Collector’s gardens are frowned upon by designers, most likely because the parts are of greater importance than the sum, and that is true to some degree in this garden. Sacrifices, most very minor (I think), have been made to cram in another Japanese maple, or any of a dozen (or more) other small collections. Hopefully, I have not thrown in the towel completely on design, but I cannot dispute that there is a bit of a hodgepodginess to the garden. In any case, I could not imagine changing a thing to suit somebody else’s idea of proper design.
To satisfy curiosity that there is at least some aesthetic appeal, I will occasionally take photos of random corners of the garden for a more overall view, rather than only of individual plants. And, what better time for photos than late May when the growth and blooms are most lush and abundant.
This is a beautiful garden! I love the collection of plants and the way they are put together is quite appealing. I don’t know if collectors gardens are frowned upon by designers. I am a landscape designer and I have a collectors garden. I am also an admitted plant geek : ) I find myself defending my own garden as a “test garden” but in truth I am always falling in love with a new plant and find myself bringing it home and trying to find a place to cram it in! I do know I would never design a collectors garden. I am not sure you can. These are gardens that evolve with tender loving care and are often high in maintenance. Botanical gardens are both designed and collectors gardens and handle it by putting plants in vignettes. This seems to be the case here and it is well done. Thank you for sharing!
I say that I would not design a collector’s garden, but I am assisting my son and daughter-in-law with their new garden and my first inclination is to feature a Japanese maple here, a variegated dogwood there. This project is more personal than a real client, and fortunately, growing up in this household, my son (a chemist) has a hankering for unique plants. So, once the edges are softened a bit, I’m certain it will work out.
Plants must come first for me. Though I admire gardens where varying colors and textures are interwoven, this doesn’t fit my thinking.
I swoon at for July. Maples. I have 3, one a rescue from a clean up we did, very small lace leaf, a waterfall and the newest is a Acer Palma tum ‘Rysen’ also called dragon spirit…looking up. Love ferns and hosts too…was rough during our drought but last 12 months we got 80″ of rain 😀 Hope you share pictures of your son’s garden.
Hi!
Finally I’m commenting. I’ve been reading this blog, anticipating each new entry, and simply enjoying being walked through your garden. I just like everything … the writing, the “humor,” and of course, the plants, the garden parts and how they all come together as showcased in the beautiful photos. Perhaps I relate to your gardening style, writing style, whatever. I guess, there is the maverick streak when it comes to rules and rigidity that may take away from the joy and pleasure of gardening. Yes, there may be rules because there are consequences (a tree outgrowing it’s spot, extra work correcting misplanting oops later), but minus uncorrectable mistakes with expensive consequences, gardening one’s own property can be primarily self-expression, a personal project that brings joy to oneself and those who also find pleasure in it. Simply, I’m a fan!
A garden should be personal for those who care enough about it. The design need not conform to convention, though it is worthwhile for the gardener to make informed choices in plants and placement.
Without a doubt a labor of love. My wife and I tried to move those heavy-duty Red Rocks a few years ago and failed miserably. Time to hire some help to make it happen. Intrigued by your pond hostas growing. how exactly do you do that? Can i divide one of my hostas and adapt it to my pond? CouldI impose upon you to identify a tree/plant in my garden? I purchased it at Meadows Farms a few years ago and today even they don’t know exactly what it is. Could i attach a picture here or how would you prefer I send it to you?
Gratefully,
BillP
On occasion a hosta will appear, growing in the gravel or moss at the edge of the stream, but I’ve planted several by removing all soil and anchoring the roots into the gravel. There doesn’t seem to be anything more to it as long as the water is very shallow and the crown is above the water level. I will respond directly to your email so you can send me a photo of the tree to be identified.
Absolutely stunning!
Lovely!
Thanks for the tour!
This is a beautiful garden! I love the collection of plants and the way they are put together is quite appealing. I don’t know if collectors gardens are frowned upon by designers. I am a landscape designer and I have a collectors garden. I am also an admitted plant geek : ) I find myself defending my own garden as a “test garden” but in truth I am always falling in love with a new plant and find myself bringing it home and trying to find a place to cram it in! I do know I would never design a collectors garden. I am not sure you can. These are gardens that evolve with tender loving care and are often high in maintenance. Botanical gardens are both designed and collectors gardens and handle it by putting plants in vignettes. This seems to be the case here and it is well done. Thank you for sharing!
I say that I would not design a collector’s garden, but I am assisting my son and daughter-in-law with their new garden and my first inclination is to feature a Japanese maple here, a variegated dogwood there. This project is more personal than a real client, and fortunately, growing up in this household, my son (a chemist) has a hankering for unique plants. So, once the edges are softened a bit, I’m certain it will work out.
Plants must come first for me. Though I admire gardens where varying colors and textures are interwoven, this doesn’t fit my thinking.
I swoon at for July. Maples. I have 3, one a rescue from a clean up we did, very small lace leaf, a waterfall and the newest is a Acer Palma tum ‘Rysen’ also called dragon spirit…looking up. Love ferns and hosts too…was rough during our drought but last 12 months we got 80″ of rain 😀 Hope you share pictures of your son’s garden.
Beautiful!! Enjoyed the tour; lots of new ideas. Thank you.
Hi!
Finally I’m commenting. I’ve been reading this blog, anticipating each new entry, and simply enjoying being walked through your garden. I just like everything … the writing, the “humor,” and of course, the plants, the garden parts and how they all come together as showcased in the beautiful photos. Perhaps I relate to your gardening style, writing style, whatever. I guess, there is the maverick streak when it comes to rules and rigidity that may take away from the joy and pleasure of gardening. Yes, there may be rules because there are consequences (a tree outgrowing it’s spot, extra work correcting misplanting oops later), but minus uncorrectable mistakes with expensive consequences, gardening one’s own property can be primarily self-expression, a personal project that brings joy to oneself and those who also find pleasure in it. Simply, I’m a fan!
A garden should be personal for those who care enough about it. The design need not conform to convention, though it is worthwhile for the gardener to make informed choices in plants and placement.
Without a doubt a labor of love. My wife and I tried to move those heavy-duty Red Rocks a few years ago and failed miserably. Time to hire some help to make it happen. Intrigued by your pond hostas growing. how exactly do you do that? Can i divide one of my hostas and adapt it to my pond? CouldI impose upon you to identify a tree/plant in my garden? I purchased it at Meadows Farms a few years ago and today even they don’t know exactly what it is. Could i attach a picture here or how would you prefer I send it to you?
Gratefully,
BillP
On occasion a hosta will appear, growing in the gravel or moss at the edge of the stream, but I’ve planted several by removing all soil and anchoring the roots into the gravel. There doesn’t seem to be anything more to it as long as the water is very shallow and the crown is above the water level. I will respond directly to your email so you can send me a photo of the tree to be identified.
Absolutely beautiful!