My name is Emily Kozie, and I garden in Seattle on a small city lot.
Here’s a favorite photo from my garden. It shows my shrub rose ‘Lady Elsie May’ and the lily ‘Color Parade’ against the trunk of the birch tree in our front yard, but it showcases one of my showiest dahlias. I love dahlias, so my yard is at its best in late summer on into fall. It’s loaded with material for crafting bouquets, one of my other favorite activities. I do not know the name of the dahlia; it has been growing here for many years. I do not dig my dahlias every year in Seattle. It grows next to an unattractive chain link fence, making it easy to “stake.”
The big leaves of a coleus contrast with the narrow leaves of the Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra, Zones 5–9).
Brilliant dahlia flowers stand out against a backdrop of panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata, Zones 3–8).
Close-up of a delicately tinted rhododendron bloom
The rose ‘Lady Elsie May’ blooms against the white bark of a birch (Betula) tree.
The grass in the backyard is artificial—best decision we ever made. It even has “thatch” in it.
A birdhouse seen through the foliage and ripening hips of a rose.
Cheery sunflowers (Helianthus annus, annual)
This is our paver path from the driveway to the front walkway. Originally it was an area of lawn. We have gotten rid of all of our lawn. It’s planting beds, pavers, or artificial turf for us!
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Comments
You should have a contest among your friends/family to give your name unknown dahlia a very showy memorable title since it is quite spectacular. Love the vignette of the rose leaning in and around the birch...no doubt whispering secrets about what a good gardener you are!
Your garden is lovely- I love the look of a casual garden. Working hard to get that in mine. Cheers!
Emily - Your dahlia is fabulous!
Plus, I enjoyed looking at all the photos chockablock with interesting foliage, flowers, and vignettes.
Wonderful! Kudos to you and all of your hard work!
Nice garden design, love that path and oh that big healthy purple Hydrangea- Wow!
I love the tradition of name a house and garden...is your's Kozy Kottage? Cute sign!
The sign came from my husband's parents. It was at a summer cottage they owned in Wisconsin. We treasure it!
Absolutely gorgeous!!! I have planted Dahlias for years & never got a single bloom until this year. I read to start them in pots- then transplant. WHAT A FABULOUS FLOWER to grow. I cut them for inside arrangements too. I am totally in love !!!!
You garden is magnificent & just so you know- have always envied the the climate there & how easy you all make gardening look !!!
Love your garden - especially enjoyed the photo of the rose hips echoing the color of the birdhouse. Thank you for sharing this gem with us.
Just stunning!
Hope I'm not too late to let you know how much I love your photos. Each one shows your love of your garden, the variety of plants, the design and color combinations. If I had to say I have a favorite, it would be the bird house - or would it be the helianthus and sign. So glad I really don't have to make that decision.
My husband built all our birdhouses, so I let him know. And, the sign is from his parents. So fun for him, thanks!
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