Casual gardening is still a passion and I have become a rabid Instagram user over the last few years. Posting garden pictures is "instant" gratification (go figure) and the photo eTools are so user-friendly. Then there is Pinterest - 55 boards and 15,400 pins later, I am hopelessly addicted to imagery (made even easier with a smart phone app that is incredibly accessible).
But today, I impulsively looked back to the online tool that started it all... Google Blogger, and the Bunnies Buffet. Looking back at the evolution of my gardens - from 'scratch' to now, there have been big gains. It was a cool and rainy start to Spring and Summer 2015. As a result, most plants are very robust and mature. Like, the gardens finally "grew up" this season!
Front Garden - Summer of 2015 'Dark Towers' Penstemon & Dark Purple Smoke Bush |
Front Garden - the Early Years What a difference a few years make ?! |
Front Garden - Back in the Beginning (Another blank canvas...) |
Patience is a lesson learned as a gardener. Paying attention to the 'little tag' attached to plants makes all the difference. Slow growers, fast growers - plant sizes - best growing conditions. Sun, shade, plant life cycles... and sometimes, if it doesn't grow - it might not be a plant for you?!
The new "West Wing" Garden (Summer 2015) Tall Shasta Daisies, Tiger Lilies, Monarda, Center Glow Ninebark, 'Sunset Mexican' Gaillardia, Autumn Joy Sedum |
Window view of the backyard gardens - 2015 ( [Cottage Garden - SW corner & Sun Garden - along the house] (In 2009 - this was a blank canvas) |
Yes - it was this blank. [Future Sun Garden view] |
[Future Cottage Garden - SW corner] |
...And Voila' - blank becomes abundant [Sun Garden] (Believe me, it's 'Mother Nature' - all Mother Nature) |
Now there is time to enjoy the fruits of labor...
The "Cottage Garden" in full bloom this Summer (2015) |