Garden Photo of the Day

Cherry’s Summer That Was

Highlights of a new garden area

small gravel seating area surrounded by container plantings

Cherry Ong is taking us on a look back at her garden over the past summer.

I bet you’re all enjoying autumn but somehow miss summer. I miss this summer and look back with much fondness and happy memories of the garden. Here are photos of a favorite corner this year.

The addition of a DIY greenhouse last year (October 2022) resulted in this graveled corner, where I was picturing the outdoor chairs and table could be moved. My family couldn’t imagine how that would look, but the corner has been tweaked further (to include another table and more plants—what else?) this year. I embraced all kinds of color this summer, including red, and this spot transformed into a happy corner that the hummingbirds visit multiple times each day. The corner also has a sweet view of the garden. Even my dog sat and enjoyed this area when he was out in the garden.

I wish you all a wonderful autumn!

small DIY greenhouse filled and surrounded by container plantingsCherry’s new small greenhouse is perfect for overwintering precious plants.

small gravel seating area surrounded by container plantingsThe new sitting area features a fantastic-looking container in the center.

close up of container planted with colorful foliage and flowersThe container’s colorful foliage from a wide range of plants, including many succulents, forms the foundation, while the bright flowers of fuchsias (Fuchsia hybrids, hardiness varies by cultivar) provide even more color as well as nectar for visiting hummingbirds.

close up of dark red AeoniumAeonium ‘Zwartkop’ (Zones 9–11) is a stunning succulent, with its little rosettes of dark leaves growing on tall stems.

close up of various plants in containersA variety of container-grown plants put on a show in front of the greenhouse.

close up of bright red and yellow Abutilon megapotamicum flowersAbutilon megapotamicum (Zones 8–10) has yellow flower petals emerging from a bright red calyx.

backyard garfden with flowering tresCherry fills every corner of the rest of her garden with beautiful plants.

French bulldog sitting in the gardenBroccoli, Cherry’s dog, enjoys the new sitting area.

How did your garden do this summer? We’d love to see it, so send us some photos!

 

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Comments

  1. islandlover 11/01/2023

    Your gardens look very lush and beautiful. Love the container. Broccoli is living the life!

    1. perenniallycrazy 11/01/2023

      Thank you. My large Agave Ovatifolia used to occupy the container but it flowered and died last winter. This opened up a new large container planting this year.

  2. User avater
    simplesue 11/01/2023

    I wish you lived next door to me! You have the cutest dog ever, you have a passion for plants and always share interesting information and garden tours!
    I just love what you did with that corner- it's perfect- I never would have though that two square chairs in a square corner with a square table would be so soft and rounded and cozy feeling- such a nice intimate little corner! Very impressive design!
    And as always your amazing flower/plant arrangements...super nice.
    Such a darling green house...and oh that Abutilon megapotamicum aka Lucky Lantern plants is so unusual and fun flowers hanging from it is perfect back in the cozy corner!

    1. perenniallycrazy 11/01/2023

      Awww, thank you for your kind words, and I do wish we were neighbours! Ever since the chairs were moved there, the corner has been enjoyed by visitors this year. We’ve also found ourselves sitting there on several lazy summer days which never used to happen in the spot where they used to be, but maybe that may just be due to aging. 😜

  3. moyra_b 11/01/2023

    I would love to know more about your little green house...who makes it, etc. Thank you!

    1. perenniallycrazy 11/01/2023

      The greenhouse was mostly diy install a year ago. It’s made by Halls Greenhouse - Supreme model. It’s carried by Russell Nursery in Vancouver Island. So worth it after being on the waitlist for 2 years. It’s small 6’x8’ glass house with aluminum frame. The glass panels can be purchased from any glass maker if any need replacement. I was planning to send Joseph some photos of and about the greenhouse build and maintenance but waiting for the install of a fan this year.

  4. User avater
    cynthia2020 11/01/2023

    Love the seating area! I like the big chairs and how you repeated the circle theme with the hoops and the bowlingball-like piece on the walkway. And of course that container full of plants is beautiful. I would never get tired of looking at it. Am bookmarking Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’ for a hot dry area outside - next summer. Thank you for sharing.

    1. perenniallycrazy 11/01/2023

      Thank you. I’m sure you love Zwartkop! I love it and all other aeoniums.

  5. user-7392754 11/01/2023

    Your yard looks so lush and inviting! And your container plants look so healthy! I especially love the container with mixed succulents and the aeonium!!! My dog, Marcel, says hi to Broccoli.

    1. perenniallycrazy 11/01/2023

      Brocc says hi and belated happy Halloween! Thanks very much for your kind words.

  6. btucker9675 11/01/2023

    Love your garden!! Love Broccoli!!

    1. perenniallycrazy 11/01/2023

      Thank you from both of us.

  7. sheila_schultz 11/02/2023

    Your charming greenhouse has become a magical spot in your beautiful gardens, Cherry. All of your hard work has created a bit of magic! I love every inch of your yard, it is so thoughtfully planted and potted!

    1. perenniallycrazy 12/01/2023

      Thanks very much for your kind words Sheila. Hope you and the family are keeping well. Happy Holidays!

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