Need advice on a backyard cottage garden

17 years ago

Just last summer, several of you were kind enough to give me wonderful ideas to build my cottage garden. It's flourishing, and once the roses are over their little blackspot snit, and the gardener finally shows up to weed, I promise to post pictures.

I've been asked to help a colleague create her own cottage fantasy in her backyard. She doesn't have a lot of space to work with, but she wants ideas to create something gorgeous. Her space is mostly sunny, and part of the soil stays quite moist. There's a drain in the backyard that must stay put--but I'm thinking a little bench arbor over it with climbing roses or a Pyramid trellis would cover the space perfectly.

She is open in terms of color; she'd like some roses, heather, and a flowering fruit tree. She likes crape myrtle. She loves bulbs and is willing to plant them in large clumps. She'd love a riot of color, but doesn't want to spend long hours maintaining the beast.

She is willing to rip out the current plants if necessary. Her garage is to the right in the photos--the small garage on the back of the property belongs to a neighbor so it can't be used for support.

I've posted photos for her at http://s53.photobucket.com/albums/g47/pbyaeger/

She says she'll listen to any and all suggestions. Thanks!

pamela

Here is a link that might be useful: Rose's backyard cottage garden, before

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Comments (4)

keesha2006
17 years ago
These are just my thoughts if it was mine...so its my preferences...keep that in mind...

If she is a co-worker..and wants maintaince to keep low, there is prolly a reason, like a job maybe that keeps much time? I would personally steer clear of roses...prunning, black spots, and ect are not low maintaince..tho I know rose lovers will argue that... but my feelings are if I want low maintaince..I dont want roses, not matter how much I love them....I like the arbor deal...what about a Autum clemitis? Or Some other larger variety? I find them virtually maintaince free other than a seasonal prunning. They Seem to find their own way once started. She has great bones ...a gorgeous patio...could she benefit from a covering for that patio of some kind? I find a patio in full sun with no shade is often not used...I can see LARGE containers of color on the patio...for impact..the patio looks quite large..keep proportion in mind and clutter down to showcase the beautiful brickwork...if she wants low maintaince again..and blasts of color..consider day lillys of varies colors and bloom times..practically no maintaince..lots of impact...what about lavendar? I like its low maintaince...hostas a bit for "fake bushes". I like to use hosta where bushes with falling leaves or triming causes maintaince..hosta's do not..other than dividing them occasionally..and cutting dead leaves off and the end of the season...some of the bigger varieties can mimic bushes...pampas grass? Or some of the other grasses? They have a bit of a messy look..and have season maintance..but not weekly really....Black Eyed susans are a fav of mine for mid/to late season maintaince free color...live for ever? Great fall color..no maintaince..Coral bells? I can see her keeping much of what she has for privacy and just trimming it up and building the beds out..lots of curves and bumps that mimic the curve of her patio? Using the curves and bumps to create a grass courtyard through the middle that forms little roundish rooms kind of...a bench and fountain maybe in one of those little grass rooms? A place to admire from the back side..the patio and the artwork that new beds created? Enough to soften..but not to create much work....she has great bones to start with.....it could be quite warm and inviting and a escape from the busy world. Does she want to go headlong into it..or does she want to do it in stages? That could also impact what she wants...Everything you plant creates maintaince..but by choosing carefully you can really "limit" maintaince..
PRO
Nell Jean
17 years ago
Why don't you show her the photos of Mary Lu's garden?

Nell
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gardeners_hands
17 years ago
pamela, hi!
friends don't let friends be disapointed in gardening!
Explain the logical steps to glory to her, then keep explaining
Determine; soil, climate, exposure, and funds ($) available. Be realistic.
Put in the 'bones' first; path(s), storage shed even if tiny is necessary, water system (buried or sprinkler?), fencing, arbors/trellis and the ilk.
Research lasagne gardening, develop a loathing for grass, lay out beds not too big so you can monitor and access every portion of each.
Do not let anyone, especially me, steal your joy. Go forth to your garden with anticipation and joy, bravely face set-backs, crow over your successes!
GH-
zzepherdogg
17 years ago
You are a good friend to step in and help out. This looks like a site with so much potential that you will end up with something lovely. I agree that you should plot out what ever hardscape you want to add, and perhaps some of the other gardeners could chip in some extras of perennials they have on hand. so many folks are deviding thier plants right now, If any one in your extended circle of gardening friends could add a plant to the cause, this could keep the cost down so that you could go a little $er on the hard scape. Have fun, and post Pictuers when you get it done.

Need advice on a backyard cottage garden

Comments (4)

keesha2006

Nell Jean

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