Outdoor Wednesday: Backyard Garden Walk

Well, with a sigh of relief, and a thoughtful smile everytime I think of the people toting umbrellas while pointing at flowers the day of the walk: it's come and it's gone. The day brought rain, certainly a small kink in the major plan ... but it didn't deter more than 350 weather warriors as they donned their cap and boots and ventured into downtown to view the more than 50 inner-city gardens.

You can take a mini-tour of photos taken the day of the walk, during the rain, by a wonderful neighbor.

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Our backyard from the reclaimed brick patio at the very back of the narrow city lot.

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A view of the front fountain and youthful dwarf burning bush. Notice the lazy Russian Sage, I think that the spring and summer rain we've been getting a healthy dose of has kept it from it's more natural upright position. No matter, still lovely - don't you think?

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Maybe the best photo of the entire lot. An addition to the garden for the day of Garden Walk that will live there happily until Fall arrives. This faceted mirror is hung from the porch railing, and reflects almost every corner of the garden in its central, and 16 surrounding mirrors. If you spy for a while, you'll notice Earl in the reflection.


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And speaking of Earl, the greedy camera hog he is looks mighty cozy here, don't you think? Wrapped in a stole of baby's breath, dahlia, garden flox, and oriental star gazer lilies that have yet to bloom, he's almost cracked a smile.

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Here, in the center of the garden we planted last year, the False Sunflower have really taken a front row seat to the display. The Rose Campion (silvery grey stem with bright fushia flower) is holding steady, and the apricot dahlias, butterfly bush, and stella d'oro lilies are still waiting for their big display.

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Here, in the newer part of the garden (added this spring) my white liatris is about to bloom, nestled near Tiny Tim Spurge, Salmon Geranium, Guillardia (Oranges and Lemons), giant anice hyssop and purple coneflower, the colors should really work nicely together once everything is in full bloom.

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I told you he was a camera hog! He even made it into the local paper.

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The reclaimed brick patio and new Smith & Hawkens dining room set. Thank goodness we bought two tables and twelve chairs after notice of their closing. So sad. Once the pergola is installed (coming weeks), this area should be ready for a post all on its own.

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The first circle looking into the second from the back porch. The yard is not large, but the creation of separate spaces has really made it look much bigger. I was excited to hear so many people say the yard was "such a nice size". My tricks worked!

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More salmon geraniums, this time peaking from under the lazy Russian Sage, here by the fountain under the dining room windows.

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The all weather wicker patio set under the herbs hanging on the back porch. This set up has proven to provide such great views of the yard, and is quite comfy.

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Another view of the curves of the Garden and the outer edge of the first circle. The japanese variegated ribbon grass has really perked up this year, and is now at just about 4', touching a few of the bottom branches of our 2-year old River Clump Birch trees. Yes, 2-years old. I can hardly believe how fast they've grown!

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Calla lilies next to Blackeyed Susans, (still not open) Salvia, (snowhill and purple) weigela bush and other reblooming daylilies were among the most asked about. In our zone (5) we have to treat several "perennials" as annuals. Calla lilies, dahlias, and canna to name a few from my garden.

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And finally, a view from the second circle into the first and the front porch.

I hope you all had a fun time, a wonderful tour, and plenty of beauty in this mini-tour of my backyard. It's come so far, and there is still so much left to bloom. Stay tuned for more updates. Make sure to check out even more gardens and outdoor beauty at A Southern Daydreamer!

Thanks for stopping by!