Tuesday, July 14, 2009

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!

38 comments:

  1. congratulations on a successful walk!

    I wonder if you have a sketch or overhead view of the plan or rough layout of your backyard? I may have missed it before I started to subscribe.
    Thanks for sharing all of your hard work.
    Laurie

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  2. Hi Laurie, I hope you come back to check this out. I am currently working on a plan of the backyard garden, so that I can keep track of what perennials have been planted. I want to make sure that in the following summers I am able to track the progress of my plants. Keep checking back ... I'm sure I'll post it when I'm finished! Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. I so love that mirror! I want one! What a great shot.Your yard is so peaceful. And I commiserate with you a bit on the rain. I had a 50 people BBQ two weeks ago. It rained harder than I have ever seen it rain the minute the clock stuck arrival hour. Oh well, in the end, the 25 brave ones had a wonderful time, by all accounts.

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  4. Your lawn and garden are just beautiful. I am sure everyone will be on the look out for a mirror just like this. Each and every plant seems to blend yet stand out on its own. Thanks so much for the outdoor tour.

    Charla

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  5. GM Artie...guy I loved this garden tour today...but will tell you your music made me cry...I just love that song and think of my Mama every time I hear it..love the mirro...great post Artie...May you and Scott have a great week my friend...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  6. Hey Artie... Great photos of your beautiful gardens and patios... I loved it but my very favorite is the mirror and of course EARL!!! Have a funtasic day

    (((HUGS)))
    Donna

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  7. Artie, You Rock!!
    I enlarged every single pic and what a beautiful garden! My fave,besides all the beautiful flowers and plants is that reclaimed brick patio! It's kind of what I want my handy hubby to do. Thanks for the gorgeous tour, Cindy

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  8. Artie --

    What a wonderful garden -- love love love everything about it. It is perfect! (or as perfect as an everchanging garden can be!)

    I love the mirror on the fence -- we have two similar ones at Linderhof but they are inside -- I may have to find another for OUTSIDE -- it is magnificent!

    Your outdoor furniture is terrific as well.

    In fact there isn't anything about your garden that I don't just absolutley LOVE!

    A great turnout it would seem in spite of the weather!

    But true gardeners are never fair weather!

    Glad you are back and posting!

    I do hope that Sunday you got a BIG glass of wine and were able to put your feet up.

    And what's this about a pergola?

    Martha

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  9. It shows that you two have worked hard.It has paid off.Come to florida,I need your help!

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  10. Your garden is just gorgeous, Artie! I love the mirror idea! Brilliant!!

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  11. What a great garden tour to come home to today! It's spectacular! The mirror is a favorite! And of course, your new table and chairs. Great job, young man!
    G in CT

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  12. I love your mirror. Is it an outdoor mirror. I saw a beautiful, huge mirror at Roger's garden that would go perfect in my backyard, but just a little too much money! Your garden is gorgeous.

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  13. Your lawn and garden (and home) are just beautiful. I love the mirror! And of course, what's not to love about Earl. Thanks for stopping by, glad you enjoyed the virtual trip to the Texas coast. I'm sure you do get homesick, there really is no place like Texas. But I guarantee your garden would not be this lovely - the drought this year is AWFUL and everything was pretty much toast by the 2nd week of June. Thanks for the tour of your garden (and the mention of rain - I would have been jumping in puddles all day!) Kathy

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  14. OK-I sooo lust for Earl.He belongs in MY garden.He would just love Florida.
    You better hope I never come back to NF!!!
    Just warnin' ya......in case,Earl ever comes up missing.

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  15. Everything is just beautiful! I called my husband in to the computer so he could see as we really need some new ideas. Our garden is 11 years old now, and starting to get a little overgrown and needs change. Thanks for the inspiration. Sally

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  16. Such a lovely place. Well done you!
    Truly a beautiful garden!

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  17. Gardeners are hearty stock.. a few raindrops will not dampen a garden walk...350 people, sounds fabulous...Thanks for sharing photos, loved them, xoxo~Kathy@ Sweet Up-North Mornings...

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  18. Bravo, Artie, Bravo!!! Oh, you did such a great job with EVERYTHING. And you're right... that mirror shot is just awesome. I don't even know where to start, but I love everything... the table and chairs (I'm sad about S&H, too), the wicker, the mirror, the flowers, EARL! LOL! He's such a little camera hog, and I'm delighted he made the paper. That goodlooking guy!

    I am absolutely delighted for y'all that your beautiful garden was so well recieved. Now you can rest on your laurels knowing you did great work, Artie! I'm so proud of you!

    Happy OW...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  19. Take a bow Artie! Oh my gosh, what an outstanding job. I love Earl. Can I bring Earl home with me? He is definitely the hit of the party, I can tell. Hon you did a beautiful job with your garden. All of the textures, the colors, the heights, everything is just beautiful. I am clapping for you, can you hear me? Bravo! Please stop by and say hi. I have signed up to follow you, as I just have to come back and visit. I would be so honored if you signed up to follow me as well. Country Hugs, Sherry

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  20. I had to go back and look at the mirror again. That is so cool.
    I want one now...but I don't think my reflections would be so lovely.

    Have a great day!
    Becky K.
    Hospitality Lane

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  21. ARTIE!!!!!!! I am SO proud of you and Scott and all the hard work you've done. Holy cow, but it has paid off! Everything looks sooooooo beautiful. I LOVE the new patio set (did you say you bought TWO tables?) and your back porch area is AMAZING. I love the hanging herb baskets. Oh boy, I wanna come live with Earl. He's really got the life.

    Wtg my friend!

    Btw... you suck at answering email! LOL

    Justine :o )

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  22. Hi Artie, lovely garden tour....each picture is so special.

    Happy Outdoor Wednesday to you!

    Barb

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  23. What a lovely and well appointed garden. Your photos are terrific. Everything looks beautiful.

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  24. Beautiful garden.
    Lovely blog.

    Happy outdoor.
    Regina

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  25. Oh My Gosh Artie! You have a Boston too. You need to post some pics on your blog. I would love to see him/her. Bruiser just turned 6 years July 12th. I bought him in Oklahoma when I went to see my folks, and he was only 7 weeks old. He is the smartest, best little critter I have ever had. He always seems to know what I am thinking. He has never chewed, or tore up anything, and I had him totally potty trained at 9 weeks. My grandkids say that Bruiser does not know that he is a D-O-G. They spell everything because he can also spell. He has never eaten dog food, only people food, and no junk food, meats and vegetables (loves carrots). He also loves cantaloupe. Imagine that. I have taught him well. I found out about 4 weeks ago that Bruiser has cancer. It is not operable and he is still eating and playing (nothing like he used to), as he loves to play ball, but he is still up and moving. When the time comes and he is in pain, I will deal with it then, for now he is my little "Handsome". I have so connected with him, as I am sure you have yours. They are definitely people critters. Can't wait to see yours. Love, love, love the Bostons. So glad you liked my story.
    Country Hugs, Sherry

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  26. Thank you for the minitour in youre backyard.
    Annemieke

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  27. Artie, I'm glad you found my blog and I'm thrilled to read the article about your garden tour and all the fun everyone had. Loved the mini-tour of your backyard, and can see you have put a lot of time and effort into it. If you're interested, stop by my blog for details on a garden party that my friend Susan is hosting on her blog this weekend. I'll look forward to updates on your blog! I'm in Central NY.

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  28. Well, after ChrisC left a comment on my post today asking if my son (the Tiki Carver) could carve her an Earl like the one on your post, I just had to come and check him out.

    Your garden is stupendous, but my favorite parts are that rockin' mirror and of course, the now infamous Earl. Earl would be right at home around the tiki hut.

    If you get a chance, drop on by www.shellbellestikihut.com and click on the tiki pic in my sidebar. You might enjoy meeting a couple of Earl's relatives.

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  29. Artie, I can see that your garden was a tremendous success for the garden walk. Flowers and shrubs look so full and lush. And the mirror... to die for! Congrats on your achievement. :-) Sue

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  30. Hi Artie, I loved seeing all the great photos of all the beautiful flowers and plants. The garden is beautiful! That mirror is so fabulous! I want one! lol! Lots of great ideas and tons of inspiration!

    Thanks so much for sharing!

    Tin

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  31. Your garden has really come into its own this year. All your hard work has paid off. I love that S&H table and chairs!
    Hugs, B.

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  32. Can I just say ~WOW! The mirror is a stunning accent. Kudos...:)

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  33. Your backyard has a delightful array of interesting and attractive plants. Thanks for sharing!

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  34. Oh Artie, you have done an amazing job on your yard. I think I did see Earl crack a smile - and that shot through your mirror is fabulous. Everything looks wonderful and your hard word sure does show through. Congratulations on another successful garden walk, and I love, love, love your beautiful yard. I couldn't think of a better place to spend my morning coffee time today!
    xoxo Isapiza

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  35. Lovely garden. Thanks for sharing. Rain never hurt anyone anyway. I'm from Western Washington originally but live in Northern California now. I'll be checking back to see your garden progress. I would love to plant perennials in my garden pots, but never know what to use.

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  36. Gorgeous gardens! Ah, but it your beautiful photographs make me long for Spring and gardening!
    Happy New Year...Kathy

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  37. Lovely garden views, beautiful spot to sit and enjoy a little sunshine.

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  38. Ahhh, this is just what I needed. I love Russian Sage too and planted 4 of them in my new garden this summer. Hope they make it over the cold winter here in the NE. We have been in this house for a bit over a year and there is still lots to do.

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