Garden Photo of the Day

Surprises Amongst Gravel

By Kim Charles

Verbascum

Tim Vojt from Columbus, Ohio has placed many unique succulent suprises amongst the stones, in his unique gravel garden.

"I've finally slowed down enough to download some photos of my gravel garden. This spring, despite the ups and downs of bizarre weather, has ushered in a lot of color and texture in my gravel garden, which I started in 2008. My latest endeavors have been removing some aggressive beasts, like wooly thyme, exposing more gravel and of course making room for new plants. A favorite new addition this spring is Dudleya cymosa 'Orange Form'. Allegedly hardy to at least zone 6, I'll be crushed if it doesn't make it through the winter. I have two Hesperaloes with bloom spikes. The straight species plant has been in the ground for four years and is making its first flower. 'Brakelights' (Perpa) was in bloom when I bought it last year, but sort of funky. This year the bloom spike are living up to their name even before they bloom, causing me to slam on the brakes everything I go out to the gravel garden."

Have a garden you'd like to share? Email 5-10 photos and a brief story about your garden to [email protected]. Please include where you are located!

Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening!

You don't have to be a professional garden photographer – check out our garden photography tips!

Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here.

Follow us: @finegardening on Twitter | FineGardeningMagazine on Facebook @finegardening on Instagram

Asphodeline lutea

Buckiniczia cabulica

Dudleya cymosa 'Orange Form'

Gravel garden

Hesperaloe parviflora 'Brakelights'

Penstemon eatonii

Physaria newberryi seedpods

Tanacetum & Dianthus simulans

Thyme

View Comments

Comments

  1. jeffgoodearth 05/26/2017

    Well, Tim, another post from your backyard that gives my checkbook problems. I must have that Dudleya! I will create an area for it this year and order next spring. It all looks great as always and shows me plants I never knew existed!

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      That Dudleya was the cause for my first order from Annie's Annuals. Shipping is a little pricey from CA to OH, so I had been reluctant to place an order, but this one tipped me over the edge. Arrowhead Alpines also carries some hardy Dudleyas. I was shocked at its size; I expected something the size of a Sempervivum, but this is the size of a small Agave!

  2. frankgreenhalgh 05/26/2017

    Hello there Tim - Nice to see different aspects of your interesting and stimulating gardens. I'm with Jeff, the Dudleya captured my attention. I'm glad that you are making time to get out into your garden and enjoy the fruits of your intellectual and physical endeavours. Cheers from Oz, mate

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Thanks, Frank. The big spring chores are mostly done and I do have time to just patrol and enjoy what's growing. That Dudleya is a gem and now I want to try more, but perhaps I should wait to make sure it will survive.

  3. Maggieat11 05/26/2017

    It is always a treat to see your garden photos featured, Tim. We know we are going to see some interesting, cool plants. No exception today! Fabulous! I'm not even going to try to pick a fave.... Oh, OK , maybe the "Brakelights"... it's all great. And love the incorporation of rocks into your gardens as well. Best Wishes!

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Thanks, Diane! Some of the rocks were being swallowed by plants, so I've been removing some aggressive growers so they can share the spotlight!

  4. Jay_Sifford 05/26/2017

    Tim, this is a kind of gardening that I do not do, so I can appreciate your gravel garden all the more. It's fascinating. Great job!

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Thanks, Jay. I really love the alpine and desert plants that can adapt to my climate this way.

  5. user-3565112 05/26/2017

    Good morning Tim, You've mastered yet another style of gardening. I like the way this garden is laid out with the open areas at the perimeter. To me it looks like an oasis in a desert. Like all of your gardens there are unusual plants perfectly arranged. In your yard. "No two gardens are the same.No two days are the same in one garden" Hugh Johnson
    Thank you for posting & good luck,

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Thanks, Joe. It's all trial and error, with *lots* of error! I love that quote. This time of year, the garden is even different from morning to evening.

    2. User avater
      LindaonWhidbey 05/26/2017

      Another good garden quote, Joe, and so true.

      1. user-3565112 05/26/2017

        Good afternoon Linda,It seems to fit Tim's style.
        Good luck , Joe

  6. user-7007498 05/26/2017

    Good morning, Tim. As soon as I woke up and saw the photo of the verbascum, I knew it had to be your garden. I am so happy to see your awesome handiwork. What a great way to end the week. As always, you force me to google in the morning. I have several pages open so I can go back and forth and read about these cool plants while jumping back to your post. I love what you have done.

    I forgot, did you replace all the soil with gravel, and how deep is It? Do I recall that this area was previously paved, or am I thinking of someone else. Anyway, I am so envious of your incredible skill and plant selection.

    I just obtained Manfeda undulata 'Cherry Chocolate Chip' from Plant Delights last week. I am looking for a great container to put it in. I bought it after seeing your Manfreda last year. Now I will have to place another order. That Dudleya looks amazing, but so do many others you have shown us.

    Have a great weekend.

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Thanks, Kevin. I'll be excited to see how 'Cherry Chocolate Chip' performs for you. As it grows and multiplies in your container, you should definitely divide it and try it in a sunny, gravely part of your garden mounds.
      You remember correctly about the gravel garden history. It was historically a gravel parking area that had grown over with weedy grass when we bought the property. I stripped off the 'sod' and just loosened the top layer of dirty gravel. It's probably five or six inches deep of loose, dirty gravel, on top of about 4 inches of hard packed large gravel, on top of clay. Top dressed with pea gravel.

  7. User avater
    treasuresmom 05/26/2017

    Wow! Just no words! Amazing!

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Thanks! I feel that way, too, some days.

  8. anibanani 05/26/2017

    Thank you for listing the names of plants. You have a nice variety to showcase.

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Thanks. I always am on the lookout for new plants, so I really appreciate it when others identify their plants.

  9. User avater
    meander_michaele 05/26/2017

    I feel like I have to make sure my passport is up to date to visit the interesting and exotic world of your gravel garden, Tim. Include me as a big fan of 'Brakelights'...looks to be in the perfect spot next to the symbolic column. And I'm quite captivated by the slender wavy tentacles of the Asphodeline lutea ...I think I would nickname it the octopus plant. And then there's the adorable mound of the Dianthus simulans...makes me go "Ahh...so sweet."

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Thanks, Michaele. I love the Asphodeline for the foliage. The flower spike? Meh. It's the yellow spike of flowers you can see to the right in the overall view. Not pathetic, but I wouldn't grow it if it didn't have that tangle of octopus tentacles!

  10. User avater
    JaninaG 05/26/2017

    Thanks you, beautiful and i love having the names, helps me identify mine.... and also giives me more ideas , never thought of grave, now will have to checck..... Looks awesome..... Hope I have some pictures to show in about 6 months after 2 years gardening :) Best wishes and many thanks from OZ :)

  11. User avater
    user-7007816 05/26/2017

    Tim, Great to see your garden and the variety of plants. I appreciate the names of the plants. I'll be on the lookout for several of them.

    1. frankgreenhalgh 05/26/2017

      Very nice garden, Dale

    2. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      That's beautiful, Dale. I love the shape and the undulating grass path. Looks like you have some nice, hardy cactus. It's hard to see, but is that a Cholla in front the Opuntia in about the middle of the bed?

    3. inesmalardino 05/26/2017

      Stunning array of greens...

  12. NCYarden 05/26/2017

    Good morning, Tim. What an awesome injection of plants in one of the most unexpected gardens in Ohio. I dig the hopeful risk taking attitude you have....and it's certainly paying dividends. So cool that you have this distinct area among all the other incredible plants you have throughout the garden. I've had my eye on Asphodeline lutea for some time now, but always talk myself out of it, but seeing it in your garden has me thinking I may just have to do it, just like the Gladiolus 'Boone' you "persuaded" me to acquire. I wish these unique plants had been doing their thing when I was up there. But I'm definitely looking forward to next time.

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Things definitley look different than they did in April! I lost my A. lutea 'Italian Gold' from Plant Delights because I planted it in normal to heavy soil in the back garden (I think). This one was sold as A. taurica, but was mislabelled. Back to the search.
      Certainly enjoyed the short visit!

      1. NCYarden 05/26/2017

        Ha, sweet. Another gardening dynamic duo of sorts. This is a good reminder of the change that can happen in such a short while. Gotta come see the thick of the growing season...soon.

      2. User avater
        meander_michaele 05/26/2017

        What a treat to see you both looking so happy to have an in person visit.

        1. User avater
          Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

          Oh, I'm expecting a big spread of southern hospitality comfort food! Oh wait, you're a transplant. Tea in the garden will do!

    2. user-7007498 05/26/2017

      You are certainly making the gardening rounds, David. I like the picture Tim posted of both of you.

      1. NCYarden 05/26/2017

        Thanks , Kevin. Nothing like seeing a garden in person, and even better to meet the person(s) who created it. Trying my best to make social media truly social. Hope to hit up Jay's garden next. Then maybe on to Tennessee...Michaele? Jeff? Then who knows where...PNW? So many great gardens on here.

        1. User avater
          LindaonWhidbey 05/26/2017

          Come on out, David. At last count I have 29 J. Maples to show you:)

          1. NCYarden 05/26/2017

            Fantastic! Putting it on the itinerary.

          2. Meelianthus 05/26/2017

            If you are ever making the rounds of the PNW David, and the Islands, come to visit Bainbridge, I would love to give you a tour of my small garden and you must have Bloedel's, Heronswood, and Windcliff on your list if you trip out this way.

          3. NCYarden 05/26/2017

            Sounds wonderful. Well this is shaping up to be quite the potential excursion. I hope to make this happen.

        2. User avater
          meander_michaele 05/26/2017

          Oh wow, the below picture puts a huge smile on my face! Two happy gardeners who can look at a seemingly empty spot and see visions of plant wonderfulness (ha, I wasn't sure if spellcheck was going to let me get away with that variation on "wonderful"). I'm sure it's true for Jeff and I am happy to say that the welcome mat is also out here in little old Friendsville TN for a, hopefully, enjoyable garden walk about...just don't ask me to cook.

          1. NCYarden 05/26/2017

            Heck yeah! Alright, then. You can expect Christine and I at some point.

        3. user-6536305 05/26/2017

          Well, Take a detour to Vancouver, Canada while you are in PNW.

  13. Chris_N 05/26/2017

    You always have the greatest plants, Tim. Sadly things will not slow down for me until July so just this short comment. I'll look closer at all your treasures this evening. Unless I'm out working in the garden!

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Thanks, Chris. It's a busy garden and work time of year!

  14. User avater
    HelloFromMD 05/26/2017

    Hey Tim, have always loved your gravel garden. Great to include a pic of the garden as a whole as your garden is more than the sum of its parts. The design is so strong. Would love to see some pics of all those cool plants you have ordered from over seas.

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Thanks, Nancy. I've had a lot of flops from this past winter's batch of international orders.There are descendents of your penstemon doing fine in the gravel garden. There are a few new plants in the gravel garden ordered from Japan and Lithuania, but they aren't doing much, yet. Here's one that I ordered from Japan that finished blooming last month: diminuitive Pulsatilla turczaninovii.

      1. User avater
        LindaonWhidbey 05/26/2017

        Ooh, that's beautiful. Is there a magnolia near it or are those petals from something more exotic?

        1. User avater
          Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

          It's a charming little plant, about two years old. I'm anxious to see how it bulks up. It set seed that I scattered nearby, but I don't know if it is self fertile. Yep: my neighbor's standard Magnolia that reaches over the fence and scatters lovely petals when the wind blows!

      2. User avater
        HelloFromMD 05/26/2017

        Mail order is so frustrating. All the money I've wasted. Before my policy was to buy 3 and plant in 3 different locations. That has worked and often only 1/3 lived. Last year I created a nursery bed so I hope that will help the small starts get some girth before getting out and competing for nutrients with the established plants. I also planted Rooguchia clematis in the center since it got powdery mildew so bad in the other 3 locations. Still how else can we get the cool plants besides mail order?
        Oh I meant to tell you I had the best luck ever. I walked into a nursery and there were 10, one gallon pots of Spotty Dotty mayapple. So I got to plant a huge one in the garden, so should be good to go for over wintering.

        1. User avater
          Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

          Mail order can really be frustrating! Once I find a good nursery that does great mail order, I don't like to let it go, but still humans are humans, and the mail service is the mail service. Great score on Spotty Dotty. I've never seen anything but P. peltatum anywhere locally.

  15. sheila_schultz 05/26/2017

    Well Mr. Vojt, this was an unexpected pleasure to be able to see your gravel garden on a very busy Friday morning! It is such a peaceful little garden filled with unique treasures, I do love it. Your new baby, the Dudleya, is perfect and the subtle color is sublime... but I have to say that the Buckiniczia cabulica will always have my heart. I love that plant and your Physaria newberryi makes the ideal neighbor! Finally, I must admit to a more than a little plant envy, your Dianthus simulans is thriving while I could never keep mine alive. You've got the magic touch, my friend!

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Thanks, Sheila. I have three Dianthus Simulans. This one had been jakey for a while and this year has filled in (minus the dead margins from being flopped on by the partridge feather). The other two were stunning pools of cushiony goodness two years ago and now are full of holes where the stems have fallen apart. Picky and unpredictable! Don't get too busy; slow and steady wins the race!

  16. thevioletfern 05/26/2017

    Wonderful! I love, love, love this garden. So much to see. I hope you have a nice "cocktail" chair nearby to study this garden. That's where I would be. And, uh, thank you for contributing to my plant addiction. I just ordered Dianthus Simulans. If it makes you feel any better it was already on my wish list (along with possibly the entire plant kingdom that is hardy to Z4 LOL).

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      I spend a lot of time walking around this part of the garden and do a lot of crouching. It's also visible from one of our kitchen windows, at least until that window is totally blocked by banana leaves!
      I'm sure you will love and have wild success with the Dianthus. It seems to resent our hot, humid weather. You should have a mound of goodness in no time!

  17. perenniallycrazy 05/26/2017

    Your gravel garden is truly a treasure trove of delights! I'm sure you've triggered some plantlust in many GPODers, myself being one of them. Boy, that wish list of mine has lengthened once again. Thanks Tim!

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      It's my job to be a plant PR person, Cherry! :)

  18. User avater
    Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

    Hi Diane. The Verbascum is grown from seeds I bought from a guy in Greece and was mislabeled; it's in its second year and doesn't show any sign of blooming, so I don't know if it will set seed. The other one I grow, V. bobyciferum, doesn't seem to set seed for me, although I know it does for others.
    This Dianthus rarely blooms, which is good because I grow it for the foliage, which is somewhat firm and prickly. Attached is a photo of it's tiny blossoms.

  19. sithanthialfred 05/26/2017

    Stunning garden with gravel and succulents,almost perfect.Is the absence of a water feature deliberate ? Would have loved to see some water ,goes well with the stones!

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Oooh. A water feature. That would be lovely. I've tried water features in other parts of the garden, but it is a major attraction for raccoons, who destroy everything around the water feature in order to bathe and wash their food!

  20. Sunshine111 05/26/2017

    Wow Tim! How cool! I have never seen anything like this. Thank you for sharing your talents with us all.

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Thanks, Lily! It's less talent and more dumb luck.... :)

  21. sharonmalvicksorensen 05/26/2017

    Beautiful! I'm curious though, what kind of protection do you provide for your harsh winters?

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Hi Sharon. I provide little to no protection for anything in the garden. We've had unbelievable mild winters the past two years and dreadful winters the two years before. There's one plant in the gravel garden, Manfreda undulata 'Chocolate Chip' that gets covered with a little burlap-and-straw pillow to mitigate the coldest weather for a few days in winter, but other than that, I can't be bothered... :)

  22. VikkiVA 05/26/2017

    Oh TIm, drool, drool, drool. Loved perusing these pictures and seeing all the amazing plants you have. 'Breaklights' is so beautiful and I love the color of the Physaria newberryi and it's seedpods. Is that a cherry tomato in the picture? The Buckiniczia cabulica is so intriguing. You are to be applauded for all your hard work, it sure has paid off in stunning dividends. Vikki in VA

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Thanks so much, Vikki. Hope your garden is thriving. You guys have had storms quite frequently this spring, haven't you? The little red orb near the Physaria is a marble. I dig them up in the yard regularly, so I scatter them about. Sometimes I purposely move the blue and white one that is in the thyme photo to include in pictures for a sense of scale.

      1. VikkiVA 05/26/2017

        Yes indeed we have had mega rain this spring. Yesterday several downpours with about 1" of rain. Today sunny...need to mow the grass. I also have orbs in my garden, mostly inexpensive paperweights I get at the thrift store.

        1. User avater
          Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

          Enjoy your beautiful day! Nice idea on the paperweights.

        2. NCYarden 05/26/2017

          No doubt, Vikki, right? I so need to mow as well, but its gonna have to wait another day or two. Pretty squishy out on the lawn areas at present. But the plants sure are happy. Enjoy the weekend.

  23. annek 05/26/2017

    Love the gravel loving plants. You've designed an area that is unique yet so cohesive, it is calming. Beautifully done. (Those seed pods on the physaria are fascinating)

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Thanks. I love that Physaria. Small but mighty. The leaves are amazing; the yellow flowers are ok, but those seedpods: brilliant!

  24. cynthiamccain 05/26/2017

    In a word, "Wow!" I was especially struck by your Dudleya and 'Brakelights' Hesperaloe. Your gravel garden is very artfully laid out. Thank you, Tim!

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Thanks, Cynthia. It's always a fun work-in-progress!

  25. user-4691082 05/26/2017

    Hi Tim, thanks for sharing your gravel garden. It is a world I know nothing about! I love how you search for unusual specimens and will try things from seed. I have to admit, I miss your heucheras!?

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Hi Rhonda. The Heuchera are still around and thriving this year, although I will admit they are not on the top of my collecting list anymore. But what I've got left are doozies. This is for you:

      1. User avater
        HelloFromMD 05/26/2017

        Love the heucheras, too. I have followed your instructions and have been dividing and replanting mine.

        1. User avater
          Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

          I hope that means you're getting better performance and multiplying plants?! :)

          1. gardeningisfine 05/28/2017

            I must need those instructions. Have never had much luck multiplying heuchera. Your photos are spectacular. Such an interesting planting!

          2. User avater
            Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/28/2017

            I'm pretty brutal with them. I must just be in a Heuchera sweet spot, although I do have some up-and-die syndrome. I just yank the woody Heuchera out of the ground, break them apart, strip off extra leaves and pop them back in ground either spring or fall. No real secrets. Good luck!

      2. Meelianthus 05/26/2017

        Oh WOW Tim! Really beautiful, I think I just don't have enough sun as many of mine develop a fungus that eventually kills them. Yours look to be in a shady area? really a lovely collection and very healthy looking.

        1. User avater
          Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

          Thanks! I do have some that mysteriously up and die and seem to brown inside of the stems, so I suspect fungus, too. I don't have any in full sun, but those in front of the stone sphere get some intense mid-day sun because there is nothing above them; those as you move away from the sphere get pretty dense shade from the Bloodgood maple. I really love having them weave together like this.

          1. Meelianthus 05/26/2017

            So beautiful Tim.

      3. User avater
        meander_michaele 05/26/2017

        The very definition of a plant tapestry.

        1. User avater
          Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

          You know I love that word!

      4. user-4691082 05/26/2017

        Ahhhh, thank you! I got my Tim fix!

        1. User avater
          Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/27/2017

          My pleasure. :) Happy spring gardening.

      5. User avater
        LindaonWhidbey 05/27/2017

        Tim, don't know if you'll see this but I was wondering if you cut off the flowers on your heucheras. My husband/ gardening partner claims that it will strengthen the plant but I personally think that he just doesn't like them while I find them wispy and charming. I've agreed to cut them after I enjoy them for at least a week:)

        1. User avater
          Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/27/2017

          If the I like the flowers, they stay until I dead-head them. If the flowers are non-description, I remove them. I've never thought about the energy they spend blooming, but I don't notice a difference in the plants I do let bloom. Occasionally I get behind on dead heading and get seedlings: some interesting and some blah.

  26. User avater
    LindaonWhidbey 05/26/2017

    Good morning, Tim. I had a feeling that your garden would be showing up soon but didn't expect to see this type of garden. You've had me jumping back and forth between here and Google since these plants are mostly unfamiliar but fascinating, especially after spending time in AZ. We were just talking about adding some thyme to the stone floor in our greenhouse and another gravel area, so thanks for all of the good ideas. That photo of the verbascum really drew me in and I love the physaria newberryi. Thanks so much for closing the week out with a bang.
    Happy long weekend GPODers.

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Happy Friday, Linda. There are so many fascinating plants out there and it is quite amazing how more and more unusual plants are becoming available. Combine that with a concurrent rising awareness about invasive plants and I think it's win-win.
      Have a great, long weekend!

  27. inesmalardino 05/26/2017

    Beautiful and a pond too! Love it and the carved stone...

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Thanks! No pond, though. :)

      1. inesmalardino 05/26/2017

        Opps :)

  28. Meelianthus 05/26/2017

    Tim, your rock garden is just stunning and the Thyme is gorgeous. I have a hard time relating to plants that need so much dry heat AND sun. Too much 'sog' here! but I so enjoy seeing all of your succulents.

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Thanks, Linda. The gravel garden gets plenty of sun, but no dry heat. I've lost plenty, even with the drainage and gravely soil, just because of humidity. I've created a situation in which I can never be happy with the weather. Ample rain: what will happen to my dry-garden plants? Hot and sunny; oh please, God, don't make me water! :)

  29. user-6536305 05/26/2017

    What an exotic and desert looking gorgeous garden with a center stone with Chinese calligraphy: Peace; Calm; Ease" on it. Thanks for sharing your garden Tim! It is so clean, so well designed and so well maintained! Is a gravel garden easy to maintain? I have an impression that gravel garden is hard to maintain because all the leaves and needles fall on it and have to be picked by hands?

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/26/2017

      Thanks for your kind comments, Lillian, and many thanks again for translating the stone-carved calligraphy. I believe you translated it once before, but I lost it. On my computer now!
      Yes, actually, the gravel garden is hard to maintain. I need to regularly remove leaf litter, magnolia petals, maple seeds and other things that blow in. It is also a wonderful place for seeds to sprout; particularly weed seeds. The saving grace is that the gravel garden is small and the clean-up waxes and wanes during the seasons.

  30. janeeliz 05/26/2017

    WOW! Both very HOT and very COOL! So different....I love it!

  31. tennisluv 05/26/2017

    I keep saying I am not a succulent fan and here you come, along with other GPODers, and are slowly but inexorably changing my mind. Don't know if I would ever do a 'gravel' garden but I'm sure I can find a spot for two or three or four or....

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/27/2017

      It's fun how exposure influences taste, isn't it, Sonya? :) And then we wind up incorporating something we hadn't cared for before, but in our own way and style. Share your succulent-conversion images!

      1. tennisluv 05/27/2017

        So glad I joined this blog. You guys are such a hoot (Frank, that it southern for ripper.).

  32. janeeliz 05/26/2017

    Wow...Great job, Tim! VERY HOT... and VERY COOL! So different...I love it!

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/27/2017

      Thanks so much, Jane. It's really been different this year.

  33. Luvfall 05/27/2017

    Tim, visiting your garden must be like a trip to a botanical garden - so many different kinds of gardens. But how do manage to maintain so much negative space in the gravel garden? Most of your garden space that have been featured are so different. And the photo of the verbascum is stunning!

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/27/2017

      It's a small garden, so definitely not like a botanical garden! ? Keeping the negative space is hard for me, but I really love it in the gravel garden and have been removing a lot of spreaders lately to clean it up.

  34. user-5117752 05/27/2017

    Hello to both Tim and Dale! You've taken me on an adventure in gardening! The colors, the shapes, the designs! Simply wonderful! The fact that they are so personal makes them all the more beautiful. I particularly love the Hesperaloe p...... "Brakelight". Almost like a red snake rising to reach the stone. Wish I was up to the challenge. I'd need a gardener.
    Best to you both and thank you for taking the time to share your treasures.

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/28/2017

      Thanks, Judy. Isn't this a great forum for learning and sharing?! :)

      1. user-5117752 05/28/2017

        Sure is!!!

  35. schatzi 05/27/2017

    Sensational, Tim! Unusual plants, incredible variety, great beauty. I especially love Penstemon, so that eatonii caught my attention. But it is all beautiful. Add my place to your PNW itinerary. You will have to spend a month here to get everything in!

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/28/2017

      Thanks, Shirley! I really love the Penstemon and enjoy trying different species. I really love PNW and hope to get back soon. So many people and gardens to see!

  36. linnyg. 05/31/2017

    This "walk-through" was absolutely divine. You gave me lots of wonderful ideas. Very peaceful and inspiring overall. BTW, what does the monolith say in English?
    When we purchased our property back in 1999, two-thirds of the "yard" was in landscaping stones: 3 varying layers, each 6" thick with black plastic dividing each layer. Here in this part of Colorado, we get mucky mud ---- or concrete dry dirt (depending on the water table) and bindweed loves to creep in and take over. Anyway, we have removed most of the rocks, but ran out of energy in our back yard and let it be a dog run. The dog died and I started teaching Internationals a few years ago and "saw" that area would be a perfect Asian Garden (aka: the lazy way out). I'm trying to keep plastic out of this area (all stone/ceramic pots) and only planting what originates from Asian countries. Between building up berms, doing some plantings, and sorting out what the birds bring in (including a Catawba tree and hollyhocks - both originate from the Orient) it has been morphing over the years. It turns out to be a garden I love to just sit in and -----breathe!
    So I will be researching more succulents which hail (hate to use that term since hail is one of our mortal enemies) from Asia and can take our winters. Thank you SO much for sharing, Tim.

    1. User avater
      Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 05/31/2017

      Thanks, Linda. Lillian Ho translated the stone for me in her comment: Peace; Calm; Ease. I just ignorantly loved it. Have you shared pictures of your Asian garden? sounds great. I lived in Denver for five years (decades ago) and I remember the scourge of bindweed and Hail. My first real garden bible for my Ohio garden was Lauren Springer's The Undaunted Garden. I had no idea of the rich variety of plants one can grow in that beautiful area of the country with the most erratic weather I've ever experienced!!

      1. linnyg. 06/01/2017

        Oh so you understand why I am so excited about furthering my Asian garden built in the rocks! Actually, my first garden experiences were in western Washington where all you had to do was look at a plant and it grew (as well as the weeds). Then to the open prairie of Montana for a decade where it gets down to 35 below and there can be snow on the ground for up to 6 months - wonderful insulator! What grows there grows well. Then been down here since 1988 and am amazed at what does survive. I will have to check out that book! I'll see if I have a pic of the Asian garden.

        1. linnyg. 06/01/2017

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Related Articles

The Latest