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READER PHOTOS! Jan's garden in Wisconsin

comments (12) February 17th, 2012 in blogs

Michelle Gervais, Associate Editor

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2 WAYS TO ENLARGE! Click directly on the photo to enlarge in a pop-up, or click HERE to see this image, larger, in a new browser window.

2 WAYS TO ENLARGE! Click directly on the photo to enlarge in a pop-up, or click HERE to see this image, larger, in a new browser window.

Photo: Courtesy of Jan Murin

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Another Wisconsin garden! Today's photos are from Jan Murin. She says, "I garden near Lake Michigan in southeastern Wisconsin. It is a corner lot with the neighbor's shrubs on the north border and a line of trees to the west.

The first picture is of the front patio. A few years ago we took out the standard 4-foot-wide concrete path to the front door and replaced it with a flagstone patio. We planted wooly thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus, Zones 5-9) between some of the stones and there are two benches (the second one is just off to the right). It's semi-secluded by evergreens, panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata cvs., Zones 4-8), red-flowered 'Stewartstonian' azaleas (Rhododendron 'Stewartstonian', one of my favorite plants, Zones 5-9), and a clump of 'Northwind' switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'Northwind', Zones 5-9) and is a perfect spot for morning coffee or evening wine while chatting with the neighbors.

The next two photos are from the back patio. The red-flowered shrubs are 'Stewartstonian' azaleas, and the white-flowered shrubs are fothergilla (Fothergilla sp., Zones 4-8). The south side of the patio is mostly a shade garden of hellebores and hostas.

To the north is a small pond. We didn't want a waterfall and the water flows from between stones at ground level. The pond is popular with the birds so we try to keep a small area open all winter.

Beyond the pond is a border garden of flowering shrubs, perennials and annuals. This area is always changing because I frequently trade plants with friends and neighbors."

Beautiful, Jan! I especially love your pond. Thanks for sending in your photos!

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posted in: Seating, Wisconsin

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Comments (12)

pattyspencer writes: Beautiful area! Can't decide which picture I like the best as they are all sooooo pretty. Really like that you added the blue balls around the pond. Posted: 10:45 pm on February 17th

Luvfall writes: TerieLR, Michelle is right, the plant is a Siberian Cypress.

Vojt, the large evergreen behind the tree is pinus sylvestris Hillside Creeper on a 2ft standard.

The blue balls - there actually are three of them - are just whimsy. The pond is not 'natural', but I'm complimented that you ask.

Thank you all for your lovely comments. Posted: 5:24 pm on February 17th

sheilaschultz writes: What I miss about living in the midwest is the lush greenery with the vibrant fall colors. Don't miss the gray winter skies and a lot of the temps at all! Jan, your pond is outstanding and your gardens are very inviting. Posted: 3:34 pm on February 17th

tractor1 writes:

Jan's plantings are lovely, and I especially like those mature trees and all the evergreens. I'm happy to see bird feeders in pictures 2&4, I wish more people would have them. The little pond is artistically edged in stones, is it natural? I know others must be wondering so I'll ask, what is the significance of that pair of blue balls by the pond? And what is the purpose of what appears to be electrical wire wrapped round and round those tree trunks at the pond, I'd think they'd make a good lightening attractant. And lastly those two mature trees need some arborist remediation, the one to the right needs that hollow filled to keep water out, looks like it's already split to the ground from water entering and freezing; may need to be cabled. And the severed horizontal limb stump on the tree to the left needs protection from rain and snow to keep moisture from entering and causing dry rot... maybe a large hanging planter suspended to act as an umbrella but leaving an air space for ventilation. If insects are noticed boring in protect the cut wood with a cap of window screen attached to the bark with caulking compound.

Posted: 1:51 pm on February 17th

mgervais writes: terieLR--I'll jump in here--that ferny plant behind the pond, if I'm right, isn't a fern at all. It looks like Siberian cypress (Micribiota decussata, USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7). I love that plant. I've seen it in tons of gardens, and it always looks absolutely perfect. Posted: 11:09 am on February 17th

wwross writes:
Michelle -- I am not worthy! These gardens just get better and better. Great mid-Winter inspiration!
Posted: 10:49 am on February 17th

GreenGrowler writes: Jan, your pond is lovely - it looks so natural, like it's been there forever. Transforming your front walk into such an inviting, useable area is icing on the cake. Everything about your garden is peacefully beautiful! Posted: 10:20 am on February 17th

Vojt writes: What a wonderful setting in which to garden! Lovely. What is the dense conifer behind the tree and bench in the front patio photo? Posted: 9:32 am on February 17th

terieLR writes: The variety of trees, shrub and perennials come together to make this a spectacular garden. You have a great backdrop to show off your selection of favorites. Question~ What variety of fern is on the backside of your pond? We will be landscaping a similar area this coming spring so I am on the lookout for ideas. Love, love your space Jan!

Posted: 8:45 am on February 17th

janet1954 writes: This is a very beautiful garden.Its just breathe taking.The fall colors.Just a beautiful job. Posted: 7:47 am on February 17th

meander1 writes: Oh, phoo, not that is matters to anyone but I mistyped "fothergilla". I know we all hate when we make a mistake like that. Posted: 7:41 am on February 17th

meander1 writes: What an absolutely beautiful area Jan has created in her front entry area. I am enjoying my morning coffee right along with her as my eyes soak up that peaceful setting.
Everything about Jan's gardens communicates a very appealing serenity and yet, it certainly doesn't lack pops of color. Is that red leafed tree that is harmonizing so beautifully with the azaleas a Japanese maple? And, wow, I didn't know fotherfilla could get so large...that one (or clump?) behind the azaleas is stunning. Posted: 7:39 am on February 17th

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