Calgary Garden Coach

the front Shade Garden in mid-August

This garden area hosts mostly spring-blooming plants so right now it is a study in foliage.  (There's only a little white meadow rue and a hosta blooming at the moment.)  Still pretty though, don't you think? 

Another view:

To see this garden at other times of the year, click here and scroll down.

the front Entry Garden in August 2013

In its second year, I'd say the front Entry Garden is filling in nicely (I just wish the patio fairy would come put in that patio for me...!) There are veronicas, phlox, daylilies, helenium, poppies, yarrow and lots of self-seeded borage blooming right now.

Above: view from the front steps.  The hydrangeas close to the house are mostly in shade but the rest of the garden is sunny.

Tip: the bamboo tipis are to cover choice plants that I don't want the hares to nibble.  I only keep them on when the plants are young.  Once they are established they have to be able to fend for themselves.  If a plant really can't survive on its own in the hare-heaven of my front yard, then it gets moved to the back or donated to a friend.  Next year there will be no tipis in my front garden.

To see this garden at other times of the year, click here and scroll down.

move the arch and re-route the eavestrough - check!

It hasn't been much of a summer for getting things done in the garden.  You understand how this goes, right?  In fact, we've been meaning to move our arch, re-route the downspout and re-align the stepping stones at this corner of the front Shade Garden for two years... since the eavestroughs were redone. Sheesh!

Arches are a great way to allow a create path around the house and keep the downspout out of the way.  Just make sure they are rigidly installed.  Ours is fixed to the house for extra support.

I'm so happy it's done and look at that view through the arch!  Does that not entice you into the garden?  Next year there'll even be flowers in that pot.  ;-)

the front Welcome garden in mid-August 2013

Above: lilies, yarrow, phlox, daylilies and veronica are blooming in the front welcome garden in August.

(It's been a while, I apologize.  It has been a busy summer with not much time for blogging.  I'll keep posting picture updates of what's blooming in the garden, but if you're looking for gardening help you'll have to browse through my archives a little.)

I'm particularly happy with my ninebark Coppertina, whose foliage colour is standout, below.  It requires nothing from me except a little trim in late winter.  My new mantra: plant more shrubs!

To see this garden at other times of the year, click here and scroll down.