 |
| Hedging surrounding the new Pergola Garden at Havenwood. |
Hello all! It has been a full month!
A few weeks ago, we were down in West Virginia to work on a garden I designed for a family there... more on that soon. :) Then we were back down south to Charlotte, NC for the inspiring
Inkwell family conference. It was sponsored by all the wonderfully creative people at the
Story Warren, including my husband, the gifted author of
The Big Old Garden, behind the Big Old House series... humm.... wonder where he got those ideas ;)
Then we ran home (actually, a 10 hour drive) so that I could take three RHS exams to complete their
Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation & Development. I think that they went well! Now I just need to wait patiently until September to find out for sure. :)
In the mean time, we have been planting up a storm of yew bushes around here to working away at our
final plan for the new gardens at Havenwood. We have 50 in the ground as I post these photos today...
First, some BEFORE photos...that is, before 180 feet of Hedging:
 |
| House view straight on from street. This door, so beautifully aged, is known to us as the "Garden door." To the far left is a screened in porch, which is nice for eating out while avoiding the mosquitos. |
 |
| A view across this front area, with the house to the right. The trees in the distance are part of the woodland. You might appreciate the aerial view in this post! |
 |
| And a view of the front from the street, with a few sticks where the Birch Walk will be. |
And now some AFTER photos... after 180 feet of Hedging:
 |
| The Pergola Garden is frame on the left, and the Birch Walk on the right of the central dividing hedge. |
 |
| The position of the stone is the terminal view for our road, and will be a great focal point spot for a statue or large pot. The hedge also continues for an additional 50 feet along the edge of our property past the large yews at the top of this photo, which will help shield our living space and keep the kids off the road! |
 |
| One birch tree is planted in the walk so far, which is going to be very informal in style, even strikingly so. You can see the Knot Garden being formed at the top of the hill. |
 |
| Here in the middle of this area, I have left out two bushes in the hedge
to make room for two doors through the yew. In many years, I hope to clip the one on the left like this one at Hidcote Manor. The right one will be a secret long view dowe the length of the pergola. The sidewalk will be removed, and large mixed borders will fill this garden. |
Thanks for taking a look at our work! Lots of wheelbarrows of dirt to mound up, holes to dig and fill with grit & fertilizer, and more barrows of mulch to cover it all. I found
this video of Monty Don on "How to Plant a Yew Hedge" encouraging as I faced this huge project!
To read more on our new gardens at Havenwood, see these posts:
Wow, the Yew hedge looks amazing. Your neighborhood is lucky to have you!!! I've been checking and checking your blog to see if there were any updates. I'm so excited for you guys! :)
ReplyDeleteBoth you and your hubby are very gifted!
Thanks Margaret! Sorry to make you wait. I am hoping to post more regularly again :)
Delete~Julie
Ha..no don't be sorry. I know you are busy. But it's great to read about your progress! ;)
DeleteA yew hedge is a beautiful thing, I envy you! They look wonderful as free standing structures too.......which gives me an idea! Thanks for sharing the planning and beginnings of your new garden, it will be lovely in a few short years.
ReplyDeleteThanks Christina! It seems like it will be an eternity until they are grown, but I know the garden always surprises me with how fast things fill in. Interested to hear more about your idea! :)
Delete~Julie
Your yew hedge will be a proper hedge before you know it. You have certainly been busy with all your alterations, wishing you all the best with your exams, I'm sure you will have done very well !
ReplyDeleteThanks Pauline! We decided to set them 3 feet apart for money's sake, though it is a bit wider than recommended. But I think they will fill in nicely. Thanks for your well wishes!
Delete~Julie
Is there anything more classy than a marvellous yew hedge? Well, I don't think there is! You've got masses achieved already, Good luck with the exam result when they arrive. I'm sure you've passed with flying colours.
ReplyDelete:) I am looking forward to having a "classy" hedge. It makes such a nice backdrop for flowers, as Christopher Lloyd always said. Thanks Angie!
Delete~Julie
You are amazing. It looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gina :) I really just kinda enjoyed getting good & dirty planting all of those... something about being excited to see the finished project I think.
Delete~Julie
There's such a feeling of achievement when you know you're putting great plans in place. We've recently planted a second hedge (nothing so grand as yours but perfect for our little shack). The tube stock we've used looks decidedly underwhelming at present, but like you, I know in a few years it will create the perfect hedge to screen off our vegetable gardens. I've just found your blog and can already tell it's going to be exciting to watch your garden develop.
ReplyDeleteJulie what a transformation so far...this is so exciting to see each step...pure creative genius!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful gardens, and your house looksk so stately! You have an eye for plant landscaping and design. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletePROGRESS!
ReplyDeleteYou have such an amazing estate. I think a pergola would be a quaint, yet elegant addition to it. Kudos to the tasteful landscaping. I love everything about it. Anyway, I wish you all the best in all your endeavors. Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us.
ReplyDeleteSally Page @ Sunrooms of Buffalo