Last time I posted about our “backyard” (I have to put that in quotations because at 13′ x 15′, it’s hardly a yard) it was to brag about our new fence, step one in our garden renovation. I completely skipped step two, in which we laid 1′ x 2′ basalt pavers, which you can catch a peek at in the photos, because, well, I have no idea really. Anyway, now I’m onto step three – planting. (Woo hoo!)
I’ve got two tiny beds to play with, and this weekend I started on the little woodland bed. It’ll be full of mostly native plants, though dominated by the not-so-native Acer ‘Beni Kawa.’ Supporting characters include some of the wonderful finds from last weekend’s trip to my parents’ home, like this old log, above.
My parents live in what was once “the woods” – now it’s rapidly becoming developed into a suburban nightmare.
The property next to them, once a favourite haunt for faeries and local children, was recently razed, and, as sad as I was about it, I decided to see if I could make the best of it. Or just steal some rocks.
I love this gnarled old mini nurse log – it’s even got some vegetation starting. Since the property was being cleared anyway, I thought I’d give it a better chance in my mini woodland.
We also picked up two rocks. I love the cracks and lines on this one, which is only 1.5′ squarish despite seeming massive in this photo.
And finally, the one below, with its intriguing “face,” will go in the other bed.
It’s not quite finished (when is a garden ever finished?) and it’s got some filling out to do, but for now, here is my modern woodland-inspired garden bed.
Left to right: moss, which will hopefully grow together lusciously and lushly (the back gate swings over this portion so I kept the plantings low). What is that square of blue stones, you ask? It’s standing in for a future water feature – just pretend, okay? Behind it will be some pondside, moisture-loving plants. Behind that is the log, and behind the log I intend to plant a snowberry. Moving right, I’ve got a Soft Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum), Arum italicum, tiarella, Acer ‘Beni Kawa,’ salal and a Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum). I still would like to find room for a huckleberry. No wonder my back is sore today.
beth maher says
Oooooh wow! So beautiful. I love your combination of the rustic and the natural with clean modern lines. And you are definitely making me jealous of that verdant west coast. Especially after the drought we had here this year.
Andrea Bellamy says
Thanks, Beth! I am reserving judgement on it just yet (I don’t know when I’m ever perfectly happy with my garden – there always seems to be something I want to change) but it’s definitely a start. You’re right – it works especially well on the “Wet Coast,” though I’m slightly jealous of your Toronto sunshine!
Bare Bones Gardener says
Nature is never finished in a garden. Looks like yours will mature though into a beautiful area for you to enjoy.
Mary t says
Just found your blog–I LOVED the title! Made me think of a great name for a band “petalica”
Andrea Bellamy says
Bare Bones Gardener – so true. And isn’t that one of the best lessons from gardening?
Mary – Petalica – love it!
genelle says
Hey Andrea, you and I could work together I think! The ferns and salal grow wild up here and we used them alot in the landscaping project at the health center up here. I love the little Acer too. We also have a spot where we used irish moss and in one season it has spread out and created a solid lovey mat. very pretty with a speciman maple in the corner of a teardrop shaped bed. I think you’d like. Good job chickie!
Andrea Bellamy says
Now I definitely have to come visit you in Alaska, Genelle! We probably have very similar styles!
germi says
Andrea! It’s fantastic! I LOVE your modern slant on a woodland garden – it’s hard to bring a new vibe to such a revered garden style, but you did it with panache! Your choices are spot-on … you are showing us that one doesn’t need Agaves to have a modern garden. It’s all in how you use your plants! (and stumps… and rocks…)
btw, I used to draw a cartoon for my garden club newsletter called ‘Petallica’. That’s how I knew you and I were birds of a feather…
blueblue says
It looks very restful and serene..love the effect.
Andrea Bellamy says
Germi – thanks! That means a lot coming from a Real Garden Designer. Perhaps we can get together with Mary and form a band (called Petallica, of course). I can play the recorder. ;)
BlueBlue- thanks. I’m growing more and more happy with it. I love how green it is, even now that the tree’s lost its leaves.
James A-S says
One small thing…..please, please, please do not plant a Snowberry. if you do it will viciously colonise your border and prevent your gate from opening. Let the happy memory of popping berries remain a memory.