Author: Sandra Jonas
CREATING A PATH
There are two choices when creating a path.
Curved paths create mystery, one cannot see the end.
Straight paths, on the other hand, require a focal point to stop the eye.
Above, a reinforced focal point. The tree is the main focal point reinforced by the urn and plinth.
photo taken on recent speaking engagement in Ft. Worth TX.
LANDSCAPE AT ITS BEST!
Every so often one looks with new eyes at a familiar scene. I can’t say how many times I have visited with my friend Lyndy Broder of Clematis fame; but this visit was different.
Perhaps because the deciduous magnolias were putting on a show of shows or perhaps the trees she planted have finally reached a size in scale with the lake. One thing is certain; this scene will continue to gain in stature.
THIS is Landscape, at its best!
When her home was built on a pasture there was not a tree in sight. The deal she struck with her husband gave her a free hand to plant. This is the result.
This may very well be the first visit where I was not distracted by the profusion of clematis in bloom!
CONTINUOUS AS THE STARS THAT SHINE
And twinkle on the milky way….
The Wordsworth Meadow comes alive again.
I await this event every year and it still amazes.
STATUS SYMBOL revisited
Back to the driveway….
What mine lacks is definition, or in design terms “line.”
In the above photo the tire tracks and tree trunks provide it.
One of my favorite treatments for a drive, is the one below.
Beautiful cobbles contain the gravel and the line provides direction.
What a wonderful welcome! Another item on my ‘Honey Do’ list.
Photo courtesy of FOR LOVE OF A HOUSE. Visit this blog for an overdose of inspiration and to see how they installed the cobbles. http://fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com/2012/09/so-lest-you-think-weve-been-sitting.html
WHY DON’T YOU…
WHY DON’T YOU…
Have a garden with presence in the winter.
Use evergreen groundcovers and some large evergreens for height.
Here, Vinca and Helleborus mingle at the feet of deciduous hydrangeas. Can you imagine this space without them?
Yes, I just viewed Diana Vreeland, The Eye Has To Travel. can you tell?
I’M BOOKED!!
I can barely contain my excitement. I was sent another gift; a signed, coffee table book. A garden I designed and built is included in it!
MADISON: A Classic Southern Town, is a bicentennial celebration of Madison Georgia, “the town Sherman refused to burn.”
Written by William R. Mitchell Jr.and photography by Van Jones Martin and James R. Lockhart, it is an exquisite house and garden tour through what is considered one of the most beautiful antebellum towns in Georgia.
Some of the gardens I have designed over the years, received recognition. This is the first time one was ever been published in a hard covered book.
Thank you M & W You know who you are!
This garden clearly illustrates my design philosophy; the seamless unity of house and garden.
CAMELLIAS
Years ago, when we lived in the Boston area, I visited The Lyman Estates. Here I first saw camellias. They were growing in a greenhouse devoted exclusively to them.
It was on that cold February day my love of Camellias was born. This love has been nurtured and encouraged by my dear friend Margaret Moseley whom I met years later when I moved to Georgia.
Most of the Camellias I planted were recommended by Margaret. She never gave me a list, rather it was a running commentary on what was blooming in her garden …
“If you ever come across ‘ White Empress’ buy every one they have”
“Cotton Candy’ is blooming, prettiest thing you ever saw”
“Oh my, ‘Professor Sargent’ must have a hundred blooms on it today!”
I followed her advice. Below is a sample of the camellias blooming in my garden today.
How lucky I am to know Margaret.
As a garden designer I incorporate camellias as an evergreen where conditions allow. They make a beautiful, glossy, dark green, hedge with the added bonus of fall/winter flowers.
FROM ONE GARDENER TO ANOTHER
“From one gardener to another,” read the note.
I have tried in vain to find the Saffron Crocus ( Crocus sativus). Today I arrived home to find a box full complete with instructions…
from a gracious & generous gardener.
I was told, when I first arrived in Georgia, that one never says ‘thank you’ for a plant; instead one says “I appreciate it.”
I truly appreciate it!!
These crocus bloom in the autumn and the stamens are the exquisite spice Saffron.
JUNE IN JANUARY
The temperature here in Georgia is an unseasonable 76° F. I should not complain about this (coming from Canada), however all the buds on the spring bloomers are swelling and the cold, that is sure to come, will inevitably kill them.
In a ‘normal’ year the Japanese Flowering Apricot (Prunus mume) above, starts to bloom sporadically mid to end of January. This year on the 15th, it is almost done, its petals adorning the ground.
The Helleborus, commonly called Lenten Roses, should peak, you guessed it, at Lent. Not this year,(below)
I’ll not whine any longer. The camellias are putting on a spectacular show…
and Margaret Moseley’s favorite, ‘Fragrant Pink’ is perfuming the air with its rose-like fragrance.
This is also the earliest I have ever seen Edgeworthia crysantha open.
All in all this is going to be a very interesting gardening year.
It is never too late to wish you all a wonderful healthy & joyous New Year.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
To everyone who reads this blog, my sincerest thanks, I appreciate your support and your comments.
I Hope you have wonderful Holidays and are able to spend them with those you love . Best wishes for a peaceful and fabulous New Year.
The very best in life and in the garden!
THE BEST GIFTS
The best gifts I have ever received are those that were made for me. Whether it was a home-made cake, a stunning pair of earrings (crafted by my daughter) or the great home-made spaghetti dinner a neighbor would send over a day or two before Christmas; these are remembered well after the sweaters & gift certificates are long forgotten.
One of my favorites is a wonderful little book made for me by my brilliantly talented friend Gloria Ward.
She is a craftsperson. When she started scrapbooking she created delightful books for our circle of friends. In it are photos of our small group of gardeners and some of the memorable moments we shared.
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I received mine over 6 years ago. I treasure it still and it holds a special place in my home & heart.
With this in mind, my oven is working overtime!
Top photo from the one and only Carolyne Roehm
THERE ARE NO WORDS
A GRACIOUS PLENTY
Blooming this month, a gracious plenty of camellias. The first time I heard this I totally understood what it meant. Basically it means ‘a lot of ‘, but you must admit, it is a more gracious expression .
Have I mentioned before how I love the south? It bears repeating!
I love living and gardening in the south. Happy Holidays Y’all!
DECEMBER DELIGHTS
December delights, in the garden that is…..
The crunch of leaves under my feet, I find myself shuffling through the leaves to amplify the sound, much as my children did years ago. Living in the city we would have to go to a park to find this carpet..
I refuse to have them raked just yet. The ‘Mighty Oak’ has not yet dropped its leaves….
so that’s my excuse, but really….too much fun!
French Breakfast radishes from the Potager and Spicy Baby Lettuce ready for a small salad.
Perfuming the air is the shrub “Wintersweet” Chimonanthus praecox.
