Backyard Renovation

What a treat to design with a clean slate. This weekend we began work on a backyard that formerly had been a large stand of pines. Having removed these revealed a potentially beautiful backyard...in need of new trees! This is where I apply the adage "the right tree in the right place".

What this landscape also needed was a step frequently skipped by homeowners in the desire to save money. A professional grader was brought in to fill and smooth out the surface so that water would drain properly off the property, thus minimizing any plants or grass sitting in standing water. Dirt Tech gave a us a great smooth surface to work with and helped get those giant trees in
position for planting.

Stay tuned for the 'After' pictures!

Lyn

Discovering Old Beauties

While doing some research on heirloom plants, I discovered this terrific resource for plants that are dated with their introductions.

http://www.oldhousegardens.com/display.aspx?cat=WebOnly

Here is a 1902 Canna grown by Gertrude Jekyll (who introduced Munstead Lavender), named 'Richard Wallace' with glossy green apple leaves.

The website also has old-timey Peonies - one of which I saw on my recent walk through the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. They have Gladioulus in many colors, and Dahlias dating back to 1789.

Their collection consists of Spring flowering bulbs; Tulips, Hyacinth and Daffodils, including the 'Empress' introduced just after the Civil War


And don't forget the Iris! Though I was disappointed they were sold out of this beauty - 'Blue Rhythm', one of several varieties from the early to mid 1900's.

The site has been praised by gardeners across the country:

“I just wanted you to know that the bulbs we ordered from you are absolutely beautiful! The gardens look superb and it is great to know that we once again have the heirloom bulbs that those from 200 years ago once enjoyed.”
        — Dean Norton, Director of Horticulture, Mount Vernon

So, if you have an interest in something new, that's really very old, try an heirloom plant or two. You're guaranteed not to see it in everybody else's backyard!

Bloom on!
Lyn

The Gardens of Barrington Hall - Roswell, Georgia

Tucked away behind the big house on the corner of Roswell Road and Lower Roswell is possibly the only historic gardens in the Atlanta area. Efforts are progressing nicely towards the restoration and conservation of plants and original plant beds.

Find some time to stop in (it's free!) and smell the roses...among the sweetest this nose has experienced in ages. Beautiful iris are in bloom now,  with peonies and other perennials just around the corner from showing their fancy fare.

Scuppernong Grapevine Arbor

The history of the gardens are being discovered among the photos and archives. Completed in 1842, this Greek revival style antebellum home is on the Historic Register. Barrington Hall is listed as one of 50 most beautiful homes in the area by Atlanta Magazine.


Find out when to visit:

http://www.barringtonhall-roswell.com/

Spending lots of time in the garden,
Lyn

Cobb Rain Barrel Clinic Cancelled

If you were planning to attend this event, my sources have just informed me that the clinic scheduled for April 23 has been cancelled. If you have a confirmed registration with the Cobb County Water System for the Rain Barrel Workshop, please call 770-528-1482.

 If you are interested in a rain water catchment system, drip irrigation, pond, mister, or outdoor lighting for your garden, call me. Georgia GardenScapes can install these for you!

Glad I have some spare water in my rain barrel this week...

Lyn