‘The Flume Planting Area’
Heatherwood Summer
In the midst of summer, our historic flume section gets lost in the shadows and the green leaves of the surrounding trees. Standard black and white image processing still does not separate the flume from the surrounding elements. Infrared photography turns green leaves and other green vegetation a white or light grey tone. Now the flume pops out from the surrounding trees and grasses.
‘Lower Yard’
Heatherwood Summer
I enjoy a nice peaceful day at home. A morning cup of coffee overlooking the garden is a nice way to start the day. After a simple breakfast on the patio, we enjoy a few hours of work in the yard to fill out the morning. A casual lunch in the shade of the patio awning is a good time to think what we want to do do for the balance of the day. Maybe it is running an errand or two, a little reading or computer work inside where it is cool, or maybe even a little nap. Then as the temperature cools down a bit, it is time to mow the yard. A glass of wine or cold beer sitting by the pond is a good way to finish off the afternoon. Finally as we have dinner again outside on the patio, we talk about how great a day it has been.
‘Lower Garden’
Heatherwood Summer
It’s midday. the sun is directly above, the temperature is close to 100 degrees. It’s not the ideal time to photograph the garden. But wait, the harsh sun reflecting off the garden vegetation and bright blue skies make an ideal opportunity to work in the infrared spectrum. The bright reflections from the grass and foliage contrast with the dark tone of the blue sky providing an interesting perspective.
‘Yukimi Japanese Lantern’
Heatherwood Summer
I hear falling water and turn a corner. A flash appears beneath the branches of a Purple Ghost Japanese maple. I bend over and take a peek. The early morning sun backlights the falling water, reflects from the pond, and graces the top of the Yukimi lantern. A gift of the coming day.
‘Bridge Over Waterfall’
Heatherwood Japanese Garden
Looking back four years ago when we constructed the stream, I recall the effort it took to place this rock over the stream. I took an experienced excavator operator and three men to finagle this huge rock in place over the stream bed. It consumed the good part of an afternoon to place smaller rocks as its base and meticulously position the bridge. It was worth it!
Since then, we have been planting trees, shrubs, and ground covers to soften the edge of the stream. After four years, plants are growing over the rocks down to the flowing water. We frequently sit and have our morning coffee here and enjoy the maturing scenery and listen to the flowing water and the birds sing. It is a great way to start the day!
“Two Zelkovas”
Heatherwood Summer
Four years ago this area was a pasture of grass and weeds. The house and garage below was clearly visible. It is amazing how a few trees, shrubs, perennials, and grass can change the scene. The lawn grass was planted three years ago. The trees and most of the shrubs and perennials were planted two years ago. Several fill in perennials were planted last year. This year we have just sat back and enjoyed this part of Heatherwood.
In the years ahead, the two Zelkova trees will grow and form a natural canopy and “tunnel” between the two planting beds. The trees in the background will get taller and entirely block our neighbor’s garage. The shrubs, ornamental grasses, and perennials will fill in and continue to add color and interest. For now, we sit back and enjoy!
“Grasses, Joe Pye Weed, and Coreopsis”
Heatherwood Meadow
There are many little vignettes in Heatherwood’s summer meadow. I constantly walk though the garden and discover a new perspectives of note. In this little scene, the two tall Karl Forester grasses in the back and the two blue oat grasses on the sides frame in the row of yellow coreopsis in the front and the row of pink Joe Pye weed in the center. The scene is naturally balanced.
“Yukimi and Scolopendrifolium”
Heatherwood Japanese Garden
Last week I added a new member to Heatherwood’s Japanese garden. It has quite a tongue-twister name: Acer Palmatum ‘Scolopendrifolium. Being an engineer, I have a hard time pronouncing a word with more than three syllables.
I planted the maple just south of the Yukimi to give the lantern a little protection. As the maple matures, it will form an umbrella shape weeping over the lantern and pond. From different view points it will help separate and frame the two waterfalls feeding the pond. Three years ago when we first build the pond, I imagined a lantern at the pond’s edge sheltered by a weeping Japanese maple. I was conflicted between having a wide-open view of both waterfalls or framed view of each. This summer, I finally made the decision to add the maple.
The structure of Heatherwood is pretty much in place. I enjoy walking around the garden searching for places where new plants, shrubs, and trees will enhance the overall garden. At the same time, I critically assess if a specific plant needs to be moved to a more suitable location. I feel lucky to be able to simultaneously enjoy what is in place and imagine what the garden will evolve to given time and a little help.
“Mary’s Bright and Shiny”
Heatherwood Summer
This post is for you, my Dear! Remember when I asked you what you wanted in our new Heatherwood garden. You said, “Something Bright and Shiny.” Here it is, just for you. Our Cherry Allee lines a field of bright and shiny perennials and shrubs. One blooms and fades, another follows right behind. Your special garden provides interest from spring through autumn. It even has its own winter interest with spent hydrangea and perennial blooms, grasses flowing in the wind, bright red berginias and yellow-twig dogwoods. Sitting rocks at the top are placed so we can enjoy gazing over the landscape together. The garden is designed and constructed for your daily enjoyment. Happy Anniversary!
“Soft Summer Color”
Heatherwood Meadow
Walking through our Heatherwood meadow in the early morning when the sun just rises and softly grazes over the meadow flowers is a calming experience. The various colors, textures, and shapes pull me into the scene.
The summer scenes change daily. Some flowers fade, new flowers emerge. Grasses grow taller providing new backgrounds as well as blocking and framing other views. This year the scorching summer direct sunlight is causing many flowers to fade prematurely, but others burst out just as quickly. We are always in a dilemma, should we deadhead plants to make the garden look pretty and force new blooms, or should we just let them take their natural course and fade then spread their seeds in the fall and winter. Mostly, we just let things mature naturally.