June 6, 2016 by Sandra Jonas

GREAT GARDEN YEAR

Peace, quiet, birdsong, this is a great garden year!

Circle of Friends at dusk

I am finally back into my garden! I did not realize how much I missed it. I spent the last years distracted by various life events and for a time ignored my own needs and passions. Learned some valuable life lessons and returned to my roots, my tribe.

Design of pot attributed to Gertrude Jekyll

Thanks to a very mild winter, my garden this year has been sensational. EVERYTHING bloomed profusely.

Rose ‘New Dawn’ on the old chicken house

Right now I am enjoying the blooms of Hydrangeas I have not seen (in my garden) for years.

'Fuji Waterfall' aka 'Starburst' these American names given to 'Hanabi'

‘Fuji Waterfall’ aka ‘Shooting Star’ these American names given to ‘Hanabi’

Hydrangea serrata ‘Miyama Yae Murasaki’ (AKA Purple Tiers)

The secret garden

It is, however, not just about what is blooming. A ‘Garden’ must have structure and a narrative. Without these organizing principles, one simply has a collection of plants or chaos.

In my design lectures I talk about the 2 points of view on what makes a garden. One is that a garden is where one puts plants, and the other, to which I adhere, is that plants are used to create the garden.

The first is a ‘yard’. A garden is a refuge, an ongoing work of art to be honed and nurtured.

Below, a plant collector’s garden held together by it’s structure. (another post to follow about this garden & the gardener)

Ozzie Johnson’s Garden

What are your thoughts? What is more satisfying a yard or a garden?

photos of my garden, taken with cell phone. Ozzie’s wonderful garden with a real camera!

June 2, 2016 by Sandra Jonas

HYDRANGEA TOUR ALERT

American Hydrangea Society

22ND Annual Garden Tour

Saturday, June 11, 2016

9:00 am to 5:00 pm

rain or shine!

We have 7 beautiful gardens lined up for your touring pleasure

in the Atlanta Metro area showcasing Hydrangeas!

Tickets are $30.00 each or a family rate of 2/$40.00

We hope you will join us! It will be a great day!

Tour ticket entitles you to the current tour and a year’s membership in the

American Hydrangea Society including three informative color newsletters.

Our newsletter is a great source of information about hydrangeas, their care and

maintenance. There are three free lecture meetings a year with excellent speakers on

Hydrangeas and we have wonderful plant raffles at our meetings too!

Tickets will be available online via PayPal at our website until May 31ST.

http://www.americanhydrangeasociety.org

Tickets will also be available on the day of the tour from 9 AM – 2 PM ONLY

at Garden #1 (2607 Cotton Mill Court, Marietta, GA 30068)

and Garden #7 (3254 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur, GA 30034)

so don’t worry if you have a last minute addition to your group.

(Unfortunately this tour is not wheelchair accessible.)

May 19, 2016 by Sandra Jonas

GARDEN TOUR 2

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One of the joys of the Garden Tour Season I always look forward to, is the tour put on by Georgia Perennial Plant Association. Several chosen gardens are opened to the membership for one week- end a year. Most gardeners would have bottled water and iced tea available for the visitors. Margaret Moseley would serve her famous Almond Tea whenever her garden was opened. Last week Pimento Cheese party sandwiches were passed around on silver trays for the guests! (Did I forget to mention that in the last post?)

For several years I served as the Tour Chairperson of this organization as well as The American Hydrangea Society. I know firsthand about what it takes to create a successful event. So I was not surprised that in recent years the format has changed and only one garden is opened for a day. I like this change. One no longer has to budget their time and rush to see as many gardens as possible in the allotted timeframe. These are SPECTACULAR gardens where one could happily spend the entire day and still not take it all in.

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This year, the garden of Lyndy Broder was the featured garden. Lyndy is a dear friend and an expert on the genus Clematis. Her knowledge and talents however, go far beyond Clematis. She has collected an amazing variety of unusual and seldom seen trees and shrubs to create a personal arboretum ‘par excellence’ on her property….and almost all are festooned with the most delicious varieties of Clematis one could imagine.

P1240753 A wall of seed grown species welcome visitors

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P1240771 Golden Larch (Pseudolarix amabilis) with Clematis

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The Canadian Geese Meadow leading to the lake above.

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P1240768 The Sanctuary of St. Fiacre, patron saint of gardeners ( loved working with Lyndy on this project)

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When a garden of this caliber is open….. everyone comes. This turned into a reunion of great plantsmen and gardeners, a huge amount of talent here, the energy was palpable.

May 12, 2016 by Sandra Jonas

GARDEN TOUR SEASON

This is the first garden tour I attended this season, there are several more on the agenda. I promise to post about them all.

Nothing says Welcome quite like a gate. I saw several that intrigued me on the Gardens for Connoisseurs Tour to benefit The Atlanta Botanical Garden.

P1240474 My friend Becky rushing in to get detail photos of this delightful gate. We were tripping over each other in excitement. look at these ….

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Clever designs and beautiful workmanship. We loved all the details. Gates like these were in several of the gardens, a wonderful piece, both practical and whimsical.

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Several of Atlanta’s finest private gardens open for this annual event. These are all designer gardens with regular and knowledgeable crews to tend them. They are perfectly groomed. One will never find a yellowing leaf, no space left where a plant was lost, some annual potted plant is placed in its stead, very tastefully.

Touches of whimsy…….

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The summer containers were packed with perennial foliage plants and annuals.

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I was particularly taken with a table centerpiece …..

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and of course the peaceful sound of water.

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Beautiful gardens…..

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P1240715 All in all a no miss event. With our weather this year, the gardens will be more beautiful that ever.

May 3, 2016 by Sandra Jonas

THIS ‘N’ THAT

This is a fabulous year for the garden. The French Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) are full of buds and it promises to be quite a show. I hope I am not putting a Hex on it. Considering the unpredictable weather we are experiencing, tomorrow could bring an artic blast!

There are so many varieties I have not seen in years. The flower buds were killed by late frosts or some years, the stems are killed right to the ground. This has happened for several years; bad news for a gardener who loves them and has used them extensively in her plantings.( That would be me.)

Encouraged, I took many more cuttings.

I am also propagating two all white varieties ( Madame E. Mouillere & the lacecap White Wave) for my friend Mary who is creating an all white garden. She is well on her way and these white Hydrangeas will be the crowning touch. Isn’t it amazing how much patience a true gardener can exhibit?

My garden and I have matured. I no longer stress the small details and rely on good groundcovers through which I will plant some minor bulbs for more early spring interest.

Since groundcovers are all so similar in height is essential to play up contrast of either colour, or texture. Some of the better effects I had achieved in the woodland became so labor intensive, I had to abandon them completely. So my advice is “go simple’

Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ ) and Golden Clubmoss (Selaginella ‘Aurea’) were a stunning combination. Then the weeds came. I have to admit that for a few years I painted weed killer on them with an eyeliner brush!

I am very fortunate to have on my property many native wildflowers, while they are ephemeral and will disappear when the summer heat comes on, the low growing Vinca does a great job picking up the slack.

Above, Leaves of three, Trillium & Poison Ivy; underneath, a carpet of Vinca.

This mottled ginger (Asarum splendens) is one of several types I planted, it is the only one that has survived & thrived. It is located across from the Mourning Bench. This was the only area where I originally planted perennials. What comes up now are the tough survivors or the plants that re-seed.

Below the subtle colours of Japanese Painted fern ( Athyrium nipponicum) & Mottled Ginger blend beautifully. Contrasting texture is the key here.

Elsewhere in the garden, the Viburnums have been sensational and there are still a few blooming. This year Kern’s Pink has outdone itself.

Viburnum ‘Kern’s Pink’

So heavy with blossoms it has covered an unknown rose.

The only misstep this year was the loss of two mature Clematis. Victims of the mow and blow guy….. I guess one cannot have everything…..all at once.

April 8, 2016 by Sandra Jonas

JOY !

Often, in the garden, I only see all that needs to be done; the plants that need feeding, the pruning that is overdue, the weeds that must be removed before they set seed….. P1240353

I have only to look down to experience the joy a garden can bring. These at my feet… (above)

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my view ahead…. (above)

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Clematis ‘Asoa’ twining through the Viburnum….

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Aesculus Pavia welcoming the first Hummingbirds… The Styrax obassia is starting to bloom (below)

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So what if the vegetable garden is overgrown with chick weed.

I have seriously been considering getting some chickens again. They were so delightful. I loved their antics and they kept the weeds down. Hmm… Oh yes, I forgot the predators and the heartbreak when one is ‘lost’.

February 15, 2016 by Sandra Jonas

A TASTE OF SPRING

When I was out walking in the garden today I was admiring the camellias. They are the evergreen structure that forms the bones of the garden and they bloom to boot!

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daffodils in the Wordsworth meadow are up and some are already blooming …… but

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the meadow was not cut last summer so there are plenty of weeds, and several trees and limbs are down. Victims of the heavy saturating rains and strong winds of late.

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One of the first times I’ve seen the incredible flowers of the ‘evermottled’ ginger…….. blooming at ground level. I have not often seen them as I’m hesitant to crawl around the garden on all fours when it is cold and damp. This one just jumped out at me.

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Spring is here again!

October 9, 2015 by Sandra Jonas

SASANQUA SEASON

I can’t believe it’s already autumn. Time flies, as they say. So here’s what is happening in my garden.

While my Northern garden buddies are cutting back perennials and putting their gardens to sleep… I am enjoying an embarrassment of riches in the way of Camellia sasanqua blooms.

Some so profuse they look like cascading roses from a distance.

Last fall I finally found the Camellia sasanqua ‘Cotton Candy’ a favorite of my dear late friend Margaret Moseley. It was one she had recommended to me many years ago when I first started my garden, but I was never able to locate it. When it starts to bloom I will post a photo. I know Margaret would be pleased. Still on the lookout for Camellia ‘Martha’s Dream’ yet another of her early blooming favorites.

Camellia ‘Daydream’ which I rescued from a compost heap at a nursery. I followed the fragrance and found it. I have never seen it in the trade before or since. Of course the first time I saw it was in Margaret’s garden.

Mine is a garden of memories.

April 20, 2015 by Sandra Jonas

RAINY DAYS

Not complaining, but these downpours really put a damper on going out to see what’s blooming in the garden, so….

on these rainy days I brought some of the garden indoors.

sink above, is a new addition in utility room/downstairs potty/ mud/ laundry room. Mirror will be painted & antiqued with Annie Sloan paints and the room will be painted. Still contemplating colours.

MEANWHILE

Pictures taken between the raindrops, here is what’s in the garden …

Styrax obassia delightful, fragrant, small tree that shades the entrance to the Potager

Chinese Snowball Viburnum ( Viburnum macrocephalum)

Azaleas (Rhododendron indica ) and Cranberrybush Viburnum (Viburnum opulus ) always good companions. LOVE the lime green phase of this shrub.

Viburnum ‘Kern’s Pink is what the label said. (Viburnum picatum ‘Kern’s Pink’) My plant has never seen even a blush. Beautiful none the less.

A few Clematis too.

April 12, 2015 by Sandra Jonas

THE SECOND ACT

Every spring I have posted about the Wordsworth meadow, however, what follows the daffodils is just as exciting. It took a lot less work too.

Two native plants allowed to seed themselves over a period of time Trillium cuneatum and Phlox divaricata.

This is the reward for allowing the seeds to form & ripen before the meadow is cut. Need I mention this has taken 17 years?

I have been away from the blog a long time. Life happens, things change, gardens and blogs sometimes must be put aside while other issues of life are addressed.

The garden, while it has suffered some neglect, is very grateful for the attention it is getting now. Major changes about to happen! Stay tuned.

April 25, 2014 by Sandra Jonas

WHERE DO I START?

Where do I start? Here we are at the end of April and I’m still accessing the damage from the past winter.

Today they cut down the second Fig Tree…dead . I waited to be sure but there was no hope. The branches snapped off in my hand. Same with all the Gardenia, they look like toast, brown & crunchy! There is one in the cutting garden I hope recovers; the small leafed one Margaret Moseley calls ‘First Love’. Keeping my fingers crossed.

The Hydrangea macrophylla are pushing new growth from the roots. All the top growth is dead. There will be no flowers this season.

I am hoping the Penny Mac’s, will produce. They bloomed on new wood (i.e. current seasons growth) in my friend Penny’s garden for whom it was named.

Penny McHenry

(I wonder if it was because she grew them in full sun. They always looked wilted during the day but at 6 pm her garden was transformed into the Hydrangea Heaven it was.)

To add insult to injury a huge old Oak in the Wordsworth Meadow was uprooted last week in the wind storm.

That is my 6′ 4″ husband in front of the rootball.(below)

Now that the second shoe has fallen I’m left wondering what else could possibly go wrong. I’m holding my breath!

Forgot to mention the entire countryside was without power for the day since it brought down the power line.

Still there were many nice surprises. Who knew Stachyurus praecox was so hardy? I was sure she would succumb to the low temperatures. ( This is yet another shrub commonly known as “Yellow Bells’)

The meadow is marvelous with the native Phlox (Phlox divaricata) & Trilliums (Trillium cuneatum) that follow the spent daffodils …

and the Viburnums are doing beautifully. This however, is another post.

How are your gardens doing after this very harsh winter?

March 19, 2014 by Sandra Jonas

DAFFODIL ENVY

I am suffering from Daffodil envy.

This morning I opened the computer and found the following photos on one of my favorite blogs THE GALLOPING GARDENER.

And here I was feeling so proud of the Wordsworth Meadow!

Nevertheless, scenes like this were my inspiration.

The photos were taken at The Valley Garden in Surrey England by Charlotte Weychan. Charlotte travels and visits fabulous gardens. Check her blog for a wonderful armchair visit to some of the best gardens.

I better get busy sourcing and planting. I think I need several lifetimes to achieve something like this!

Thank you Charlotte for use of your photos.

February 28, 2014 by Sandra Jonas

SPRING!

Spring is announced in the ‘Wordsworth Meadow’

It does fill my heart with joy!

Every year the display increases. Presently scouting old abandoned homeplaces to rescue more Narcissus to add to the meadow.

If you have been reading this blog then you know these are ‘old timey’ bulbs that have survived for years unattended. The modern cultivars I originally planted disappeared after a season or two.

The sweep of Narcissus on the left in the above photo is a younger planting than the one on the right, equal number of bulbs. Time is a huge element in garden design.

MORE SCENES FROM AROUND THE GARDEN:

Prunus ‘Okame’ and Spiraea, wish you could hear the bees a -buzz at the ‘all you can eat buffet’

Helleborus orientalis & Narcissus and the ghost of last summer’s Hydrangeas.

Of all the garden areas, it is the ‘Wordsworth Meadow’ that holds my heart. It is still unfinished….

February 3, 2014 by Sandra Jonas

POLAR VORTEX UPDATE

The Polar Vortex that crippled the south last week wreaked some havoc in my garden.

I could tell from the window that the Michelia foliage was damaged and the Camellia blossoms were brown and mushy. Today I ventured out (74 degrees) to access the damage.

Although there is some browning of foliage, it is not nearly as bad as I had anticipated.

The Michelia (now reclassified as a Magnolia) looks awful, but the buds seem to be viable in their protected furry coats.

The camellias, on the other hand did not fare as well. The good news is the plants survived, however, many tight buds came off in my hand when I touched them.

The few that are okay are on the underside of the foliage so I guess that was their protection . ( Like all gardeners, I wish plants could talk!)

Now for the bad news… I doubt there will be Hydrangeas this year, most of the buds are frozen & dead. While the stems appear fine right now, only time will tell.

Above, my Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)… bit the proverbial dust.

Hellebores (Helleborus orientalis) (above) may be short in the stem but they are coming along.

Above, Winter Daphne ( Daphne odora aureomarginata) unscathed & looking cheerful. Waiting for another few sunny days to unfurl and envelope the garden in its wonderful perfume.

And, as always, there is something cheerful waiting to brighten my day…

Early species crocus.

What damage if any, did your garden experience?

January 30, 2014 by Sandra Jonas

A NEW FOCAL POINT

As I walk through the garden I see all the areas that would be much improved with a focal point.

The Circle of Friends (above) has a wonderful pot, an Italian reproduction of a Gertrude Jekyll design. (I want something taller, this is too round & short)

At the end of the Rose & Clematis Walk is the Schiaparelli Bench.

The cutting garden has several focal points as it is divided into four parterres…

The bench .. (On axis with the Potager)

St Fiacre…

and serving as focal point from two views is one of the classic Four Seasons.. ‘Summer’…

and opposite ( below) an urn… (An overturned pot acts as plinth; my Poverty Cycle)

My friend, the brilliant and talented Landscape Designer Tara Dillard posts about focal points on her blog constantly!

This winter when I decorated my dinning room for holiday festivities, I was keenly aware that the view from the window was less than I hoped.So I moved ‘Summer’ from the cutting garden directly on axis with the centerpiece on the table.

She is here temporarily, I do think ‘Winter’ would be more appropriate since that is basically the only time we eat in the dining room, and ‘Summer’ belongs in the Cutting Garden with all the blooming beauties of her season. She has been moved so often that to paraphrase Margery Fish “In time she will learn to walk”

Ah, decisions, decisions… I always opt for more plants and labor when spending my garden $$$$. Perhaps this will be the year I concentrate on accessories.