I've never been so happy to see 40 degrees. My thermometer is my friend, my beacon of hope, reliable as ever, perched on the lattice fence that partitions my courtyard from the world. As I glance up at it, again, [to make sure I'm not hallucinating], I make a mental note that [if this is real] I need to clip back the overly exuberant ivy, a task that one week ago would have been impossible. I would have been cold. To think about it now pains me. Yet a sense of pride prevails for surviving the horror and endless torture that comes with plummeting temperatures. Socks and slippers replaced my icy feet. A real live coat replaced my sweater. Gloves swathed my bare hands as I shivered my way to the mailbox or to get my poor freezing car warmed up. It was terrible with a capital T. So now, thanks to the warm up, it is once again humanly possible to trek out to the compost to offload the heaping bin that dwells under the deep, dark, kitchen sink. Amble as I go, I can check on things. With enthusiasm officially curbed, breath properly bated, wood suitably knocked on, I can report that for the moment it looks as though the cold sensitive plants I've nearly cried over [but my tears would have froze] are going to be fine. And I'm fine too. For now. Alaska, keep your arctic menace to yourself, I say. But contrary to popular belief, my voice doesn't carry that far and the winter is young. So my fingers are agreeably crossed.
Dianthus 'Crimson Treasure' I think. I've got a whopping 17 Dianthus species and cultivars on my plant list. They die, they get moved, they get divided and then it's like, crap which one is this? And this is my predicament with this beaut.
June 2009, a view of my north side arbor. The tall leafy thing is Heptacodium miconioides aka "Seven Son Flower." Its white, fragrant flower clusters begin blooming in August. The variegated plant by Sharon-the-Heron is Cornus alba 'Argenteovariegata' syn. 'Argenteo-marginata.' [My brain hurts.]
Achillea millefolium 'Heidi' really outdid herself last summer. She's partnered with Prunus x cistena or "Purple Leaf Sand Cherry."
The south portion of my garden in June.
Above and below are photos of what I've unofficially dubbed my "Patio Pond." The other pond is what the aforementioned Sharon-the-Heron is looking at in the above photos.
June 2009. Years ago I bought two 4-inch pots of Nepeta x fraassenii 'Walker's Low' aka "catmint." Although I was fooled into believing the "Low" meant "not very tall" this has not been the case. You too? My two plants are now...let's see, ten plants, I think.
Despite my "cramscaping" it doesn't look half bad.
Man I miss summer....
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44 COMMENTS, Click here to add yours:
Doesn't look half bad indeed! What a joke (of course)! You have a most enchanting, interesting and knock out gorgeous garden Grace. Inspiring! It looks as though you have thousands and thousands of plants. How large is your garden may I ask? A treat for eyes tired by white and gray. Lovely post. Carol
The winter is so young, it isn't even here yet, officially that is. I laughed, and cried, in agreement about being able to go back outside into the garden for more than ten seconds to fill the bird feeder and get the mail. We even looked at the beds to see what needs doing, lots of mulching! Your summer garden is so well planted and lush. Love the cornus, and what a name! :-)
Frances
Grace, I am glad you blamed that cold spell on Alaska instead of Canada. LOL. I too have been wondering how large your garden is.It seems huge.
Grace,
Hope it warms up there! I'm sending a hug, it'll warm you for a little while anyway All your gardens always look great.
And I saw where Alberta got -31 degrees a day or two ago (and no I didn't think I'd take a ride...... there is a song that starts this way is there not?!? Or is it brain freeze. Heading for -17 here by the end of the week.... like 2 degrees on your scale.... wanna come for a visit?
Its opposite here. I am so happy to see 4c on my thermometer. This is the only time, i can see alpine and northern area flowers bloom in my garden. Because our summers are extremely hot i wait for this short and mild winter whole year.
Your garden is in excellent shape and i am surprised to know you have got 17 species of dianthus. wow.
Grace, There have been several times that the weather has brought me to tears! When it rained for 3 weeks and all my spring bloom mushed and when it rained all fall and my asters mushed! Your garden is delightful~~I hope the weather improves for you. Your photos sure make me feel better. gail
We had a cold spell too, some damage down here, but only the most sensitive plants. Plenty still blooming. I love that Dianthus, a real beauty.
I was just thinking today how warm it felt at 40 degrees. I am so glad to see the cold gone and was also pleasantly surprised that the plants seem to be okay here too.
I always love when you have pictures of your garden, it's just beautiful!
Hello Grace,
Your garden is so beautiful! As a newer reader of your blog, I had not seen too much of it until now. I cannot wait to see more...
It's about to freeze here in London, which means that at least it's not raining. My son and I spent yesterday afternoon lugging my pots of cannas into the garage for the winter. So it really cheered me to see your gorgeous garden and be reminded of what it's all about!
It was lovely to see your June garden and think of the joys to come whilst in such a cold spell here in UK
I must become a cramscaper!!!!
Hmmm... I guess that means I should start singing about my 82*F. I think I would've liked it to be just a tiny bit cooler but I'm not complaining, you understand ... just wishing.
Now if I could just coax my garden into being half as bounteous as yours I think I would curl my toes with sheer pleasure. What an absolutely stunning garden you have, Grace! And that Dianthus is truly a treasure . Double wow!
I love your garden, Grace. You know it's dead beautiful full of life ... Oh, how I envy you! That pond is fantastic. I hope you'll still have it gone winter.
Winter ... I love winter, too! Why, we don't have snow in Malaysia.
Summer...Summer... Sounds familiar. Your garden pictures are beautiful Grace and remind me what summer means! As for the low temperatures, I can't believe I used to happily live in -25 degrees winters! BTW, did you take my contrast shower? Come over, join the fun!
Grace, what a delightful posting! I'm listening to the tap tap tap of the rain upon our rooftop and thinking how wonderful that our ice sculptures are melting. High 40's to 50 forecast kiddo, and it's a heat wave! ;) I know I'm excited.
By the way, I luv your 'cramscaping'.
Shades of summery vignettes! Stay warm, Grace.
I did a very brief clean-up and cut-back yesterday, but lasted a very, very short time before going back into the warmth of the house.
Endless rain... debris all over the garden.
Love looking back at your abundant blooms,
....think I detect the scent as well ;-)
Alice
What a treat to visit you on a day when my garden is under a foot of snow and the high temperature is only 10-degrees. Isn't blogging the greatest? I'm sitting here and looking at your plants and mentally placing them in different areas of my own garden. I'd love to place that pretty little pond in my garden too. I can almost hear the running water (over the buzz of my electric heater motor:)
Enjoy!!!
Marnie
LOL. I am so glad the plants and you survived the cold spell.
Your dianthus Crimson Treasure is a beauty.I grew some antique rose ones from seed this summer and I hope they bloom next summer.
I always love looking at your garden.
Oh by the way, I went out of my element of the traditional red poinsettia this year and got a pink variety. After I got it I thought "Grace would love this one '. LOL.
Glad to hear that it has warmed up for you Grace. We are about to get zapped by cold from Siberia or somewhere in that direction. Will be coming back to your garden to linger in the depths of winter- there is so much colour and detail to take in, that one visit does not do each post justice.
Hi Grace your garden is a pleasure - Mine, here in SD is covered with snow, resting to return in the spring - But, I have an indoor garden to cheer me and get to enjoy gardens like yours. Gloria
The gardens are beautiful. Yes, the 40 degree weather is sooooo much better. But I shamefully have to admit I was complaining about the wet stuff falling from the sky today as I got in and out of my car trying to get some shopping done. It's all the fault of my curley curley hair. Rain makes it more so after I work so hard to straighten it! LOL Use an umbrella? You've got to be kidding!!!
It looks way better than "half bad" Grace ~ it looks fantastic! I frequently curse Canadian air masses but I live in Colorado and everyone tells me to get over it ~ it's expected! Since you're in a lot warmer zone, I know it's harder to deal with. I'm glad the temps are moderating. We were in a deep freeze last week too so I feel your pain. That was enough for me, I'm ready for spring! Thanks for more lovely views of your summer garden.
That is one spectacular garden you've got there. WOW. I think I'm in love. Glad I found your blog!
As someone who doesn't tolerate freezing temperatures well, I can sympathize. I'm so glad you posted these summer photos of your garden. I love the color scheme, all the pinks and mauves and shades of green. It is a romantic place. i look forward to seeing more of it!
Scrolling down, I came to the pic of your stunning garden in June. And didn't read that until after I had devoured the photo. How can she have this kind of lushness in the middle of winter, I was asking myself?
Of course the answer was the photo was from June, not December.
Can we please have more photos, this garden is superb.
Jen
Grace - I feel like I'm standing over those pinks getting a nose full of cloves. I have been hugely heartened at how easy they are to propagate, since mine were a gift from my mum when she visited here & multiplying them makes me feel a bit closer to her.
Your pictures have helped chase away some of the Scottish winter...I am off blogging & twitter for a few days to get some deadline writing done for clients but can't want to get back here and have a proper look at your vistas. Marvellous! - Sheila
You're right! No excuses - I desparately need to dump my compost container (it has like 15 coffee filters in there now!) and plant that rose that's been in it's container for weeks now!
Hi Grace, me again. When you have a chance, em me. Thanks, Diana
How big is your garden Grace? It looks to be huge! And beautiful. I agree about the temps. So nice! And rain! wow..
Grace I can use some of that cold weather, it was in the mid eighties here today and I am sick of it. I love your garden; I see why you can’t wait for summer
Grace, June seems so far away! Here in Ohio it's cold from November to April or May, so I don't feel just too sorry for you. In fact, I am downright envious! Your gardens are stunners. Thanks for sharing! I'm refreshed and inspired.
I feel like I just missed the party, I was so hoping for a big snowstorm. You need a coat like I have - this ridiculously poufy down jacket probably meant for sub zero mountain climbing. I break it out when it's chilly, and I am never cold. Although I do look ridiculous. Still, I recommend super warm boots and a silly coat, it makes winter much more fun.
I like the cramscaping very much, Grace! It's neat to see the things we both grow, versus those we don't--I saw many things I didn't recognize or am not able to grow here. A burst of bloom was just what the doctor ordered, this frigid Friday.
That cold snap was awful, wasn't it. Ugh. I agree, the north can keep it up there! Soon (but not soon enough), it'll be toasty warm again!
HI Sweety,
Your June garden pics were just the thing to warm my poor, frozen garden dreams. I'm glad it's "warmed up" a bit too. It was 55 degrees here today. Whoopee!
The Walker's Low Catmint was named after a nursery called Walker's Low. I made the same mistake and planted it at the front of the border until I was enlightened by non-other than Adrian Bloom (May I name drop just this once?). I felt pretty stupid at first, but he said EVERYONE makes the same mistake.
Cheers, Cindee
Grace,
Your dianthus is lovely. Your garden is so beautiful, and makes me long for spring. I am very jealous of your 40 degree temperatures. Mine reads 0 degrees right now. Last year we tossed around the idea of moving to Vancouver, WA, back near old stomping grounds. But, Vermont has certainly been growing on us, despite its winter chill! :)
I love your cramscaping, and can totally understand why you miss summer! I'm so curious to see what it all looks like now - just waiting for things to poke out again, or do the "bones" give you winter enjoyment to help tide you over? I'm sure your ponds look delightful year-round, with Sharon adorning one of them. I think I have that dogwood, my brain hurts too with that long name so I just call it 'variegated red-twig' and call it good, lazybones that I am. Will you knock on wood again for the 'Arctic event' to be our one and only this winter? Glad your babies all seem to have survived!
Grace, I love your "cramscaping" so much, yours really is one of my favorite gardens of all I've seen. I wish I had the space to duplicate it. I also had to laugh at, "crap which one is this?" That's my style.
Do you know offhand what your lot size is?
Grace, there is so much to see here and I oohed and ahhed all the way through it. I, too, cramscape. (Love that term!)
I love your garden and am excited to explore the directory with the map you posted. Thanks!!!! what fun.
I miss summer, we are in the midst of swamp/flood season. I hate this time of year for the garden.
Wonderful pictures Grace!
I also read that Walker's Low was sterile and didn't self-seed. Well, whose babies are those popping up all around my plants, then? Maybe it's mostly sterile, but since I haven't deadheaded enough, one out of a hundred blooms actually produces a viable seed.
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