The Secret Garden: Progress

Secret Garden July 2020

A garden does not transform in a day.  It starts with a design and vision. My longtime client started transforming her garden with me in 2018 with a small space off of the back patio. Over time, it was her goal to redesign a separate part of her garden, a large space over 500 square feet of planting beds, known as the secret garden.

Lovely water feature with overgrown plantings and no real design.

The wisteria vine was removed to push this garden out and make way for an extension to the existing pergola.

The layout of paths and the finished size of the addition to the patio area had to be completed before planning the flowerbeds.  Once the path was laid, measurements were taken and the discussion of design began!  A combination of perennials, evergreens, ground covers and annuals were all a part of that design. 

The secret garden was to be filled with color, by not only perennials, but contrasting foliage from evergreens as well. A center bed was created to give a focal point from the seating beneath the expanded pergola. ​ Crape myrtle shrubs, Ligustrum 'Sunshine' and butterfly bush were some of my top picks, providing color and structure. 

The pictures show the progression from April 2020 to July 2020.  Proof that our hot summers make plants grow rapidly with an ample supply of water!  Most of the plants will be maintained in early spring by a quick trim and through the growing season to keep the beds looking tidy. 

My clients did all of the heavy work themselves: amending the soil, planting and irrigation.  It all turned out fabulously and I am excited to see how it matures over the years!