Fishtail Cottage’s Garden 11/3/14…

Its crazy to look back just one week ago and see the photo’s of what the garden looked like, much less the summer photo’s that I shared with you of our landscape. If you missed that post, click here. While my magical helpers were here last week, weeding, removing, trimming and moving pieces of the garden around, the garden was transformed almost overnight into a manageable piece of art. I no longer am looking out my windows dreading hours of hard labor that needed to be done. I even snuck out last Thursday to finish a few tasks that were missed from my list of requests and felt happy to do so.  Although, I ended up spending hours out there and filling up two yard waste containers, it was more like puttering in the garden rather than a mad woman racing from plant to plant with clippers and a weed whacker! 

Was I nervous about having help, absolutely!  I have planted each and every plant here with my own two hands! I noticed several plants missing and I won’t know until next spring if they are really gone, or just accidently trimmed. (Plants like hydrangeas…) I know there will always be “casualties” in the garden, but trying to look on the bright side that I might have a few open spaces that I can plant something new next spring. 

Will I lose some blooms on next years shrubs because of the amount of cutting back that happened this year? Possibly, but I’m okay with that to be seeing a little more structure in the landscape.

Some very apparent changes that happened was the removal of Mock Orange shrubs in the front. They have only grown taller and wider since 2006, but never more than one or two blooms to speak of.  Removing those shrubs will give the Crabapples room to flourish!

Always planning a few steps ahead of mother nature is worth it! Visualizing what will be in a few more years is key.  Planning your vision of growth regarding size and colors is so important.  Sometimes, having a plant for only a few years that fills in the space “for now” may all you need from that certain plant. Removing it when the time comes is perfectly fine.  Like when I planted colorful maples a couple years ago in my planters ~ they’ve served their purpose, but as they grew two large for the pots, they are now placed up by the coop to grow as they need nature sees fit.  Adding a new texture to that space as well as color.

My gardens are not formal by any means, however, shaping the boxwood and manicured trees and shrubs are important so that the plants like roses, astilbe, iris, heuchra and so many others can be appreciated and perform with their whimsical blooms during the summer months. 

We had this cement bench in a place you couldn’t see from the upper patio – so I had it relocated and I really like how welcoming it feels from the patio!

I also moved this gorgeous maple tree from our side yard to under our master bedroom window.  I know it will take a few more years before I see the ‘vision’ in my mind ~ but I’m willing to be patient!

I also cut the fragrant “Colette” rose all the way to ground and removed all of the Lithodora ground cover from the area.  This climber hasn’t performed as well as I’d like the past couple years and thought I’d give it a fresh start and allow it to ‘breath’!

The rose terrace received a major clean up as did the side yard…both these areas feel amazing to me!

I know you are probably cringing at what I’ve done to my gorgeous gardens…but not to worry, it will come back with more vigor and happier blooms and an outstanding performance next year! I can’t wait to see it too! For now, I am going to enjoy the simplified look and allow nature to work its wonders over the winter months!

Have an amazing and relaxing week! xoxo,tracie