This rainy afternoon is ideal for observing the garden from the perch of the glass walled sunroom that looks down upon the rear garden. Raindrops fall onto parts of the three ponds visible, though one will soon be obscured as Japanese maples come into leaf and Ostrich ferns unfurl their tall fronds.

Two Japanese maples (‘Butterfly’ and ‘Autumn Moon’) were planted in autumn in the renovation of this upper garden. Soon, glorious foliage of nine maples will be visible from the room. Too many? I think not.

The long overdue project to remove an overgrown spruce, nandina, and Ostrich ferns that had spread too far was prompted by the impending construction of the sunroom. Reluctantly, this aged section of garden was chopped out, and now I see the first hopeful signs of what it will become.

While several evergreens were planted, snowdrops, winter aconites (Eranthis), daffodils, and spring starflowers (Ipheion, above) have added joyful late winter color to what was once an overwhelming jumble. As leaves of the Japanese maples emerge, hostas barely seen in recent years will become more prominent (below). I think all are exceptional, though perhaps a plain green seedling or two could have snuck in at the pond’s edge that was once overhung by the deck.

Some editing will be required as perennials planted in late autumn appear. Already, I see that a large, transplanted clump of rhodea might be too close to an emerging hosta. Decisions will be clearer in a few weeks, and certainly, some changes will be made. Something will be moved, maybe another dug out, and additions will be made. But on this rainy day, I enjoy the view, happy with the changed garden, and looking forward to the weeks ahead. Tomorrow, I’ll be outdoors again, digging in the mud.