Today we’re in Raleigh, North Carolina, visiting with John Matthews.
I have put together an entire deck on the garden, going from muddy grass to what it is today. There is even an 85-yard golf hole on the property that I have built in the last few years.
It’s hard to imagine this was muddy grass before. Now it’s a lovely sitting area surrounded by a beautiful garden.
A feline garden companion relaxes in a chair, with a view behind it of an unusual garden feature: a golf hole.
This view of the garden from above shows that there are lots of places to sit, visit with friends, and enjoy the space.
Water is a wonderful feature in any garden, and the water here is heartily endorsed by this garden resident.
The garden stream flowing through the garden passes next to a planting of black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia fulgida, Zones 4–9).
Thoughtfully placed garden lighting can really make a garden shine as the sun goes down. Here it highlights a clump of yellow flag irises (Iris pseudoacorus, Zones 5–9).
Repeated plantings of black-eyed Susans tie the garden together with pops of yellow flowers.
Looking up at the house from the garden.
In fall, the surrounding trees steal the scene as they put on their autumnal colors.
A last look at this beautiful garden, with the stream running along the side of the path.
For more of John’s garden, check out his instagram: @mattiesgardens
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