The first of the two back gardens in today's post has a cottage feel. Decking, which parodies a wharf, curves its way through the garden.
A five foot stream cascades over rocks and spills into a large pond filled with goldfish. At night the pond is lit with underwater lights creating a rather magical effect.
The pond is a magnet for little water striders, various types of birds and other wildlife. Even a local mink has taken up residence.
Behind the garage, there is a large deck with a swing and a table for outdoor summer meals. Running along the top of the fence is a cat run.
I don't know if I have ever seen a more elegant looking cat!
The cat run opens into a large enclosure with many perches that are perfect for bird watching.
Nestled in among the Norfolk pines at the back of the garden is a tree house that was built by the homeowner's sixteen year old son.
Wouldn't any pre-teen or teenager just love this fun hideaway?
It's wonderful when a garden invites you inside and this next garden does just that.
In this garden, there is no standing on the lawn and admiring the plantings from a polite distance. Instead pathways lead you into little corners where you can sit within the garden.
Much of the garden is shaded, but there are a few brighter pockets where plants like this tree peony can flourish in dappled sunlight. (Read more about tree peonies here.)
At the back of the house there is a large patio area. A large arbor leads from the patio down to the main part of the garden.
An old iron headboard has been painted black and is hung from the arbor to serve as a unique support for climbing vines like morning glory.
Centred in the garden is a picture-perfect shed. Beyond it, there is a flagstone pathway that leads to a shady corner with yet more seating.
One of the standout plants in this area of the garden is a Bleeding Heart.
It positively glows in the sunlight!
A garden angel (on the left) and Mountain Bluet, Centaurea montana (on the right).
This is a modest sized backyard, so there isn't a lot of sunny spots for a vegetable garden. Instead the homeowners have opted to mix edible plants, like this rhubarb, in with the other perennials.
The garden shed is both practical and pretty.
If you find that there is a little bit of a lull between tulips and summer perennials in your garden, alliums like these 'Purple Sensation' may be just what you need.
Tools hang in the shelter of the shed's roof.
Have a terrific weekend!
