A Surprise in the Garden.
When we moved to our new house four and a half years ago we decided to turn our entire front yard into a garden
Our former garden.
similar to what we had had at our last house. It had a small front yard that was completely covered with hosta, vinca-minor, sedum, daffodils, ornamental grasses, and numerous other types of plants. We had grown used to not having to water a front lawn every few days just to keep it green, only to have to turn around and mow it just that more often. We also enjoyed the variety of colors, textures and scents that our garden provided.
The front garden of our new house was similar to that of our old house in that it was very natural looking, random and playful. However, we felt that this English Cottage style
Before
garden did not fit with the aesthetics and style of the house, a two story brick colonial revival built in the early 1920’s. We decided to redesign it into a more symmetrical, geometric and ordered garden very similar to those of colonial times. Another goal was to maintain a much higher biodiversity than a simple lawn would offer, and we have included clematis, day lily, buxus, vinca minor, sedums, blue fescue, barberry, hosta, Boston ivy, sweetgum, dogwood, tulips, lilac, liriope and salvia. Most of these species and varieties are fairly drought tolerant and suited to grow in this climate.
We have been given many compliments from our friends and neighbors for our garden, but what we have appreciated more is the time we have saved not having to water,
After
fertilize and mow a lawn. Furthermore, this garden is much more bio-diverse than a lawn would be. A couple of weeks ago we discovered a little surprise that is even more evidence that our garden promotes bio-diversity.
You too can transform your front lawn from a monotonous water thirsty swath of green (or brown) to a rich mosaic of textures and colors. Save yourself from numerous hours of pushing a lawnmower back and forth, back and forth, and save your neighbors from listening to the drone of your mower. You too may also be visited by an unexpected guest: a hummingbird, rabbit, chipmunk, or goldfinch.
Surprise
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Dan Bossenbroek
August 4, 2009
Tags: bio-diverse, Garden, Lawn and Garden Posted in: Lawn and Garden, Water Conservation
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