The second photo is the view of the Glynallyn mansion as it is seen from our garden space.  We will install a sitting area from which to enjoy this view as well as the view of the surrounding woodland.

Don’t miss this exciting event, where designers, both landscape and interior, will showcase their best work for the enjoyment of all visitors.  for more info: www.mansioninmay.com

Our garden space, # 4, will be titled “The Lady’s Garden”

Concept / Inspiration:

The high tree canopy and green under-story of the surrounding forest sets the mood for a restful retreat. The existing aged sculpture of Our Lady inspired the creation of a garden where the lady of the house might escape the stress of daily living.

Additional inspiration came from early 20^th century garden designer Vita Sackville West’s ‘White Garden’ at Sissinghurst, in England, where white blooms amid varying shades of green foliage provide a comforting palette that calms the mind and pleases the senses. Visual interest from variegated foliage lasts throughout the season.

A bluestone patio provides a sitting area from which to enjoy the woodland view while listening to the soothing trickle of water from a nearby fountain.  A raised bed was constructed with a low fieldstone wall to protect the roots of the ancient Oak trees.

Before pictures of space # 4:

The October snowstorm has devastated our beautiful gardens and landscapes with crushed and broken trees.  Once the trees, or what’s left of them have been removed, we can look at it as a new beginning. Think about that pretty pink flowering crabapple tree you’ve always admired, now you have a spot to plant it!

Some trees took the worst hit, such as Bradford Pears, which are weak-wooded, or Magnolias, which have huge leaves that were so weighted down with the heavy wet snow.

It’s not too late in the season to plant new deciduous trees.  Trees that drop their leaves in the fall can be planted as long as the ground is not too frozen to dig in.  These trees go dormant for the winter, but their roots are still actively growing.  The additional moisture in the soil over winter helps them to establish good roots without the worry of watering.  It’s actually the best time to plant them!  For evergreens, it’s better to wait until spring.  They are more susceptible to winter burn if their roots are not established by the time the cold drying winds of winter set in.

Whether you want to plant now, or wait till spring, call us now to help you choose the best trees for your property that will bring you cool summer shade,  lovely blooms and beautiful fall color for years to come!

There is little that really needs to be done in the garden in September.  Weed growth has slowed, and if you’ve pinched and dead-headed through the season, you can stop now and let the last blooms remain for the birds and for winter interest.  It’s time to sit and enjoy the fruits of your labor and your garden’s last hurrah of the season.

But if you feel the need to stay active, or if you prefer your garden extra tidy, here are a few tasks that can be done at this time:

• Prune early summer-blooming shrubs as needed to control size.  Fading Hydrangea flowers look nice into fall and early winter, so only prune if necessary.
• Dead-head (remove spent flowers and stems) Hosta and Daylilies, or any perennials that do not have erect flower stems, others can be left as seed heads for birds and winter interest. Cut back any dead foliage.
• Prune Boxwoods and other evergreen shrubs as needed to control size and shape.

But all this can wait.  For now, sit, sip your coffee or your wine and savor the sweetness of the September garden.

Susan Olinger, APLD

Landscape Designer