Thursday, January 31, 2013

Changes Are Coming!

The garden is always changing.  Plants grow.  Some go dormant.  Some die.  Sometimes, changes are initiated by the gardener.  Other changes, however, are brought about by uncontrollable forces.

To varying degrees, there are changes in every area of my garden.  Want to see?

The Main Rose Bed looks a mess.  But changes are coming!  It will look quite a bit different in a few weeks, after I have pruned the roses and cut back the dead stems of the lantana, the cannas, and the asters.  One element that would greatly improve the look of this bed in the winter would be evergreens.  When I designed this bed, I considered mixing evergreens with the roses.  I generally do put evergreens in all of my beds.  But I wanted this bed to be filled only with roses and their companions.

Main Rose bed

Still, it needed some green.  A green backdrop would be the perfect touch for winter - and for summer.  That change will happen one day.  In fact, it's already started!  There are evergreens planted behind the fence, just not tall enough yet to see.  But some day those evergreens will give this bed the structure it needs in winter, without sacrificing any room for my precious roses.

Walking garden

The Walking Garden looks quite different than it does in summer.  Not as romantic or colorful, but there is still a lot of interest in this bed.  I love how the delicate hydrangea petals contrast with the dark, strong green of the holly.


In addition to a lot of winter interest, there are a lot of small changes coming to this bed.  Numerous bulbs are emerging.  One large change is in the ''Professor Charles Sargent' camellia.  It will soon be flush with blooms.  (Notice the little iris in the background that is craning its neck to be in the picture!)


Over the next year, I'll be making big changes in the Corner Bed.  Looking to complete this bed's transformation into a winter garden, I have purchased some winter blooming plants, and more camellias (three camellias are blooming in it right now, but they are too small to be seen unless you look for them).

Corner bed

Like the evergreens growing in the main rose garden, this bed just needs time to complete the changes.

Kramer's Supreme camellia

The biggest change in my garden this year, however, will be in the East Bed.  That's because the winds blew down my gazebo.  :(  And, the top is bent.  :((

East bed gazebo  :(

So, I'm not certain what changes will be made here, but changes will definitely be coming!

I'm joining The Patient Gardener for her End of Month View.



71 comments:

  1. Oh poor gazebo! Very worthy goals for your garden. Beautiful year round is a good goal for Texas gardeners. I like the idea of evergreens behind the fence so you can keep the area focused on roses.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope one day my garden will truly be "beautiful year round". It is going to take some time, but that is my goal.

      Delete
  2. Wow, the gazebo doesn't look at all happy like that. Will you be fixing it and using it again? I look forward to seeing what all transpires in your lovely gardens.

    FlowerLady

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My husband thinks he can fix it. It is quite bent on one side. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

      Delete
  3. even in your winter your space looks wonderful..love all your yard art

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, thank you! It's such a change from how it looks in the summer - I appreciate your compliment!

      Delete
  4. Oh dear your gazebo looks a sorry sight. The winds keep blowing small branches and twigs out of our trees, it is a ridiculous amount considering the small number of trees.
    Thank you for joining in with the meme

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We have a lot of small branches blowing out of the trees, too. Those I don't mind, except the ones that get stuck in another tree higher than I can reach to get them out. Stuck, they stay there for months, sometimes years!

      Delete
    2. 'Stick Patrol' is a way of life when there are trees. The dog and I always have a limb pile waiting for hauling off.

      Delete
  5. I already like the corner garden so any improvements can only enhance it even more.
    Cher Sunray Gardens

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, thanks, Cher! I am hoping this area will really be a gem some day.

      Delete
  6. Your gardens are just beautiful and I can't wait to see the changes. I hope you can fix your gazebo. I really like your fence too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, some are changes that will take years. The gazebo, I'm hoping, will be fixable. Frustrating how things go wrong sometimes!

      Delete
  7. Oh! thats awful about your gazebo, winds are such a nuisance. Camellias are lovely plants all year round, and especially when they flower.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love camellias, too. Almost as much as I love roses. I guess what I love most is that they bloom when nothing else does!

      Delete
  8. Sorry about the gazebo! Accidents like that can really affect the overall garden plan, can't they?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! It's quite upsetting. I've still been contemplating what to do with the pond. Now I have to worry about the gazebo, too!

      Delete
  9. I like your fence in the main rose bed, a row of evegreens behind it would be great! Poor gazebo, hope it can be fixed, but sometimes accidents like that can make room for some new introductions to the garden, even if they were not planned. Gardening is a continous change, just hold on and try to keep up :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sometimes the changes come so fast, we can't keep up! I sure didn't need another project this year!

      Delete
  10. Oh no! Sorry to see what happened to your gazebo, hopefully it is still repairable somehow. But the rest of the changes sounds exciting! Looking forward to seeing these changes in the coming months :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm hoping the gazebo will be repairable. We'll just have to see. If not, I'll have to put my thinking cap on!

      Delete
  11. Also sorry to see your damaged gazebo, I hope it is repairable. Such a big feature to be lost. I'm liking the sound of your winter garden and will be following it :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am starting to enjoy the winter garden - finally! For years, it has been a bit frustrating, but recently, it's become exciting as I find more and more plants that will bloom during our winters.

      Delete
  12. What a shame about the gazebo. Hopefully the damage isn't too significant. Looks like you've made lots of plans for the upcoming season. I like the addition of evergreens to the roses, it will be a nice backdrop to their blooms.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you about the backdrop to the roses. They really needed that, and I'm hoping it won't be too many more years before the plants behind there grow to a significant height.

      Delete
  13. You have big plans! I liked the title of your post, too--I was all excited to hear about all your changes. Sorry about the gazebo, though. It's such a pretty one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Our gardens change, whether we want them to or not - I guess it's best to just roll with the punches! Gives our creative juices a good workout when something unexpected like this happens!

      Delete
  14. That is crazy! Our winds have been nuts here too! I have yet to take a picture of an enormous branch that just fell from our old ash....it is almost half the length of our yard! Yikes! Our weather has been out of control with thunderstorms none the less in Chicago in January! What!?! Anyhow I hope that fixing your gazebo is not to much of a chore. I think the evergreens are going to be lovely as a backdrop to your garden. Beautiful winter beds you have!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was shocked about the gazebo. It is very open - like filigree - and I was surprised that the wind didn't just blow through it. Some of the blocks under it were also overturned, so I think the wind must have pushed it UP somehow and then not been able to support it. I was thankful, though, that the posts surrounding it were not damaged. It could have been much worse!

      Delete
  15. Holly, it's pity your gazebo fell down but I hope you will strengthen it well. I love your camellia, the buds seem to open very soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm hoping my husband can straighten it out, then I will have to figure out how to reinforce it well. On the camellia, those were three blooms all together. It made for a very beautiful, big bloom - and the bees have loved it!

      Delete
  16. You have lots of plans for garden changes. Anyway your once so beautiful gazebo will be one of your first projects, such a pity the wind blew it down, we also have troubles with strong winds especially these first days of February are often very stormy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm afraid the gazebo will end up being one of the last projects. This bed has been neglected, and I worry this will push it over the edge to completely unworked!

      Delete
  17. I love the changes you are planning. Especially adding the evergreens and bulbs. It will be interesting to see how your plans emerge and how the look of each garden space is altered. I like the idea of your new winter garden with camellias and winter blooming plants.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love changing up the garden, and am really looking forward to adding a lot of bulbs this year. They are so much fun to see coming through the earth when spring finally arrives!

      Delete
  18. Change has always happened in my garden with major redesigns. Since I started the blog, one occurred, but I think I am enjoying others' gardens more and leaving the work to them. When I design gardens for clients, it is that way. I like seeing what bloggers like you come up with. I am sure it will be lovely as your garden has lots of visual interest and loads of beauty.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, designing gardens and then leaving the work up to someone else sounds like a lot of fun! I think part of the reason I garden is for a creative outlet. So much can be done with each space, sometimes just deciding is the hardest part!

      Delete
  19. Oh, no!....the winds were terrible here too. I remember you erecting it...I want one too...and I am glad that you brought to light wind issues. Where I live, we are very prone to hurricanes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It blew the roof off some homes and work places near here, so I think it was an almost-tornado. I would have never guessed this would blow over. I have had the gazebo for many years, even before we moved it to its present location, and during that time, even though we have had a lot of different winds, it has never moved or leaned at all.

      Delete
    2. I really don't know. I have a lot of thinking to do, and a lot of it depends on my husband's help, and also whether he can bend it back into shape. I am in the middle of some other projects, so this one may be put off for some time. Not the ideal, but sometimes it's just what's practical.

      Delete
  20. I'm lucky right now because we still have a cover of snow. I will also have to take a walk around my garden soon enough and see what needs to be spruced up. Poor gazebo! I hope it won't be too much trouble to get it back up on its feet again :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm afraid it's going to be a lot of trouble. It was not easy getting it up to start with! I would have never dreamed that it would come crashing down!

      Delete
    2. The force of wind is incredible. You would think the wind would just blow right through such a structure. Can you haul the damaged parts to a welding shop if you hubs can't fix it?

      Delete
    3. That's a good idea! Keeping my fingers crossed that my husband can fix it, but if not, I appreciate the suggestion!

      Delete
  21. I love your walking garden. Something about grass paths with flowers on both sides ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jason. I enjoy walking through it, too. But, I do seem to make more changes in that bed than in any other!

      Delete
  22. Your poor Gazebo! Hope you can rescue it - and so many plans! An exciting year ahead.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Every year is exciting to the gardener, isn't it? Always something new to see, and something that changes!

      Delete
  23. If that were my gazebo - I'd be in tears!! Had severe winds here but nothing compared to January 2012!
    Change is good and like your evergreens, mines are all small and I'm hoping in years to come they will fulfil my vision!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm certain your vision will be fulfilled - with enough time. Mine are supposed to be fast growers, but I think they get a little too much shade there, and their growth has been stunted!

      Delete
  24. Looks like you have your work cut out for you... Too bad about the Gazebo... BUT--you will work hard I'm sure and have a beautiful garden this year... Can't wait to see it evolve.

    Hope you have a good weekend. We finally got some SNOW this morning... Yeah!!! BUT--it was 10 degrees when I got up early today...

    Hugs,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 10 degrees! Wow! It's been quite a bit warmer here - which, of course, I'm happy about. I don't like cold!

      Delete
  25. It looks like you need to dig some foundations for your gazebo.

    ReplyDelete
  26. What a beautiful gazebo - I'm sure you can rescue it!
    I love the camellia x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My camellias really do bring a smile to my face every winter. I am so thankful I live where they grow well!

      Delete
  27. I love the idea of evergreens as a backdrop to the roses. Are you concerned that they will end up blocking some of the sun, though?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, they are planted on the north side, so the roses will get all the southern sun. No planning on my part - it just turned out perfectly that way!

      Delete
  28. I love your garden, and it's so good to see anything, something blooming in winter. Can you grow hellebores? Viburnum, and Daphne?

    Jen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I have some hellebores, but need more. And I need a viburnum, too. I tried daphne, but for some reason they didn't do well for me, so I'm not sure I'm ready to spend money on more of them! I've ordered a witch hazel and a edgeworthia, so hopefully, I will have more blooms next winter!

      Delete
  29. Sorry to see the gazebo fell. I too need to add some more shrubs especially evergreens but I want them to be native and not too big. I have a list of changes coming for my garden on Monday. I look forward to the lovely changes you propose to enhance your already gorgeous gardens.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do like evergreens, and shrubs are easy to take care of - usually. Good luck on finding the perfect ones for your garden!

      Delete
  30. Change is what makes gardening so fun and creative. But often it is for the worse like your gazebo or my sycamore tree. Gardeners get very good at rolling with the punches though which is an important life skill.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hard to think that at my age I'm still working on life skills! I think one of the most important ones I've learned is persistence. If I didn't have that, I would have given up years ago!

      Delete
  31. I think we'd be bored with our gardens if they were always the same. I agree with b-a-g that a foundation for the gazebo would help it withstand the next storm. I like your idea of a winter garden, especially since it includes camellias.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can not imagine what a garden would be like if it never changed. It might be easier to design at first, but you're right - most of us would become bored with it!

      Delete
  32. Hi Holly, and it looks like a very special gazebo, sure you will manage to get it fixed though. We have striven for years trying to get the right balance for year round appeal. We have made a lot of use with evergreens, however the look of the Summer garden isn't quite what it once was.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it really is hard to get a balance of all the seasons, and have it look fabulous during each of them. But it's always fun to strive toward that ideal!

      Delete
  33. Oh so sad to see your gazebo down. We get strong winds here... sometimes it feels like the roof is going to blow away. Enjoy planning your new spaces!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When the wind came through, both my husband and I jumped up. Later on, we found out the the neighbor's satellite dish came off of his roof, and that everyone around us jumped up, too, when that burst of wind went by. I really do think it was more like a mini-tornado!

      Delete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...