Susan Ulmer's garden is alive with bees, deer and a darling chipmunk, and it is gorgeous!
"My garden in the North Okanagan of BC has been 4 years in the making though I've expanded it a bit each year. Standing near the bee balm one hears the constant hum of the countless bees. I love the one lone sunflower that some charming little chipmunk planted for me. Deer are a huge and continual issue but leave many of the plants untouched. However, I'm always trying new plants that they might just not enjoy."
Keep sending in photos (and stories)! Whether you've never shared before or you've been featured multiple times, we want to see your garden! Email a few photos and the story behind your garden to [email protected].
Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here!
Comments
Welcome back Susan. I recognized your reclaimed runaway garden right away.,.and boy, I have to say "Successful metamorphosis!" Your plant and color combos are eye catching and your garden also has an interesting array of garden art. Are you sourcing them from local artists? Please do tell.
What a nice garden Susan. I love your birds. do you remember where you bought them?
Your outdoors looks well used and well loved, Susan. I, too, would break out in a smile of delight every time I saw the single sunflower...standing tall like an on guard sentry keeping your garden safe. I am in love with your metal birds and, like Cherry, would be interested in where you got them.
Susan!
As I become more versed in the fine art and science of Horticulture, I become ever more appreciative of weaving other art media into the tapestry of textures, colours, shapes and sounds. With the dynamic nature of the plantings just through one season, as well as through the years, objects de arte become cherished constants and anchors.
You're using many of the species and varieties that I love and plant, so while our "styles" may be a bit disparate (but not extremely so!) I really enjoyed traipsing through another's interpretation of how to arrange and display somethings so familiar, yet differently presented!! It's kinda like when my best friend and wife tries a new style of clothes. (It's still her; but, HEY!! What's This??!!!) I may have to "borrow" a couple (few?) of your ideas for use, here!!
Our other posters alluded that you've shared before? Could you (or, the GPOD staff,) provide a link to those other views. Like most, I find it great fun, as well as very educational, to view garden's growth through the lense of History! Perhaps that's one of the reasons we gardeners take so many photos!!
thanx!
jesse
PS: Love, Luv, LOVE y'all's porch and paved fire deck!!! VERY nice people places!!
Good morning Jesse. If you go to the top of the blog page, there is a search box next to the Fine Gardening logo. If you type in and search Susan's last name, you'll find her previous post. cheers.
WONDERFUL!!! And Thank You for that tech tip!! Imagine: My machine working for me, instead of the more usual other way 'round?!!!!
Thanx, Tim!!
Well, duh, on my part, Tim, I never thought to use that search box for this purpose, either. I would (stupidly) open a new google page and type in Fine Gardening Magazine and the person's name. Ha, it's very time consuming being a technological dinosaur. Anyway, I also thank you for the tip.
Nah. It's not a duh moment at all, and google is a great solution. This one is just a bit more direct! I think either someone else tipped me off or I perhaps was wondering what would happen if I put my own name in that box....Vanity, thy name is Vojt!
Oh, so funny...now that you planted the seed of self search, I think I will pop above and do my own name Michaele Anderson. I'm not sure if put to the test, I could correctly recall all the times I've submitted pictures and what my subject matter has been.
Don't I know it! I am always having to seek help. But I think I may be learning, a little!
Hi Susan. The garden is looking grand, and I hope it continues to expand. I like the contrast of your beds with the open graveI spaces and walks, which also is a great alternative for less grass....Yes! I am particularly struck with your garden art pieces though. I love it. Thanks for sharing.
Utterly charming, Susan. Framed by the tall pines, your gardens quietly make a lovely presence. You must enjoy sitting in your willow rocker on the porch, gazing out at the beauty surrounding your home.
Susan, this looks great! It's even more awesome knowing that you contend with deer. I still love your stone birdbath-like feature, your containers, and especially the small metal bird in the container in the last photo.
Your flowering beds make for such lovely spots for patio lounging and porch sitting. You've done a lot in just four years and I bet that while porch sitting you are dreaming up yet another great addition or two or three-----there is no end. I love the lone sunflower. Hooray! Let's hear it for chipmunk landscaping!
Wow! I can't believe you share your garden with deer - it looks amazing. I, too, love to listen to the hum of bees - watch there will be a study "Listening to bees hum lowers blood pressure and provides a sense of well being" - don't we already know it. I especially love how your plantings are offset by those incredibly inviting gravel pathways. I am now on a gravel kick, thank you.
Love the hardscaping and how it makes your gardens really stand out. Especially enjoyed the pair of birds. Great garden art.
My how your garden has grown. I love the style of your house and you have surrounded it with a beautiful garden, The porch must be nice to sit on during the hot Okanagan days, The hardscaping and metal birds give lots of character to the garden,
Your house is very striking, Susan. I really like the way it proudly sits slightly apart from the plantings yet is part of the whole picture. Very cleverly designed.
I join in the bird fan club, so do share the artist's details. And the wood fired oven! When can we come to dinner!
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in