Every garden possesses its own unique beauty, characteristics, and charm. As gardeners no matter how much we appreciate the overall culture we've created it seems we develop preferences. There is definitely favorite scenery, nooks, and niches that draw our attention more than others within the garden. These particular spots often change with the seasons. They aren't necessarily perfect in every way yet these choice vignettes prove to be fulfilling and pleasing to our senses as our eyes rest on them again and again.
On the periphery of
the circle garden impatiens seed themselves in abundance each spring. None have been planted in years. They are like weeds and even though they try to demand extra irrigation they are on their own to survive with the supply the rest of the garden receives. They
do make a colorful addition to the mostly foliage entrance to the
tropical pathway.
Rounding that corner a fork in the pathway leads to either the butterfly garden or the
tropical pathway that further leads to the way-back garden. This is one of the most peaceful settings in the entire garden.
There are many niches along the
stroll down the tropical pathway that urge me to pause. Stopping to reflect on the simplest delights that my garden provides refreshes my soul time and again. The nook with the red banana and roundleaf begonias (
rotundifolia) surrounded by lush layers of plants is just one of them.
A garden is the perfect place to work out the burdens of the day leaving them behind as we touch the earth and stress melts away with our toils. Layers and layers of textures, forms, varying heights and diverse hues all contribute to the quiet sanctuary within these borders.
Tropical plants suited for protection from the intense sunshine under the mature oaks blend together in shades of red, magenta, yellow, and green.
At the curve, behind the retaining wall,
Miss Muffet caladiums snuggle up next to a bird's nest fern that rests between two large stones as if it squeezed itself naturally into that small bit of soil.
Exiting the tropical pathway gives an equally soothing view.
On the other side of the back gardens
Florida-Friendly plants of bromeliads,
White Queen caladiums, pentas, shell gingers, aztec grasses, cordylines all
converge with the native gardens happily thriving in like-environments.
The northside berm was planted with much the same method in mind.
A mixture of natives and a wide variety of fitting tropicals blending together offering a calming effect for the viewer. A garden discreetly and eternally touches the heart of anyone willing to pause and breathe it in.
The majestic Australian Fern is a favorite from any angle. It is tucked to the side of the central pathway where it can be seen from just about any point in the back gardens.
Seating arrangements serve as focal points adding structure whever they are placed. Prevalent morning shade in
the circle garden allows for a cool meditation spot.
Brightly colored wildflowers continue to catch my eye at every turn.
An unusual sight at Hoe and Shovel but much loved this spring.
The
dangling shell ginger blooms vie for the attention of any passersby. We will savor their loveliness while they last. When they fade it will be another spring before they return.
Since replacing the front lawn turf with low-lying ground covers mowing chores have been reduced dramatically. Chairs placed at the end of the curvy path remind us to take some extra moments to relax.
From the front street-side butterfly attractors take up the sunniest corner available at Hoe and Shovel. The seating in the previous photo is tucked into the upper right corner of this photo (if you could see it from this vantage point).
It's likely you'll be seeing more of these favorite vignettes throughout the summer. As my eye gravitates to them so does my camera. Thank you for coming along with me to some of my favorite places in the garden.
I wish you peace and restfulness as you breathe in your own garden today. Meems
