GreenGrowler

So peaceful and serene..can almost hear the birds in the trees. Soothing and naturalistic; a great way to spend time with a good book & glass of wine....
I bet tractor1 appreciates the "water under the bridge" ...and thanks, T1, for the vocabulary lesson - I now know what "riprap" means!

Love the "butterbur" as well - wonder if it would grow in Zone 4-5? Maybe it would be more well-mannered as plants typically grow 1/3 less in dry Colorado... Eclectic is the perfect description of your serene garden.. Thanks for sharing, Ann!

So cute! And perfect for your garden pond, Trina - what a great imagination!

Finally forcing myself to break away from an incredibly crushing work week (going on stress-week #3), I've so enjoyed seeing the delightful, creative posts of garden art. There are so many "found-artists" among us!

Terie, sorry to hear our Mother gave your area the "cold shoulder" - hope things are salvagable....we've been blessed with 80-degree weather here in Colorado - hope Mother doesn't look our way!

Meander1, hope you are over the hump and feeling like yourself! You sound as insightful and cheery as ever!

Cheers to everyone!

What an absolutely gorgeous property! Seven acres...a dream come true! Brooke, you've done a great job so far. With all that space, creativity knows no boundaries. Just the thought of having even one acre makes me swoon; you are one lucky lady.
Beautiful pond, too.

Eva, your fucshia is so dramatically sensual! I can almost feel the lush petals... Thanks for sharing from "across the pond".

Meander1 - so great to have you back! Hope you are recovering well. Just don't get the "itch" and overdo in the garden (spoken from one who does not comprehend the concept of "taking it easy"...)

What a serene, naturalist landscape - you've done a masterful creation with native plants, John. I'm a fan of grasses, too - the annual clean up is really not so bad - one fell swoop and off with their heads!

Meader1 - best wishes for a successful procedure and a speedy recovery!

Absolutely beautiful!!! Stunning setting - I feel you, Vojt; I have a postage-stamp size yard in "suburban hell" - my view from the raised deck is one decrepit metal swing set, and FOUR, yes FOUR trampolines in as many adjacent yards. Trampolines (and those lovely net cages) are the scourge of the decade, in my opinion! Wittyone, I have the same problem with deer - had to pull out all my beautiful daylilies from the front yard. Luckily, my backyard is fenced so most were re-sited. Harriet, you have beautified an already awesome setting!

Ahh, Bleeding heart - one of my faves - and it grows well here! Several of mine are up and have buds; the warm winter caused them to break dormancy early. We had cold & snow a few days this week but they soldiered through! Love the rustic tuteur, too! BTW, awesome photos this week - viewed them all at once today as work drama has kept me from my "daily dose" of inspiration and reading everyone's fun comments.... This week reminded me when I grow up, I want to be retired!

Spring has arrived! I am striving for my creeping phlox to look as good as yours - and the candytuft is a nice foil for the purple. The little stone "hobbit house" is delightful, as well as the rest of the walls & pathways.... I bet tractor1 loves the stonework!

Just when I thought I had seen the best spring display yesterday - here's more of "Brenda's Bulbs" that literally took my breath away!!!! ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!! Thank you, thank you!

What a stunning Spring display! The stone bridge is delightful - everything flows together beautifully. You've done an amazing job, Brenda - thanks so much for a lush dose of Spring.

Brenda, thank you so much for sharing your story. Most of us, at one time or another, focus on what we can't do or obstacles to achieving our desires. Thanks for reminding us that obstacles are largely our own perspective on reality; we truly can find ways to accomplish our heart's desires if we focus on those things we can do. As others have commented, you are inspirational in many ways!

And, like gottagarden, I love the tiered ball fountain. Your entire garden is delightful!

Sheila, I am putting Aug 18th on my calendar right now! Looking forward to seeing your garden/containers and meeting you in person! I'm afraid my little patch is hardly worthy of a garden "tour" especially after seeing the magnificent photos posted here.

Sheila, I am DROOLING AND GASPING at the sight of your stunning containers!! Love that foliage takes center stage; your pots must look great all season long. You are a master at composition and harmony! I LOVE the sofa - did you get it locally? It would be worth the short drive to Denver to haul one back to the Springs.....

Bill, your Texas Red Yucca is gorgeous! FYI to all, this yucca, and a new, brighter-red-flowered variety (along with the standard yellow form) can be found online at High Country Gardens, if not available at your local sources. RE: weeds in rocks...I've come to accept this as a fact of life. Yes, wwross, landscape fabric is mostly useless; it always "creeps up" after a year or so. The best deterrent I've found is a REALLY deep layer of rocks; doesn't prevent weeds, but lessens them and makes them easy to pull. A glass of wine (or three) on a summer's eve and the weed-pulling is almost zen-like......

Absolutely beautiful landscape! Love the "hidden" patio area, fountain, and the way you've layered the plants. Thanks for the info on banana plants, tractor1. We've had such a mild winter in Colorado, a banana plant just may have survived this year!! (Missed you today, Meander1)

Wow, talk about coincidence! Just Sunday, I pruned my unnamed clematis which is THE EXACT SAME COLOR as yours, Teri! Thinking back, it was purchased a a mega-retailer (you know the one) - a sad little thing that looked as if it had been beaten about, knocked over, sporadically watered, then shoved to the back of the rack. Every year, it puts on a great show for a month in late spring then a small second burst in early fall. Echoing the others, growing clematis up a tree is a fantastic idea! Thanks, Teri, for the wonderful spring fling!

I agree with tractor1 but for a different reason - I would LOVE to grow, but cannot due to climate, not critters, those gorgeous hydrangeas! And yes, add me to the list of those that would love to see more of Melissa's half-acre - to have a half acre in itself would be a dream! Melissa, if the rest of your landscape is even half as beautiful as your driveway, it must be fabulous.

If anyone can suggest varieties of hydrangea that can grow in Colorado, please share. Maybe SheilaSchultz up Denver way??

Bob & Mary Ann, your "formal inspired" garden is quite lovely! The juxtaposition of formal layout with loose, cottage-style plantings succeeds beautifully. Agreeing with the others, love the grass paths - just enough grass - and wonder where your nursery plants will go?! Yet, I'm certain we've all acquired plants we "have no room for" and "squeezed them in" anyway - sometimes after moving 6 or 7 plants to do so, redesigning in the process! Beautiful garden.

Looking at those glorious photos, I can almost hear the soft sounds of water movement right here at my desk. Pauline and Faria, you have created a a beautiful array of moving and still water features; the surrounding plant selections are spot-on and enhance the vignettes.

As others have commented, your paths are beautiful - love the curves and the dark gray color is a great contrast to the gorgeous plants. You've succeeded in creating a lovely, naturalistic landscape - another woodland wonderland!

Re: 'Angelina' sedum - it flourishes in my rocky clay soil - something that grows well in Colorado! What is amazes me is how well it grows with the shade and more moisture-loving Hostas. Goes to show "nature do what nature wants to do" - stunning combination, Cynthia. I agree with TeriLR - heed her warning and rip out that Bishop's weed ASAP (also called "snow on the mountain"). It's a thug that will obliterate your lovely hosta area.
Lovely garden, Cynthia! I envy your hubby's brute labor - my husband is allergic to everything and has multiple herniated discs so the only "grunt" in my garden is me!

As someone said last week.... "summer come!!" Michelle, these photos are stunning! I have that exact variety of all-purple columbine - love seeing it in the "wild". Thanks for starting the week off right!

Like tractor1, we woke up to a blanket of snow this morning, too; these beautiful verdant photos are delicious relief. Yet, March in the Rockies is fickle; it will be 65 degrees by Tuesday!
Echoing the others from yesterday, the bowling ball-in-the-birdbath idea is so delightful. Another idea (sorry no photo to share yet) is to place several glass fishing balls in a fountain - the movement of the water causes them to softly clink together - a lovely sound.
Terie, your garden is spectacular in every way! I can see you enjoying coffee in the morning and wine in the evening on your porch overlooking the woodland paradise.

Terie, we share the same love for silver and purple! The design, color, and texture are so harmonious and peaceful....Symba looks peaceful as well (maybe because all the birds have been chased off!!) Great photos, great garden.

Linda, your story is not only touching, but also stirs up beautiful memories in so many of us!. It seems we have a number of Italian-American gardeners in our group! My grandfather, also an Italian immigrant, kept a vegetable garden in his small row house in Pennsylvania. While he died before I was born, my father (his son) started me on my lifelong passion with a packet of zinna seeds to plant when I was about six years old. I can clearly recall those big (to my size) beautiful zinnas flourished in a sunny spot by our sidewalk in northern Virginia. Thank you so much for the memories!

I'm with the rest, that waterfall is to die for! As tractor1 observed, it looks totally natural; the surrounding plantings are so perfect which adds to the native feel. Bonnie, you were so wise to site it where it can be viewed from the front to back of your home - it's so serenely lovely and should be enjoyed as much as possible. Great garden!

Just a quick note to RubyBegonia - Apologies as this is off-topic, but my French Bulldog's name is Ruby-Petunia! Although, I like the sound of RubyBegonia!

Beautiful tropical paradise! I wholeheartedly agree with you, Cynthia; the white lampposts are jarring in an otherwise serene landscape and don't exactly fit the style. I would paint them a bronzey-dark brown, and also change out the round bulbs. This was a great respite from our brown winter scene, thanks.

So many delightful elements to your garden - where to start? The continuity of the hardscape paths, the rainchain dropping into the "dry" streambed, and my favorite, the vintage fireplace seating area. I can see sitting there in the evening with a glass (bottle) of wine in front of a fire surrounded by beautiful gardens - can I come over now??

It just goes to show that even in the faraway reaches of Earth, we are still connected! Cynthia, your cycad reminds me of the more exotic type of yucca - love the architectural element. Thanks for the photos.

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!

Thanks, tractor1; I will check out "usenet" as an alternative to store favorite gardening images/ideas, which is all I really want to do. Appreciate the suggestion!

I'm with Meander1; love the use of tropicals intermingled with traditional garden plants; the textures and colors really give your garden punch. LOVE the huge Begonia - how long does it take to reach that size? Do you start the tuber indoors and transplant or put it straight out into the garden? FYI: tropicals can be found at the "big box" stores - very affordable; usually costing less than a gallon-size perennial so there's no huge investment to overwinter...
P.S. RE: Pinterest - it requires a smart phone or Facebook page; too bad for those of us that don't have either... Maybe someday they will add other means of connectivity.

The fucshia pink and purples had me in a state of bliss, then I saw the fall photo - GORGEOUS!! Phillip, your garden should go down as one of the FAVES - you hit all the highlights: great plant selection & siting, texture, color, just enough ornamentation, harmonious hardscaping, and multi-season interest - nirvana!

LOVE LOVE LOVE the purple wall!!! I heartily concur with others; definitely an Italian vibe that pulls one into a serene place - never to leave! No matter how you got there, Phillip, your garden is sublime! With my Italian heritage and love of purple, your garden really speaks to me!

Teri, you have done a fantastic job with design and plant selection. The spacing is perfect; enough room for the plants to fully develop their shape but close enough for the overall effect to look full, without being over-stuffed. I must admit to yearning for the lushness of the eastern landscape; everything is so GREEN and blousy. Surprisingly, I have a nice stand of Goat's beard in one of the rare damper areas and it is lovely. The great thing about Goat's beard is it has 3-season interest; foliage looks great from spring to summer; the creamy blooms last a long time and even when dried are lovely. Teri, your garden is a peaceful wonderland.

Michelle - Kudos on your creativity and a GIANT HUG of thanks for the time & effort you spent! This is my first experience with Pinterest - you've opened the door for me, yippee! I know I speak for many with heartfelt appreciation to you for leading us through the beauty and creativity of the gardening world!

Eve, your container compositions are stunning in their simplicity. I have learned that foliage in pots really shines for the long-term - no worries about fading flowers. Yours are definitely winners!

Not to beat a dead horse, but the stonework and terracing is fabulous!! Eve, you have chosen the most perfect hardscaping for your beautiful land - it looks like it's been there forever! Your choice of vibrant, flowering plants really light up the shade. If this were my property, I would soon be fired from my job as I wouldn't be able to tear myself away! Thanks for sharing your Nirvana with us!

Love the pergola over the deck and the cute seating corners. The panels of lattice provide just enough privacy without feeling too closed-in. Your trumpet vines as well as the sweet autumn clematis are vibrant and healthy - at first glance, I thought the clematis was a silver lace vine!

To tractor1: have you ever tried Hops vine? Its' VERY vigorous and tough and the hops look unique dangling on the vine. The leaves are stiff and somewhat hairy so deer (should!) leave it alone. Oh, and Paula & Simon are judges on "American Idol" - I don't watch it, but know that Paula is the sweet, complimentary judge and Simon is, well, the critical one; he doesn't "hold back" if you get my drift....

P.S. - to tractor1 - whatever you're smokin' - keep it up! I agree with pattyspencer, you are the "Paula" of the week!

In the midst of a major blizzard here today, the photo's of Sarah's garden are a real treat. I love the little alcove with the Japanese Maple and forest grass - two plants I LOVE but have not been able to grow successfully. They compliment each other beautifully. As Meander1 said, a tall pot on the porch would really compliment the scene. I would use a cobalt blue glazed pot to echo the Lobelia, with lime green sweet potatoe vine, ivy geranium, coleus, impatiens, and a nice fern for contrast. Sarah, we share the same passion for blue/purple and silver! I have always dreamed of doing what you had the courage to do - quit my job and pursue garden design as a career. All my friends and family often say I should do this full-time; maybe some day I will be as inspired as you to take that leap of faith!

Carol, your Caladiums are beautiful! Your entire front border is softly elegant; no wonder folks often stop by to enjoy it. With a mostly part shade to shade back yard, I have tried Caladiums a number of times - they all died. Last year, I put them in pots on my shady patio; the grim reaper took them again! I think here in Colorado the nights are too cool and the weather too dry. I thought by putting them in pots the moisture & soil could be controlled; maybe going from the nursery to outside was too much of a shock, with the cool nights. Guess I will have to stick with Heucheras, brunneras, coleus, hostas, etc...

The stream is fantastic! I agree with the others; it looks so natural and the plants surrounding it are perfect - great job! I, too, thought the shed was your house! Your woodsy scene is delightful...thanks for sharing.

Just when I thought we had seen the best of Tim's garden...today's photos are fabulous! I agree that Heucheras are indispensable, especially in a partial shade setting. Some of my favorites are "Obsidian", "Citronelle", "Peach Flambe" and "Snow Angel". Mine don't look nearly as big, but they are deer-resistant and look good all season. Thanks so much, Tim and Michelle for a delightful week!
Just guessing, Michelle, but does the limerick "Lordy, Lordy, Look who's forty" strike a chord??? Happy Birthday!!!

Typically I find it best to simply ignore dubious comments; however, today I am compelled to respond. "Political correctness" should not be confused with what may be seen as blatantly unkind comments. While this is a forum to freely express opinions, name-calling such as "grave digger" or "septic system worker" do not seem to be in the spirit of constructive criticism. I don't know how others feel, but harshly knocking down another gardeners' efforts does not foster community. There are ways to disagree respectfully.

First, Tim, you've done another magnificent transformation! I especially love the "hell-strip" plantings. Here's my "rock" story.... In transforming my own "hell-strip", I needed smallish rocks for a border; money being tight, "store-bought" rocks were out of the question. So, for about 1 1/2 years, I hauled rocks - in a backpack! - about 1/2 mile's walk from home to a very rocky outcropping. The rocks are covered with lichen and a tapestry of shades - beautiful! Call me crazy....my husband does!

Tim, you've created a very peaceful, zen-like space. I am a huge fan of lime green anything, and living in a semi-arid state, where succulents rule, your use of sedums, thyme, etc. is so perfect here. If you ever consider adding plants, Texas Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) would look at home here, as well as DWARF Russian Sage (Perovskia - 'Little Spires")- both can be found at High Country Gardens online. Looking forward to more upcoming photos!

Terie, you and your husband have created "heaven on earth". Enchanting in every season, your sanctuary makes me lust after the lushness of the East coast. Many thanks for sharing an awesome(the true meaning of the word)garden retreat!

Beautiful tapestry of texture and color! I've found that at times "improperly sited" plants behave in the most surprisingly delightful ways. Great artistry, Jane.

Thanks, once again, for the lovely comments.....Yes, tractor1, I also enjoy the "resting" season where the only "chores" are dreaming of new garden designs, plant combinations, and plant catalog shopping! And, thanks to all who suggested a bird feeder - don't know how that escaped me, but it will definitely go on the "wish" list for Spring! To Annek: I live about 1 mile north of The Garden of the Gods and take 30th Street everyday to work; I am so lucky to have an awesome view of all the formations on the way. The black Chow Chow, Zia, LOVES the snow - she absolutely will NOT come inside when it's snowing!

While the past year has been challenging in many ways, the daily garden photos and delightful posts by fellow gardeners have brightened countless days. Thanks to all for your lively participation and especially thanks to Michelle for doing a FANTASTIC job! Peace and green success to all in 2012! Please allow me to share an inspirational quote for the New Year:
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is so serenely beautiful!! The tapestry of soft yet deep colors, amazing texture, and harmonious composition - one of my favorite photos of the year!!! Great job, Sara - you are an artist of nature :-)

LOVE the mirror vignette! I, too, use mirrors in my garden; they certainly help expand a small garden. Maybe we could submit photos of "mirrors in the garden" for a future GPOD. And, YES, I wholeheartedly agree (from yesterday's comments) that you do a FABULOUS job, Michelle! Thanks for all your efforts and creativity - you are appreciated!

Taking into consideration the comments regarding professional landscaping, yes, with deep pockets, anything is possible. It may be true that the property owner doesn't do much of the "labor" and may or may not have a green thumb. That being said, when viewing elaborate (and for many of us, financially out of reach) gardens, aspects we find interesting can be incorporated into our own modest gardens, in an affordable manner. So, while gardens of this scale may cause a bit of frustration, taking from them ideas to enhance our own landscape may be a more constructive way to appreciate them.

The Wisteria is gorgeous! One of the plants I love but can't grow in Colorado. The pea gravel is very soothing and Zen-like. It's true that it can be challenging to keep clean of litter (my dog's pen is gravel; removing leaves and other "presents" they leave is a bit of a chore) yet clearly this is not the case in Nora's garden. Actually, a few fallen narrow, fine leaves enhance the calmness of pea gravel - I see fine-leaved trees or shrubs in the photos. Thanks so much for sharing your peaceful retreat!

What a beautiful transformation! And, in just a few short years! You and your family did a very professional, yet warm and inviting, job. I agree with Meander1, everything looks so full and healthy. Your plant spacing is perfect; it is quite an accomplishment to give plants enough space to develop properly, yet create a full tapestry without crowding. I have tried for many years to grow Japanese forest grass in my mostly-partial shade garden and only get a few weak blades (cursed semi-arid climate!); yours is magnificant! Kudos to you and thanks so much for sharing.

A woodland wonderland! The stonework is beautifully done and fits so well with the setting. LOVE the seasonal touches to the artistic container plantings. Brenda, you have created a magical place!

LOVE the Miscanthus! It's a staple in my garden as it does well in a semi-arid climate, yet doesn't get as large (which may be a blessing in disguise!). My favorite variety, although common, is Miscanthus Gracillimus 'Morning Light'. The sea of Rudbeckia seedheads is a fabulous foil for the upright habit - beautiful!

(Leslie = GreenGrowler) A heartfelt "thanks" for all the positive feedback. I will look at my garden with much more appreciation and a far less critical eye after reading all your kind words! Regarding the deer, I think in regions where the food supply is more abundant (Southern & Eastern U.S., Canada, etc.), the critters don't have to resort to "cultivated" diets. Here, the food supply is pretty scarce, and in times of drought, deer will eat virtually anything - bark from trees, prickly things, etc.

But, they are beautiful creatures and we, in fact, are living in their habitat, so adapt we must. Thanks again - you all are a great group of nature-nurturers!

Peaceful, serene, calming....and the plants are so beautiful, healthy, and clearly well-cared for. I aspire to be tending my garden at 79 like Pauline - thanks for the inspiration!

To Moonsoul: I believe the pink flowering plant is Monarda (Bee Balm. The plant comes in may colors including red, various shades of pink, and violet. If you Google "Bee Balm" or Monarda, you should get tons of images....

Absolutely Spec-tac-u-lar!!! Reminds me of a intoxicatingly scented, soft green waterfall. It blends so nicely with the natural landscape; when man-made plant design compliments nature so seemlessly, it is a truly successful landscape.
Thanks so much, Michelle!
P.S. to Deanneart: I live south of you in Colorado Springs - would love to see photos of your garden - are they posted online anywhere??

I subscribe to the idea that a garden style is whatever makes the gardener happy. As many may agree, gardening is truly a labor of love. As others have said, whimsy is a respite from our responsibility-filled lives; however, I do agree that the vignette is chaotic and jarring to the senses. Others may find it appealing, but I'm with those who seek peace, calmness, and closeness to nature in the garden. With ornamentation, my taste is less is more!

Many years ago community was an intergral part of our daily lives. Neighbors helping neighbors, watching out for one another, socializing, and supporting each other in times of need. Sadly, we have moved so far past that; isolation in dense housing developments is common. It is a scientific fact that those with connections to others are healthier, happier, and live longer lives. Thankfully, there is a growing number of folks like Vespasia and Deannart that believe in human connection and strive to foster community.

Tractor1, it sounds like living in the country, away from people, suits you - and the rest of us. Please be respectful and refrain from quashing others' views.

The water feature is amazing, as are the chairs. I feel you, Michelle, with your comment about not being able to afford anything..... $49 for a set of 4 drink coasters?? Marked down from $78?? REALLY? Obviously, this store caters to the wealthy. The store's items are unique and beautiful, but the prices are ridiculous.

Well, this is the classic example of "to each his own"... Personally, I prefer shrubs to be left in their natural state, perhaps with a bit of judicious pruning to maintain natural shape. I wholeheartedly agree with "arboretum" - gum drops fallen from the sky! To my eye, it looks strange, like some sort of giant rabbit scat. Just not feeling the love for this design....

I agree with Blewbury & Wwross - not loving it. Yes, the agave does seem out of place among all the verdant lushness; the architectural element of the agave is not harmonious. And, the plants appear stuffed in the pots - they remind me of a cowboy forced to "fancy up" for a formal dinner. The urns are beautiful; the shape is perfect for a bubbling fountain.

Having the same passion for coleus, I use "Henna" and "Sedona" - both mostly red and gold like Alabama Sunset. Try paring with lime green sweet potatoe vine and anything deep purple - lively! Your beautiful photo got my potting desiging juices flowing!

Hi StanHorst.. Wooly thyme likes full sun and sharp drainage; although it is obviously doing great in humid Ohio. In my semi-arid climate, it does very well. The entire garden is magnificant!

Advice please, anyone: Will hostas overwinter in a pot? I live in zone 4 to 5 Colorado where winter tempuratures and mositure vary wildly. I use hostas in pots for the summer then plant in-ground in the fall.

Every year, I purchase a couple palms for brightly colored Mexican Talavera pots on my shady patio. Usually one is overwintered in the living room and put outside the next year. I can get several seasons out of a $10.00 plant. Plus, they flourish outside and give it a tropical feel.

Simply sublime! I need advice, please. I LOVE hakonechloa; each time it's featured in a gardening publication, my desire for this graceful plant is renewed. The problem is, here in the foothills of Colorado Springs, in my garden at least, it will not grow. I suspect it's either the soil (horrible clay that I constantly amend) or the dry climate. I've tried half shade and 3/4 shade sitings; the poor little things barely put out a dozen wimpy-looking blades. Should I give up or does anyone have any suggestions? FYI: hosta, various huecheras & carex grow fine in these areas...Thanks!