Garden Retreats
Today I am at the home my friend Kathy Collins who has created a whimsical
retreat using a combination of plants and garden art. Everywhere you
look there is garden art, from the wheelbarrow spilling over, to the fire
hydrant, to the old water pumps. But the plants are the main focus. The
garden is designed around plant trials and with very few errors. Kathy
likes to try unconventional plant combinations. For example this old
deer feeder is planted with Molten Lava oxalis, spotted dead nettle, black-eyed
susan vine, English ivy, and the Mississippi Medallion Winner, Diamond Frost
Euphorbia. And how much fun are the two frogs “swimming” on the pond
of hardy ice plant. The butterfly garden is s visual treat. Butterfly
bush, bee balm, and penta have flowers that all hold nectar. The focal
point is the triangular butterfly enclosure. Made from three recycled
doors, you can watch the butterflies emerge from their cocoons. One
of my favorite plants this year has to be Pretty Much Picasso supertunia
with its unique violet purple flowers edged in lime green. Planted
in a container, this vigorous plant just spills out. And don’t forget
about the outdoor kitchen and patio area. Can you think of a better
place to unwind and relax after a long day? You don’t have to follow
rigid design principles to have an effective landscape. If you like
it, plant it, and enjoy your garden. I’m Gary Bachman for Southern
Gardening.