Today we’re visiting with Laura Pisko and her lake-house garden on the east shore of Lake Huron in Ontario.
For 10 years I have been developing a pollinator garden in Zone 5. It’s an experiment, amd I have been introducing many native plants. It’s also a monarch butterfly waystation, as it is on the migratory flight path for monarchs.
A monarch fuels up on the nectar of a blooming panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Quickfire’, Zones 3–8) prior to its long flight to Mexico.
A long bed of very floriferous daylilies (Hemerocallis hybrids, Zones 4–9) fronts wild indigo (Baptisia australis, Zones 3–9) and other perennials.
A swallowtail sips from a purple cornflower (Centaurea montana, Zones 3–8).
The stately allium ‘Purple Sensation’ (Allium hollandicum ‘Purple Sensation’, Zones 3–9) contrasts with a foliage medley: a variegated chartreuse Hosta, purple geraniums (Geranium × magnificum, Zones 4–8), white Canadian anemone (Anemone canadensis, Zones 3–8), and peonies (Paeonia hybrids, Zones 3–8) in the background.
In the fall, native perennials predominate in the lakeside gardens, including black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida, Zones 3–9) and a tall smooth blue aster (Symphyotrichum laeve, Zones 3–8).
I love frogs! These little guys are perched above Dalmatian creeping bellflower (Campanula portenschliagiana, Zones 4–8), sheltered under a dappled Japanese willow (Salix integra, Zones 5–7).
I have several clumps of these stunning native showy lady slipper orchids (Cypripedium regale, Zones 2–5). The clumps are expanding in the moist woodland soil.
Peonies are another favorite—gorgeous colors, forms, and scent!
Exotic martagon lilies (Lilium martagon hybrids, Zones 3–8) thrive in dappled shade. I have been planting more of these, although they are not native.
A beautiful Itoh peony ‘Lollipop’
A composition beside the front entrance includes purple clematis (Clematis hybrid, Zones 4–9), blue hostas (Hosta hybrid, Zones 3–9), panicle hydrangea, weigela (Weigela florida, Zones 4–8), male ferns (Dryopteris filix-mas, Zone 4–8).
A view toward Lake Huron with the daylily bed in the foreground
This gorgeous Itoh peony reminds me of red roses.
Early summer border with geraniums, Canada columbine (Aquilegia canadiense, Zones 3–8), variegated hostas, male ferns, and Canada anemone.
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Comments
Beautiful photos, Laura! I especially like one showing the path through to the trees to the lakeside. The trees make a great riparian buffer to protect the lake, and also a beautiful backdrop for your gardens. The frogs are adorable.
Oh my, this is a dreamy garden. Looks so natural and colorful. Thank you for sharing.
A stunning garden. I (and the butterflies) enjoy the wonderful plantings. Great Job.
Lovely and diverse plantings. Love everything. Thanks for sharing.
I'm in love with your garden! I'm so impressed with the layout and the plants you have chosen! I saved several of your garden photos to my Pinterest folder called "Gardens of Inspiration". Your Lady Slippers are thriving, your choices of peonies are not the usual multi petal types and yet they are stunning! Those little frogs on the rock with the Dalmatian creeping bellflower is a nice surprise to come across on the garden path- I just love it what you've created with this garden!
What a beautiful garden! I'm in love with your beautiful peonies, they are stunning... definitely a pollinator heaven!
Your peonies and lady slippers!! Gardening envy has struck again... what a beautiful Eden you've created and the royal frogs are obviously excellent guardians watching over it all.
Stunningly beautiful photos! Congratulations on such a beautiful garden. It's difficult to choose, but my favorite might be your lady slipper orchids.
So tranquil, beautiful!
Gorgeous site - please share more photos in the future!
Idyllic and wonderful. My idea of a peaceful beautiful place. Congratulations on Paradise on Huron
Beautiful garden. I also live near Lake Huron in Ontario, in Sarnia. Your gardens are an inspiration, as we are also starting to plan a pollinator garden on our boulevard strip at the road. Thanks for sharing!
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