It’s the end of the growing season here and what a season it has been. I’m really proud of all the work that we have done to this garden space to create a gorgeous view from our home. When I think back to when we first walked into this house 2 years ago and how we could see something really beautiful out of a very non-traditional (traditional meaning a large backyard with lots of grass) backyard, I can honestly say that that vision is coming to life. We started with dirt and weeds and in 2 growing seasons we have started to create a cozy oasis.

I’m really happy with how the evergreens and grasses are doing. These taller plants are to provide privacy (one day) and also create separate areas or rooms if you will. The long stretches of each level are too much so I wanted to divide them up and I’m happy with what I’ve done so far. That top layer I am still thinking about adjusting so it’s not just trees up there but I also need to remember those junipers will get bigger.

We added 4 new deciduous trees this year and I’m really excited to see how they do next season. The crabapple (above) has turned bright yellow and the maple trees (below) are an amazing gold color. They have also made me realize that I need more fall color in my garden. The only things changing into their fall colors is the red twig dogwood and sedum. I’m thinking I may need to add a red burning bush!

For the floral photographer in me, I’m pretty happy with what has been added to the garden. Tulips, iris, baby kim lilac and daffodils will bloom in the spring. Baptisia, day lilies, daisies, pincushion, allium, roses for the rest of the summer. I dipped my toes into growing dahlias. There is more I would love to add and explore!

We are now watching for that first hard freeze to come. Typically it has happened already and the plants have died off but our Fall has been so beautiful that everything is still lush and mostly green. We did have a couple of nights that danced just above freezing and a morning where everything high was covered in frost but our garden is sort of protected so it wasn’t effected. It’s coming though so I’m enjoying every last minute I can and then I’ll start analyzing what my garden needs for the winter months to keep it a little interesting if possible.