Step by step

Another step crafted by Rod.  This one took two attempts because the garden designer didn't find the proportions  to be in keeping with the delicate arch.  Random Mintaro slate was the solution and the outcome is  pleasing even to the builder.  Having this step has also meant that we could continue the gravel path.  Slowly, bit by bit we are linking the paths together.

Burgundy Accents

 After the completion of Rod's stone wall, several sessions were spent improving the soil ready for planting and also installing stones on the high side to retain the driveway.  

Over several months I have been purchasing plants ready for this area.  In keeping with the colour scheme of our house the barn features two coach lights with burgundy shades, therefore I decided that plants with burgundy foliage would continue the theme and show to perfection contrasting against the carriage green and cream of the barn walls and doors.

Several plants throughout the new garden are green or variegated so that they also provide a foil for the richness of the red and burgundy plants.  As well as differing plant forms, a variety of foliage shapes has been taken into consideration to achieve maximum interest. Lastly an irrigation system was carefully laid out before the whole garden was spread with the bark mulch that we had prepared from the shredding bark from our gum trees (see entry at the end of March).

Supervised Visit

Baxter was invited to try a little sunshine in the newly made garden.

Ever Red

My first Japanese maple: Acer Palmatum Dissectum 'Ever Red' was purchased in 1990 and grown in a pot for the first 10 years or so. Unfortunately even though it has now  been planted in the garden it has not grown much, however it does have the most wonderful Autumn display with the emerald green ivy in the background.

Ponderings

The opening we left in the decking when it was constructed 5 years ago has taken a diversion from its original concept of a pond.  

A gift of a  Xanthorrhoea to Rod for his birthday has inspired the creation of a garden featuring these very sculptural plants. 

The double header is Xanthorrhoea preissii Robusta (Preiss) from WA and the smaller  Xanthorrhoea  Johnsonii (Bill Johnson)  from QLD.

Xanthorrhoea's are slow growing and it is estimated that a meter of trunk takes between 70 and 100 years to grow.  Protected plants, they come with certification that they have been sourced from areas that are being developed, so relocation is rightly or wrongly their future.  

 

River pebbles combine with contrasting black pebbles that wind through in a vein of black, terminating in a small pool.

                            The inclusion of LED lights make this garden a real highlight at night.  We are extremely happy with the result and are crossing fingers, toes and everything in between that these very special plants survive in their new surroundings.

We Don't Always See When We Look

 On closer inspection of the berries that are produced on Viburnum Tinus they are a beautiful metallic blue

 Unfortunately the bushes are suffering from rust at the moment, due to weather conditions 

However the berries are a beautiful combination with hydrangeas that have turned green.

Paving the Way

Well here it is the finished project

 bit by bit we are linking up the gravel paths.