The Garden that wasn't on the Tour

This is the garden that wasn't on the horticultural society's tour. It was across the street from one of the gardens on the tour.

The neat courtyard-style front garden caught my eye first, and like a moth to the flame, it beckoned to me to cross the road. The homeowners were very busy that afternoon, but graciously agreed to let me take pictures.

For those of you looking for inspiration on a small scale, this garden certainly fits the bill. 

The house is made modest two-story home made from local quarried stone. The front yard is tiny. Rather than trying to maneuver a lawn mover around such a tight area, the homeowner decided to dispense with grass altogether, and opted for a circular courtyard of pea gravel instead. 

The plantings next to the house are older and are more mature. The plants on the other rim of the circle are more recently added. 

That is a Climbing Hydrangea right by the front porch. It's a great option to consider 
if you want a vine for part-shade.

Along the front of the house blue-green and variagted Hosta mix in with Ostrich ferns, Heuchera (deep burgundy leaves peaking out from under a Hosta) and  Pulmonaria (the spotted leaf tucked under one of the Hosta). All these plants are great options for part-shade and shade.

Peaking out from under this large hosta is Lady's Mantle, Alchemilla Mollis. 

Lady's Mantle, Alchemilla Mollis has rounded soft textured foliage. Raindrops cling to its leaves and sparkle. Sprays of chartreuse flowers appear in early summer. (This plant is a good self-seeder, so remove the spent flowers if you don't like unwanted seedlings). You will sometimes see Lady's Mantle on lists of plants suggested for shade, but I find it much prefers part-shade rather than full shade. This plant will grow in a variety of soil types and likes conditions on the average to moist side. Height: 30-45 cm (12-18 inches), Spread: 45-60 cm (18-23 inches). USDA Zones: 2-9.

The pea gravel courtyard at the front of the house extends into a path that leads you around to the backyard. 

This is the first view you see as you turn the corner at the side of the house.

Under the shade of tree, there is a little patio area. The cafe-style chairs and table

gives the area an almost Parisian feel.

Here Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' sits in front of a yellow Baptisia (unknown cultivar).

Hanging across the yard are strings of Tibetan prayer flags.

 Penstemon 'Husker Red' has foliage that is beet-red in spring and fall and somewhat greener in the summer. Butterflies love the flowers which are such a pale pink they are almost white. Full sun. Normal, sandy or clay soils are all suitable. Average to moist growing conditions. Height 75-90 cm, Spread: 30-45 cm. USDA Zones: 3-9

Pink Peonies bow down to the ground with the weight of their many-petaled flowers. A Miscanthus (ornamental grass) and Ostrich Fern are just in behind them.

The view down the length of the property.

 An old metal bucket is a water feature or container planting in the making.

The back garden is a work in progress. This courtyard area next to 

the fence isn't quite completed.

You'll note that the homeowner has used vivid blue ceramic pots as a recurring theme. It's a smart design decision as it links different areas of the garden into a cohesive whole.

This garden might be small, but it's charming. It is amazing what you find when you are looking for something else!

Character

"It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare."

                                                                                                                                   Mark Twain

This carriage house leans in as if fighting against a strong prevailing wind. The roof heaves and rolls like the waves on an ocean. 

It even has a bit of an interesting story. 

When a new subdivision was added to this part of Fergus, the town planning department decided to square-off existing property lines even though it meant that the revised line would run right through the middle of this carriage house.

One neighbour owns the front half of the carriage house and the other neighbour owns the back half.

One of the two property owners is a gardener.

Here's another vignette that is effortlessly charming.

This gardener very much wanted me to take her picture.

What a great smile!

This is her garden in Guelph, Ontario.

Private Garden in Fergus, Ontario

I love the honesty of this shot down to the rake resting up against the tree trunk and the 

shirt drying on the line.

Private Garden in Fergus, Ontario

Tibetan prayer flags send prayers out on the wind.

Private garden, Fergus Ontario

I wonder what the plans are for the cobalt blue pot?

Private garden, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Is he hiding or did the Big Bad Wolf eat the third little piggy?

A lesson in how to add character.

Private Garden, Toronto Ontario.

And if you have any doubt as to which way to turn to find the garden, here's your answer.

Brain Folmer's Botanical Garden near Walkerton, ON

A pretty checkerboard garden.

"Why are you trying so hard to fit in, when you were born to stand out."

                                                                                                       Oliver James

"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting..."

                                              from Proverbs

 Private Garden, Dartmouth, N.S.

Private garden, Georgetown, Ontario

"And he sailed back over a year 

and in and out of weeks

and through a day

and into the night of his very own room 

where he found his supper waiting for him

and it was still hot"

Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are

Have a wonderful weekend!