Northern Michigan Lavender Garden

Sandy7880, member

36 users recommend

Former meadow, now garden retreat

Photo by Sandy Waldrop

Lavender in full bloom

Photo by Sandy Waldrop

A seat in Provence...lavender, that is!

Photo by Sandy Waldrop

Butterfly haven

Photo by Sandy Waldrop

Old pump, new home

Photo by Sandy Waldrop

Former meadow, now garden retreat

Photo: Photo by Sandy Waldrop

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A few years ago, this area of our Leelanau County, MI, property was just an open field used primarily to stack winter firewood.  Over the course of several summers, my husband and I developed a four-section garden with separate paths all leading to a center seating area which is partly-shaded by a pergola.  My husband designed and built the pergola, the brick patio and the paths--the joys of plant selection, planting and nurturing have been mine.  We tried to choose plants that were xeric or semi-xeric, so relatively little supplemental watering is required.  It's now our favorite place to unwind.     

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African Violet, bi-color leaves

Comments (9)

Ruth writes: For more about this garden (the winning entry in our photo challenge), see http://www.finegardening.com/item/15933/lavender-garden-wins-backyard-garden-spaces-contest Posted: 9:14 am on September 22nd

mpstinson writes: What a peaceful and beautiful garden! I love the stark simplicity of the pergola. It's a perfect centerpiece and focal point for your lavender-laden garden! Posted: 3:16 am on September 21st

AlleysMom writes: Outstanding!! Would you consider posting a list of the plants you used? Posted: 8:38 pm on September 20th

csdaug01 writes: Absolutely beautiful retreat. I love lavendar and you have created a wonderful place to relax, meditate, enjoy the fabulous aroma of the lavendar. Congrats on every element of it. Posted: 5:48 pm on July 29th

peegee13 writes: Lovely. Are the creepers thyme? Posted: 1:51 pm on July 27th

peace_and_quiet writes: Congratulations on your win! You have a really lovely garden, so relaxing. Your planting & nurturing will pay you back for years to come, beautiful job!! Posted: 7:10 pm on July 21st

Sandy7880 writes: Becca062: Thank you! I have 4 varieties of lavender (so far!): Provence (the tallest and most fragrant), Twickel (a little fussy if we get too much snow, but it blooms from July to October or November), Hidcote (my favorite short-blooming variety because of the deep color), and Munstead (about the same height as Hidcote but more of a periwinkle color). I have not tried growing lavender from seed but have read that it may not bloom until the second year. Good luck! Posted: 5:53 pm on July 21st

Becca062 writes: Beautiful! Do you know what varieties of Lavender those are? I am trying my hand at growing lavender from seed this year, 'Vera' is what I am trying, but it has not yet bloomed. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Posted: 4:50 pm on July 20th

Wife_Mother_Gardener writes: Beautiful job... definitely has a designer's eye... I love how the red tones in the grass, sedum and your pergola echo each other...especially in the midst of the sea of purple lavender... Posted: 10:01 pm on July 19th

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