A Very Northern Garden
2001
This garden is located in a part of Canada that is Zone 5. Cold, chilly, and only 110 days of gardening. The glorious color, diversity, and full production is achieved by no accident.
The owner has spent long hours preparing her beds for years of future growth. She has also created micro-climate pockets on the north side of her garden by building trellis fencing.
Most plants have been obtained by propagation of seed, exchange, as well as chosen for specific effects.
Townspeople come on a yearly basis to see breathtaking views.
It was a busy year this year with many people visiting.
In the spring about 5000 bulbs bloom here and there are vines on the trellis and a few shrubs planted throughout the garden for interest.
The front yard is now 2 years old and has taken nicely. The lilac bushes have been there 4 years. I started a new one this year along the other side of the lane. There is a French lilac there and we had a double lane so it is now single. I have hostas and trilliums with primroses planted under it.
The back yard is now 6 years old. It has now taken the full backyard and a trellis fence is down the length of the yard.
I have a 10 by 12 pond that is 3 feet deep in the one end with water lilies and goldfish, and in the summer, some other greens. It also has a fountain in it. Next year we hope to build a waterfall and add a bridge.
Summer of 2002 Update
Summer has been very hard here so dry and hot. There are huge cracks in the earth that have swallowed some of my plants.
Summer of 2003 Update
My gardens are doing well this year though they are coming on fast and going to seed just as quickly. I now am going into Hemerocallis and ponies in a big way as they don't seem to mind what weather we have.
Also I received a certificate from the Canadian Wildlife Federation as having a suitable backyard to protect wildlife.