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Krista, this is the inspiration I needed to see today. All the elements come together so beautifully. Your colors and textures are suburb. Rounded, smooth rocks just add to the soothing atmosphere and beckon me to relax just by viewing. Now, off to our pond project...

Kathy and husband, All my best to you. I have often thought about which perennials we would narrow down to a smaller lot (when the time comes) and I'm sure you have a plan after seeing how much labor went into your landscaping. Blessings.

I think every garden should have a pair of these. I know just where they would fit into mine. How fun!

Ooowa...loving this Ann! My husband is ready to grout our tile entrance this weekend. I'll have to pay close attention, smash a mirror and find some yard sales!

Witty tractor...there's that humor ;)

As an antique lover, this display makes me smile. Do they leave these year round or for winter-interest elements? Recently at a garden event we saw wreaths made from two circles of garden hose, (various colors) wrapped with a simple decoration to tye them together. I plan to do that for the garden cottage door this summer.

Spring has gone on WINTER BREAK here in central NY. Thanks again for all concerned yesterday. Perennials are crushed yet under 6" of icy snow and flakes are in the air this morning. Jimminy crickets!

Well...just now getting home to survey the damage. A large broken and bruised crab apple tree greeted us at the lamp post ~ it's burgundy blossoms peaking out to cry for help. Bud didn't skip a beat and with chain saw in hand, rescued a large maple from having it's limbs further scarred. A multitude of shrub/bushes are broken here and there but to be honest... all I can think about are those who have had their landscape/homes/lives ripped apart by torinado, floods and wild fires. We are thankful that the severe damage was minimal and will just add this to our ToDo lists.
I am happy to report that our bluebirds are still perched in the ash trees. Thank you all for thinking of us through this day. It was very heart-warming to see your responses.

Happy Monday morning to all...heavy snow here in NY this AM. Trees are cracking and perennals are buried. It should make for some interesting photography.
Great garden-art shared with us today Michelle. I am especially drawn to the vintage watering cans. Can't wait to see what tomorrows feature will be!

pollybird: Hi,These clematis recieve full morning sun and dabbled sunrays throughout the rest of the day. The tree canopy is very high. Most clematis need sun, rich organic soils and want to have their 'feet' shaded ~ to protect them from drying out too quickly. I wish you success!

Thank you Viktoria for these great pictures. Our magnolia blooms were cut short here in central NY because of hard frost. Petals on the ground are just as lovely in your photograph.

Great selections for your NJ garden John. The fall colors really show off your foliage. Hurray for the grasses. I find it helpful to tie them with with twine when cutting them in the early spring. It keeps them tidy for easier cleanup.

meander1 ~ I trust you are resting well. Follow directions ;)

Everything about your garden is everything I love. What a great read too! I'm looking forward to the welcomed feeling of your new grand entrance Susan... thank you for inviting us along for the viewing.

Especially appealing is the way you sweep color around each corner ~ keeping the eye moving. (and I just bet those pets love to race around them too) A spring favorite of mine is Ajuga. I say it calls the hummingbirds back to my gardens. Please invite us back to view pictures of your Magestic summertime!

Well now Marc, you have successfully sailed through this new adventure! It appears that you are able to view this wonderful transformation from an upstairs window. That's where I would be first thing every morning. Your roses look very happy helping the clematis frame your private yard.
Happy gardening.

Understory trees are so attractive in the woodland setting. We have several Pieris and the spring foliage is beautiful. Bees are busy at the moment. ;) Japanese maple are another favorite of mine. I especially like how their bold leaf color returns to light up Fall display. Thank you for return 'visits' to your gardens Pauline and Irvin! If I could make one suggestion... the color saturation of your photos is a distraction from the natural beauty. When editing, if grey looks purple/blue it's too strong. Best left alone or slightly saturated in some cases.
Blooming happiness for the 2012 season ;)

This is SO beautiful. We have success with candlelabra primrose along our stream and in the wettest parts of the woodland garden. This encourages me to divide all the more!

whoaa... where did all that space come from?

Oh, just to take a stroll... if only through my computer! Your garden certainly welcomes the freshness of springs'
bounty. The stone walls showcase your plantings and add lovely lines to the lawn Michaele. I can see that there are many perennial layers yet to unfold. Please keep us all 'posted' with more pictures as the landscape changes with the coming months!

PS The pink muhly grass from 11/18 is spectacular!

Beautiful compositions ~ both in containers and from behind the lens. Grand gardening at it's best Brenda.

DETAILS, details... right down to the white flowering steppables between the walkway. I love it all Brenda. Thank you for the lovely visual of your Georgia springtime. Must you pull up all the bulbs to tidy your gardens when they are finished blooming? Beautiful stone/iron arbor!

WoW! Brenda, hi. I'm just now getting to the GPOD and was delighted to read your introduction along with all the comments. Everyone has put into words, my thoughts as I scrolled down through this page... Your inspiration will be drawn from through the summer months as we all tend our gardens with more awareness of what you have accomplished. (and continue to do!) Bravo garden friend.

You have successfully wet my appetite for more beautiful pictures of the other portions and focal points of your display gardens! Open field spaces can be challenging. You've met those challenges head on by creating the lovely stepping effect of transitional grasses and hardy perennials. I'm sure the birds take advantage of all those Rudbeckia seed heads. I can't wait to see your woodland choices!

Hi Sheila, for an added treat I just visited your post from
July, 2010. Lovely changes. Bravo for hosting an Open Days Garden Walk this summer! (but so far away...) You're an inspiration to us all. I will be heading to the shed shortly to pot up an ornimental grass into a favorite container. ;)

Hi Sheila, I wanted to thank you for the compliments on my garden posts over the past couple months. I can understand how your lives/gardens have changed with the big move! You seem to have adjusted beautifully and your garden spaces are divine. I'm loving the foilage combinations under the trees. Most are the same perennials we use here in NY. The Brunneras are my favorite! Congratulations on hosting the GC 2012 Open Tour Days! We were honored to do the same last summer here at 'Woodland Wonders' so I know how much work goes into it. All my best, Terie

GreenGrowler, thank you for that helpful suggestion. Our little flow of water comes into a woods pond so I wouldn't want to use chemicals. Well, I'm off to gather LOTS more rocks.....

Thanks for sharing Bill. I have the same concern as wwross ~ do you use something as a barrier between the ground and rock collection to prevent weeds? We are just now creating a similar look at the edge of our pond and would love helpful hints. Thanks.

Yet another idea to do with my grandchildren this summer!Nice job children. Now to grow my hydrangea heads THAT big... Beautiful setting Karen. You must love coming 'home' to it for the summertime. Thank you for sharing your family joy with us.

;OP) simple = simply Thank you vojt! I have not had training, just have an eye for detail. The love of photography evolved from gardening and birding.

Happy 1st day of Spring to all. These clematis have started to sprout little green leaves and I just pruned them last evening to encourage healthy, full blooms. I don't have their names, sorry. The trellis on the tree is metal and one at window is plastic. I hold them in place with fishline. Because the windows are double there is plenty of visibility on either side of the clematis. When it gets too thick, I simple open the widows and snip. (makes a great arrangement for the table just inside)
Have fun going vertical this summer gardeners! ;)

Garden laborers, Bob and Mary Ann are now investing in their retirement by setting themselves up for MUCH enjoyment! Your colorful gardens are delightful. Birdwatching must be a joy. 300 more plants! Where to put them all??? Please keep us in pictures as the gardens progress. Happy retirement you two.

Okay, now you have us Cali dreamin'. Happy trails Michelle! I wish we could ALL meet there... Please snap lots of shots to share with us and tell Sabrina & Freeland how much the East enjoy their featured gardens and creative talents!

No one had to tell us to go green! The country life has my vote, hands down. I just bet you skip right off those porch steps with a smile on your face every summer morn. ;) Great mix of perennials and shrubs Belinda.

Cynthia, Your plants are happy! Day lily are a great choice for your area. I see bishops weed in the second photo. You may want to get that ALL out or it will take over your garden. I made that mistake early on... Relocate it somewhere where it can show off without being a threat to your hard work. I put mine at the edge of the woods. The Viburnum will look very handsome in time. Happy gardening ;)

As a fan (and host) of garden tours I am thrilled that you are promoting the Master Gardener Volunteer Programs. A hardy thank you to ALL who prepare for these very special days ahead! You can bet I will be passing this information along to our friends in the Carolinas. I see a number can be contacted for more information but we are not given the actual tour date.

It's so delightful to read all of your posts. I can almost hear the gentle clinking of glass balls in your fountain GG. Love that idea! Last summer I hung (w/fishline) glass balls at different lengths from the tree limbs that hover over this grass path. (will post photo this summer) They sway in the breeze and cast sunrays at sunrise. It was magical. I found them at the local Farmers Market. And yes, morning cuppa' is enjoyed daily while I journal from my favorite rocking chair in the cottage. Ahhh...summer come!

Lol tractor1, the critters most likely. Thank you meander1. I daily look forward to your comments. The clematis did not have a lable when purchased at the little country nursery. It was all of 15" tall and one beautiful periwinkle flower head was all I needed to see... It is 5 years old and a metal trellis wired to the tree holds it in place.

Karin -I really like your idea of before/after showcases. I think I was equally surprised when all these years later, I came across those pictures in an old album. In reality a new garden space matures after just 3 short years of planting. It's a fast investment of time/love.
I've tried to make Symba understand how important he is today but he ignors me and runs out of the room. (he's such a cat) Thank you all for the great compliments and for loving the bowling ball idea. It has been placed there for 7 years now. When it becomes dull looking I rub a little olive oil on it. Bring them in for northern winters of course.

Okay... I'm showing this to my husband ASAP!!! Brilliant in every way!

Happy 90th Birthday dear Giuseppe! It appears that spring will arrive earlier for us here in NY. May you celebrate much in your beloved vegetable and flower gardens together. Linda, thank you for the perfect example of connecting passions ~ connecting lives ~ family devotion and love. It's what you will draw strength from in years to come.

to tractor1: I am also tempted by the River Birch here in central NY although they do readily drop their little leaves early and more so when we have a dry summer. Their fasinating bark intrigues me just enough to try one away from the gardens... just to see!

Great plant selections at the waterfall Bonnie. You are able to enjoy your gardens for a much longer period than we here in the notheast. Beautiful setting. Thanks for giving us a peek-a-boo into your lives. Enjoy your 2012 garden-time!

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!

Ahhh, my favorite color in the garden! A smile broadened my face as soon as I viewed the page. Is this the view from a window? Goodness!!! My eye was immediately drawn to the arbor that was beautifully implemented into the design. It all works together harmoniously.

Hooray for Garden-Yards! Given limited space I would do the same Denise. You have inspired me to divide and plant a row of variegated loriope on a corner that needs to be redefined. Thank you for a carefully labeled posting of your garden spaces.

I will admit to going at it 'gangbusters' from the start. As the years progress my husband is a wonderful garden-partner. We seem to create more & more seating areas but finding the time to use them still challenges me.

Goatsbeard has stepped up to the plate in this garden. I love it more with every passing season. Growing between the stepping stones in front of the bench is Irish moss. The broken pottery on either side echo cobalt blue that I use throughout the gardens.

Thank you all for taking moments to comment. It's very rewarding to see that play-time/work inspires so many. Until spring ~

Brilliant ~ what a fun way to spend your week. Congrats! I will be referring to this frequently ;)

I spy house plants... and love it! The last couple of years we have been able to cut cost by doing the same. Love your look Eve. As busy as a garden may appear, simplicity can still be achieved by minimizing the color scheme. Well done!

The view from your windows must stop guests dead in their tracks! Annual color choices are superb and highlight the walls beautifully. Truly a tranquil setting. Amazing!

WoWsie! Will you have to keep this dramatically pruned now that it shows enormous growth in such a short time? Two of my favorite apples... mixed with grannies- I can smell the pie ;)

Hi Cherry ~ just came 'back' to view your photos and so GLAD I did! This is stunning. Happy 2012 in your lush backyard setting. Your mother must be very proud ;)

If I were in the West, I would be there Billy. We have plans to visit the Philidelphia Flower Show the second weekend in March. Always an inspiration! Thank you for yours too... love the fun colored pots.

Colleen!!! I have been trying to get in touch with you friend from 30 years ago! Your dear parents were the neighbors who introduced me to perennials back in the early 80's. I often remember Sofie showing me her gardens and gently digging up some favorites for me to try. Please find me on FB or write to the same NY address as before. (Bud's parents are in Souderton) And watch for more...

Happy Birthday Michelle! Tim, you've really drawn attention to the heuchera. The foliage colors are striking together. Although I have the other two Trillium, I've never seen the Snowbunting. Did you find it locally? I have trouble keeping heuchera looking lush and filling out. Some have perished. Any advice would be helpful.

LoL... tesstie, "fruit trees" Yep, I'm a bird lover too ;)

This is Fabulous Tim! I certainly would walk by often. Love that you took on the challenge and are showing others ~ it CAN be done.

From the land of enchantment ~ we thank you for all the lovely comments. All seasons are welcome here in central NY. It's such a joy to share my love for nature and I certainly gain insight daily from this blog ~ viewing many garden elements that have spurred me on. I like to think that our Heavenly Father sends angels here on retreat... thus the fairies... waiting for THAT photo op! Keep daydreaming garden lovers. And yes, put up those lights. (kept up during a summer because our son was married here in the backyard;)

How wonderful ~ that you are blessed with mature woods edge as the backdrop to you gorgeous gardens. You have played off the pine blue-greens and incorporated many colors & textures. Bravo Jane!

Okay, so now it's January and I am ready to go out and 'spruce' up these drab window boxes with your fresh ideas! Thank you Scott for sharing your talents!

Lovely spaces Julia. I agree with meander1. A bit of lawn can add that touch of comfort, much like a piece of carpet under foot. It also keeps a visual balance so gardens don't get too busy. Maybe you could eliminate the edging beneath the arbor, incorporate some flat stone (to tie in with the pond stone) and create a short path. If mowing is tricky widen those curves a bit, while creating more garden space.

Lovely, dimensional painting. I can't wait to see your interpretation of the new rock wall and perennials!

Great plan Lola! Your husband rocks! What a team.

It's such a thrill to see gardens taking shape as the years progress. You certainly have put thought into all the spaces. Keep sharing as they evolve. May you have any more years to enjoy Marcia!