One Last Glimpse
Before I leave our sidehill gardens, I am giving one last glimpse of the views along our driveway. We have, over the years, concentrated on our front yard and, more recently, our side and back yard gardens. And, while the sidehill part of our garden remains in flux, some parts along the driveway remain the backbone of this part of the garden.
These redbuds are spectacular in the early spring. Their spring floral show alone makes them worth growing. But these are Forest Pansy Redbuds, and the burgundy heart shaped leaves add another season of drama. Spring sunsets give yet another reason to enjoy these trees.
Between the redbuds and this red crepe myrtle are three dogwood trees, one pink and two white. You can see a photo in Past Successes; they are still there and grace us with their presence at just about the end of the redbud blooming season. Mid summer is the time for this red crepe myrtle. As a rule, we don’t prune our crepe myrtles, but this one was intent on growing up into the river birch behind it. So we prune both of these trees when they begin to crowd each other too much. The golden smoke bush is just down the hill from the redbuds, but is framed nicely between them when it is in bloom.
This is a variegated weigelia just above the golden smoke bush; very pretty when in bloom and nicely shaped when not in bloom. The last photo here is of love-in-a-mist (nigella damascena) that self-seeds very happily. Because it has a weedy appearance when done blooming (and I always want it left alone until it has gone to seed), my husband really isn’t too crazy about it. But we have compromised and he lets it grow in small patches. It flowers in shades of blue, pink and white; you never know what you’re going to get—I love it! I will, of course, show you more of this garden as it changes in the future.
Final thought:
Our sidehill garden has been a challenge and a delight. We never quite know what to expect from one year to the next. Successes? Failures? But that’s what keeps these gardens fun and exciting!