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blueberrybundtcake

Help me design this garden

BlueberryBundtcake - 6a/5b MA
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago

Hello!

So we recently converted our decrepit back deck into a porch. The deck used to have a lilac hedge behind it, though the bushes were getting a bit scraggly, so not a huge loss ... we saved the small ones and moved them elsewhere. Some of the lilacs also survived the construction, and there are definitely still stumps of unknown status (all lilac). Anyways, we're thinking of doing more of a garden this time around than a hedge, and we could use some design help.

We have lots of wildlife: deer, rabbits, turkeys, etc. So things that are at least not known favorites would probably be good. (I know they will eat anything and everything ... or at least sample.)

This is facing due south and very, very sunny. It will get sun for all but a few hours in the morning, when the sun passes behind the cedar tree to the east. We may be able to run a soaker hose to it if necessary, as there's a faucet on the back of the house.

So here's the new porch:



The brush is lilac ... they can stay or go. The downspouts are in the middle and on the end opposite the stairs. We might have some potted veggies up on the porch deck (tomatoes, peppers, carrots). The decking is about five feet off the ground. The porch is nominally fourteen feet long (not including stairs).

Available for relocation:

  • a homeless peony
  • Siberian iris that need to be divided (Caesar's Brother - tall purple, Little Red - short red-violet, Ong's Hat - tall white)
  • two southern highbush blueberries (Sunshine Blue) that will live in pots so they can overwinter in the basement (there's a door to the basement nearby, so this would be a good location for them) (yes, I know deer love blueberries)
  • copious tall bearded iris (lavender)

What we'd like to add:

  • oriental poppies (we used to have some in the main garden, but they were trampled to death by people not being careful enough while "helping")
  • maybe a gazing ball or something like that
  • maybe herbs? (useful ones, preferably - most used are thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano; we also like lavender but not in our food)
  • love butterflies and hummingbirds, so something that attracts them is a bonus
  • native plants generally preferred

More Pictures:



Bush under the window is a flowering quince ... losing it and its thorns would also not be a great loss if someone has a better plan for that area. It is pretty when it flowers, though.



There's a spirea behind the stairs, but it shouldn't impact much. We plan to get rid of the junk dirt that the contractor left behind next to the stairs; we also are considering a stone landing at the base of the stairs (piece of wood is definitely not the final plan there). Dog gate may be added at some point at top, middle, or bottom of stairs, if the logistics for it can ever be worked out. The stairs are five feet wide.

Thanks!

BlueberryBundtcake

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