Landscaping Progresses

Single Gardenia Blossom From New Perennial Shrub

This spring we are in the process of major re-landscaping projects in our backyard. The construction of the new addition to our house played havoc with the condition of our yard. Because our kids have grown, we removed an above ground pool at the rear of our yard as well as the decking, which was in great shape, but was useless without the pool. This spring we have built four raised garden beds for vegetables and some annual flowers. We are laying brick paths around them with the old paving brick that we are recycling from one of our former patios. A rock garden that had bordered one side of the pool has become overgrown with lots of ivy and weeds and it will take quite a lot of work and time to reclaim the area.

Beginning last weekend we are working on the area immediately surrounding the new patio outside of our new sunroom. The new addition changed the elevation a lot and we have had to disperse lots and lots of soil. We have just created one terrace on the small hill that rises from the patio up to main yard. We have also recycled limestone boulders and stepping stones to create steps to navigate the hill.

As a beginning, we have planted two "soft-touch" holly "mounding" shrubs, two perennial gardenia shrubs, and three perennial blue salvia on the first terrace.


Close-up of Soft Touch Holly Foliage

Example of Soft Touch Holly Bush

Sample of Perennial Blue Salvia

The gardenia is one of my favorite flowers and I hope that I have better luck with these outdoor specimens than I have had with the indoor plant. Future updates to follow.....

Gardinia Shrub in Bloom