Jun

6

An English Garden

Posted by maureen

June 6, 2007 |

My mother was an avid gardener and always had a garden; it was something that gave her great satisfaction and endless hours of pleasure. Whenever I hear the phrase English Garden” I think of her and her garden of beautiful flowers and colors that thrived in the English climate. Despite her love of gardening she learnt, like most of us, by trial and error. And that is the great thing about gardening you don’t have to be an expert and can learn as you go along. When I look back on pictures I realize some truths about gardening that she did instinctively but that really can add that “wow” factor that many of us look for

Keeping color all seasons

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She had plenty of conifers and shrubs that added different shades of green year round. Planters and containers started the season with spring bulbs and then she mixed a variety of annuals and perennials to last through the summer and fall months.


Think big
Plants general look better in groups: if you are planting in the yard think about groups of twos and threes. You are better off doing one really good display than a lot of small mundane displays.

Think small

I love trees but the truth that we often choose trees that will outgrow our gardens or plant them too close to the house. Always imagine them fully grow before making your chose.

Pot and Containers

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Mom used a lot of pots and all sorts of containers to add color. They dotted them around the garden and used them on patios when they down sized the garden.

Divide and save

Many plants divide very well after they are established. I have divided one day lily plant at least ten times …great value for your original investment. If you have a neighbor or friend to exchange cuttings with that gives you the opportunity to try new species.

Happy gardening!


Comments

1 Comment so far

  1. Joyful Gardener on June 20, 2007 5:55 pm

    [...] presents An English Garden posted at Empty Nest, saying, “My mother learnt gardening by trial and error and always had a [...]

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