HelenYoest

You tell Raleigh well, Billy! Yep Carol's got it, we love our Callicarpa americana, as do the wildlife.

So glad you enjoyed the JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University (JCRA). A must see no matter where you live.

Helen Yoest
Gardening With Confidence™

Many thanks, Billy! It's amazing my transformation after donning your hat. I wish I had regular access. With your hat, I may actually get the chance to fly...

So glad you were able to see Marbles and to spend more time with the Brights. They do amazing things in the garden and our Raleigh community. Helen

Thanks Billy! I haven't bumped since I saw you last. I'm ready though. Anxious to show you my latest lawn reduction (or is it a bed extension?) project In any case, the effect is the same. I'm inspired. Added tulips, daffs, and spinach.

Look for me again in November as I attempt to inspire you once more. H.

Hey Bob,

I loath voles too. I have voles, moles, bunnies, and the occasional deer. The moles I don't mind. The bunnies make me so mad, but finally, the garden has grown out enough to please us both. The occasional deer bothers me, but they are such an uncommon sight in the garden, they might as well be a kangaroo. As such,I haven't gotten to the mad state yet; I'm learning how to deal with them. I did notice they prefer my neighbor's Hostas. I don't have Hostas, because, I have voles. I also have hawks, though. So let's just sit back and see if we can get nature in balance. In the meantime, the Hellebores make a fine subsitute for Hostas, without the need for watering. H.

Thanks for your kind words, Bob.

Right you are etgarv! I do have a nice selection from Brent and Becky's Bulbs and Old House Gardens. They are blooming their heads off right now. H.

Thank you Genya. Every month has it's inspiration. I hope I have the chance to show you! Helen

Hey JM, Our gardens are on the opposite ends of these United States of American, with different zones, terrains, and resources. Yet, our goals are the same. Create a wildlife habitat as the garden. My goal is to bring in all the plants that I love and benefit the wildlife at the same time. It just makes sense. Plant diverse, dense ground covers, annuals, perennials, shrubs, vines, and trees, and the wildlife will come. Provide food, water, cover and a place to raise their young, plus sustainable practices is all you need. Sustainability is a very real issue, as you well know. In the end, practicing sustainability saves time, energy and resources, and lessens the impact gardening can have on the environment. But I digress – Ain’t September gardens grand!!! Helen

Hey Billy,

Dare I ask you opinion on this?
http://gardensgardens.wordpress.com/2009/03/22/a-visit-to-pearl-fryers-garden/

H.

Congrats and great post Billy!!!

Helen
Tweet GWConfidence

I totally agree Michelle! When you enter a magazine worthy garden, you know it as soon as you see it. Not only are their tenders good gardeners, they have a knack of putting it all together. In my mind, it is an art form through and through. When Picasso doodled, it was good.

Just like learning to paint, there are techniques that can be learned to make you better. Gardening is a journey. Reading, observing, doing help those interested in taking their garden to the next level get there. So pick up a magazine or book, attend symposia, go on garden tours, get active in your garden club. I guarantee you will learn something each time to make you a better gardener.

Just like the photo used in the example, its the colors, the rhythm, the varying heights, the contrasts, the placement, the path, the lighting...yes the lighting. Like you say, you are there at 6:00 am. The light is softer and that makes a difference.

After all these years gardening, I still wake up everyday and wonder what awaits me in my gardening journey.