout, I would love to stroll thru it and sit by your little pond. . . . is that frog real?? very cute. Thanks for sharing all of your hard work.
I have to agree - park-like indeed. Beautiful. Love the pines and hostas and water lily and friend. I didn't think I liked Limelight until I saw yours. Gorgeous. The blue and white color scheme is very cool and restful. Lovely job.
Love the park-like setting you've created. I can imagine it in early morning with lots of bird song.
So lush. You must not have deer visiting... So pretty !
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