THE COTTAGE GARDEN
OUR PHOTO PAGE
We like working in the garden, and we always learn something from like-minded guests who enjoyplaying in the dirt. While parts of the older landscape survive- mostly trees and shrubs- many of our
plantings are recent. There are heirloom transplants here, too- gifts from friends and family- and always
something new to discover in any season. Thanks to Dexter Hambaugh for his garden plan, and to
he and his wife JoDel, Pat McGuire, and Margaret Anne Mulder for gifts of plant stock through the years.
NOTE: The gallery is in seasonal order, so click to the bottom of the page if you wish to see the most
current photographs.
Twin Catawba trees, planted ages ago- perhaps to commemorate some former homeowner's marriage or an important anniversary. At least, we like to think so.
One of several varieties of perennial salvia in the garden, a favorite of our's for its cool blue colors.
A perennial border mixing the hot colors of mullein and coreopsis (tickweed). The purple coneflower (Echinacea)- a gift from friends in Birmingham- will bloom later in the month.
Old-fashioned peonies nod above "Moonshine" yarrow, coral bells- and salvia, of course. A dwarf stand of white Siberian Iris peeks out from the back- we'll have to move them up front for next year.
The plum tree and hydrangeas planted last year have really taken off. We lost most of the creeping St. John'swort during a dry spell last summer, but a remnant has put on a brave show.
A bed of flowering perennials and culinary herbs beside the Cottage. Golden oregano, curly chives and hostas rub shoulders.More salvia, newly planted with heather along the rock wall in front.
Rhododendron bloomed in early May.
Container plantings help to keep our spirits up during the winter season. These pansies planted last Fall froze solid many times, but still showed some nice color in early May.
The shade garden beneath the Catawba trees, with clumps of iris beyond.
The stairs to the Cottage entrance showing yews, Prague viburnum, and a small rock garden with sedum and other perennials.
June 1st- a mix of day lilies, mullein, and poppies in a border garden
Crape Myrtles and day lilies bloom in front of a leafy red-twig dogwood.
Dexter's heirloom Purple Coneflower in the July sun
Jasmine guarding the shade bed. Hostas and Heuchera, Helleborus, and ferns keep their cool under the Catawba trees.
Helliopsis, beebalm, rosemary, and volunteer larkspur crowd around the Crape Myrtles.
Many people consider Datura (Jimson Weed) a pest, but we love its spooky white blooms- so long as the thousand offspring are hoed under before they mature.
