The small areas of lawn are overgrown, not due to the foolishness of no-mow May, but I just haven’t gotten around to it. In this garden, there is no need to provide pollinators with the blooms of plentiful lawn weeds. There are sufficient flowers to keep the bees occupied.
The driveway, front walk, and stone paths are a mess. Swamp maple (Acer rubrum) seeds from the adjoining forest have been helicoptering down for weeks, and faded flowers of Japanese maples litter the paths. A good rain, if we ever get one, should scrub everything clean. Until then, I’m in constant trouble for tracking the mess into the house.
This month marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of the garden. As most gardens are, this one started slow, not because I needed to get the feel of the land, but because we couldn’t afford more than the few dogwoods, Japanese maples, and beech that were planted in the front. The pace of planting picked up considerably once the boys were out of college.
The front walk was constructed in the early days with overly thick, pockmarked bluestone slabs that were discounted as unsellable. I excused that they had character, probably bad, but they’re still here. Not one of the three and four inch slabs has broken. How I lifted them, I don’t know.
The pond along the front walk was added years later, after I’d experimented, revising the first pond in the back three times before it was satisfactory, then constucted four more. The large koi pond was the last of the ponds. I can brag that I placed every boulder and that I now know my limits. The largest boulders in the recently constructed rock gardens are a fraction of the size of ones in the ponds. I have slightly more than a lick of sense, despite Barbara’s pronouncements otherwise.
It is occasionally mentioned by readers that my photos are often close ups that do not show plants in the context of the garden. Of course, this is correct, so today, there are no close ups, only wider shots. The scene is somewhat chaotic, a mishmash of too many Japanese maples, redbuds, dogwoods, and numerous other collections jumbled in with other favorites.
I’m certain there aren’t too many like it. Who would want it? When Barbara and I are dead and gone, good luck to the boys finding a buyer for this place. But, not a mess so large that a sturdy bulldozer can’t fix.
Ramblin' through Dave's Garden 
Well as a long-time fan of your garden posts may I say that “mish mash” absolutely does not do this major chunk of paradise you have as gardens justice. It’s beautiful and I think more natural than one that’s “scientifically” plotted and planned. Thanks for sharing it. It’s inspiring.
P. Kimmell
I say mishmash to indicate that it is less than informal, but in fact, there is science that wildlife benefits from the layered planting of tree and shrub canopies and a ground cover.
I’d do a trade w/you ANYDAY. I love looking at your pics of your garden, it is wonderful and delightful, would love to take a walk in it any time….
Thank you, Dave for sharing photos of your beloved gardens. Your paths create intrigue and promise, and I just love the variety of different stones and slabs you used. I am in my gardens 10 years; viewing your gardens make me pause and know that maturity is coming.
Can’t wait to get out there today!
Lorraine
Many rules of landscape design have been ignored. There is little continuity, but the garden is for me, and I enjoy it.
awww, that last sentence… every gardener creates their own temporary paradise.
The garden could be a lot of work for someone who insists on neatness. I’m happy with some disorder.
A garden of earthly delights! How I envy your acreage. My 1/3 acre is packed but, looking at your banked Japanese maples gives me ideas. I love your garden in all seasons and appreciate all of your posts. Your last comments echo my thoughts about mine. It is hard to imagine how a beloved garden will fare in the future. I have heard people say, “I am not a plant person, I am a grass person.” Such a sterile world that would be. Bravo to you and thanks for the beauty and inspiration!
Nancy
The lawn lover would flee in terror if brought here by a realtor.
Stunning. I enjoyed the tour—until the mention of a bulldozer. That sent chills down my spine. Perish the thought!
A nice garden down the street was mostly cleared by a new owner. I’ll never leave, but an extensive garden is not for everyone.
It’s beautiful! Just love the various shades of green.
I enjoy varied foliage colors and textures as much as flowers, and with large areas of shade, there’s little choice.
Your garden holds so much beauty and tranquility. It is a tonic for the weary soul. Do you offer tours to garden clubs?
Thank you. I enjoy sharing the garden with visitors.
Thank you! What town are you located in?
Warrenton VA
Your garden looks so beautiful! We have woods in our backyard and the grass is not growing. We would also like to make it more environmentally friendly. Any suggestions on what to plant at the tree line?
Thank you!
Kristina Smith
I favor trees and shrubs, then fill gaps with flowering perennials. I would start with dogwoods and redbuds, both native and well suited to the tree line. There are many shrub choices, but viburnums and azaleas are good choices. I’ve planted both the standard evergreen azaleas and fragrant deciduous azaleas.
Brilliant, as always
Not me, of course.