Summer Living

Thirty-two years of boundless energy and a backhoe transformed a yard of blackberries and grass into an inviting outdoor living space to enjoy all summer long. With blueberries on one side and raspberries on the other, entry steps lead to raised vegetable beds, with tall sunflowers and a rose garden at the side. At the corner, under a mature Japanese maple, notice the sarcocca, a winter-flowering fragrant shrub, also known as sweet box.

The side garden showcases an espaliered pear tree, a ‘Teddy Bear’ rhododendron (Yakushimanum), two lilacs, a hebe and another winter-flowering fragrant shrub, Daphne odora.

Honeysuckle graces the fence near a large plum tree and low laurel bushes. A mature Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica) shades the main entertaining area with Daphne odora and a ‘Girards Rose’ azalea. Hinoki cypress, pink rhododendrons, and pieris grow opposite a fire pit created to host family and friends.  ‘Autumn Joy’ sedum thrives in a planter near stairs leading to the upper patio, a quiet shady retreat. A grape arbor with green table grapes stretches the width of the property at the back. Below the studio are planters bearing garlic and artichokes.  The Saskatoon serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), with berries that taste like a cross between blackberries and blueberries, is being trained to be a tree. 

Exit past a cozy corner table and around the side of the house to the driveway, sandwiched between a planter filled with blue hydrangeas and a row of heather stretching to the sidewalk.