Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Untying the Knot Garden

The Knot Garden is no more. It all began last year when the Euonymus was deemed an invasive plant and had to come  out. 
While I cogitated about what to do here this winter the severity of the winter removed some of the boxwoods. This gave me even more to think about.
This area is looking quite bare especially after I pulled out the dead and dying boxwoods. I realized I didn't really like seeing the shed as I entered the back garden through the side gate. Thinking about this I decided I needed a whole new look with  a small tree here.  Oh, and all of these lycoris squamigera have to be rehomed.
I found a sweet little Dogwood 'Celestial  Shadow' and planted it in the center of the Circle Garden. I found the dogwood just as the full moon was about to happen this month. I hope this is a good omen for this tree and it will grow well here. Now all of those boxwoods need new homes and the huge Daturas have to go.
Voile, the Circle Garden. Around this circle there are six paths that converge here.
I moved a few big rocks into the circle. Each path has a different view of the circle. This dwarf Thuja, below right and I have lost the information about which one it is, has been half hidden under an Oakleaf Hydrangea that spread. I hope it likes it's new home. 
I made it so there is some nice shrublet or rock or both to see from each path as you approach the Circle Garden. 
The  Serbian Spruce is one of my favorites.
I left a couple of the boxwoods in place. The largest rock I had to have my DB help me move as it is so heavy I can't budge it by myself. 
The other rocks aren't so big but they hold their own.
A lot of empty space here. While I like the less is more idea in theory empty space makes me nervous. 
I am pleased by the way this is looking.  When  you enter from the side gate you can no longer look straight through to the shed so I am pleased with that and as the 'Celestial Shadow' Dogwood fills out it will block even more of the shed.
My most often seen view of this area is from the kitchen door. 
I have to say I like it yet, those empty spaces keep nagging me.  I doubt these empty spaces will be here for long. If I find some more dwarf conifers I would be tempted to plant them here, or some sort of ground cover. We will see what shows up.
Do you like those open spaces in your garden? Or like me are you compelled to plant up those empty places?



32 comments:

  1. Lisa girl .. for some reason I have lost you on my own blog list .. I don't know what is happening but I am trying to keep you there !LOL
    I get nervous about open spaces too .. have you thought of nesting spruce ? .. they can look quite nice. I think you are doing super with this space and i love the new little tree .. I am looking for one for my front garden too, but it has to be super hardy since it will be exposed to all the elements .. we don't have any good nurseries close to Kingston .. Big sigh !
    Great before and after pictures !

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    1. Thanks Joy, It is good to have someone that agrees that too much open space is a panic. ;)

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  2. Do I like empty spaces in my garden? Hahahaha, that's a funny one. Um, no. I have it so packed everything can barely move at times. I love your new circle garden, and I know it will bring you years of good fun as you fill it. Love live the circle!~~Dee

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    1. Right, long live the circle! I know you like things packed as much as I do. :)

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  3. The change looks great from all angles, Lisa. I'd have put a tree there too, although, in my community, a "view conservation" ordinance limits the height of any foliage that restricts a neighbor's "key view," which puts a very real crimp in what and where I can plant. We've already removed 2 trees under pressure from one neighbor (who, thankfully, moved away last year).

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  4. We don't have such an ordinance. There are no views here so I don't have to worry about it. I like the in the forest feel. Going there...

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  5. The dogwood will solve your problem beautifully. They are great as focal points that also hide views. Amazing how bare soil freaks us out. Theoretically we should go slow, but practically we can't take it and have to get out and fill it in. Can't wait to see what you do next!

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    1. Yes, I already have a few things on order. They will fill in nice I think. I will be posting about my madness.

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  6. I would plant it up completely! But I am a plantaholic. So don’t pay attention to my comments. Groetjes Hetty

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    1. I don't need any encouragement to plant things up Hetty. Don't you worry about that.

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  7. Oh, the possibilities! The tree is perfect. If the other parts of it don't quite feel right for you, then I'm sure you'll find a creative way to redesign over time. Even a few more plants would fill in pretty fast, right? It will be fun to watch your design over time. :)

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    1. I already have some plants on order Beth. It will fill up pretty fast.

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  8. What gorgeous garden work ~ beautiful results! Hope it wasn't hot where you are ~

    Happy Day to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores

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  9. The temps are horrid at this point in time running in the low 90's and high 80's.

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  10. So much creativity in your gardening! Hope cooler weather arrives soon!

    Happy Day to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores

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  11. Lisa - what a wonderful redo of your circular garden bed. I am like you though I would want something more planted. Of course I always find it hard to pluck anything out of the garden that volunteers - usually don't have an empty spot. Will be anxious to see your dogwood tree grow and spread. Take care friend and have a super weekend. Hugs!

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    1. Thanks Debbie. I hope you have a great weekend too. ()

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  12. I consider open space a personal challenge to my impulse to stuff plants into every square foot. Still, I think you did a very nice job on your circle garden. I look forward to seeing the Dogwood as it fills out.

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  13. Hi Jason, good to know I am not the only one with the stuffing impulse. I too am anxious to see how the dogwood grows.

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  14. What are empty spaces?? Seriously, I like your re-do of this area, Lisa. I always admire garden areas that use rocks and have some bare spaces to highlight the plantings, but I never seem to be able to leave bare soil in my own garden, partly because I don't have the heart to dig out plants that aren't doing that well and partly because I keep finding new plants I "absolutely" must have.

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    1. Like I said Rose empty spaces make me nervous. Ha... I am already filling in those empty spots. Not to worry. ;)

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  15. Half my garden is nothing but a giant empty space right now! I'd put something there since the lawn functions as a negative space to balance everything else. Ornamental grasses would be a nice contrast to the rigidity of the rocks and conifers. You need some movement.

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    1. Funny you should mention grasses. I already have some Little Blue Stem and Chives in there. I also have some Carexes ordered and I will plant them there too.

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  16. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend in your creative garden ^_^

    Happy Day to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores

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  17. I like a garden to look full, but do appreciate some "negative space" here and there to create interest. The Dogwood is perfect for the centerpiece and you should have fun planning around it!

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  18. Wishing you a happy week in your lovely garden ~ ^_^

    Happy Day to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores

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  19. What is an empty space Lisa?? Pray do tell :)

    I love what you have done Lisa. It works very well.
    Love the view from the gate. It is a lovely image.
    Sometimes less is more ??
    Shame about the box but when something doesn't work we have to rethink it. That is what gardening is about.
    I love the way you take on the challenges and come up with positive answers.

    The weather is lovely. Much cooler temperatures, rain here and there, and a gentle breeze. That is just about perfect for me :)

    Have a lovely weekend my friend.

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    1. It is still in the 90's here. I broke down and got the sprinkler out today. It has been running all day. They say we may get some rain Saturday. I certainly hope so.
      I am already putting plants into the circle garden. So it goes...

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  20. glad you are enjoying my photos ~I love your garden!

    Happy Day to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores

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  21. Lisa ~ great to have U visit ~ hope weekend is special for U ^_^

    Happy Day to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores

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