Today we’re visiting with Alan Weisberg.
I live in the foothills of Haycock Mountain in rural southeastern Pennsylvania, I’ve been gardening for 45 years on three acres of what was once a 100-acre farm with a fieldstone home and barn built in 1741. The restoration of the structures, landscaping, additions, and vegetable and flower gardens has yielded almost as many failures as successes, with plenty of lessons learned.
The southwest corner of the house is protected by an abundance of conifers and shrubs, including boxwood (Buxus, Zones 5–9), juniper (Juniperus, Zones 2–8), pine (Pinus, Zones 3–8), and spruce (Picea abies, Zones 3–7). Azaleas (Rhododendron, Zones 5–9), Helleborus (Zones 4–9), and cleomes (Cleomia hasseleriana, annual) add color.
Climbing roses on the side of the house
The main entrance is flanked with holly (Ilex species), Iris, bugleweed (Ajuga reptans, Zones 3–10), a variety of grasses, and cattails (Typha latifolia, Zones 3–10).
A walk past stands of black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia fulgida, Zones 3–9), red geraniums (Pelargonium hybrids, Zones 8–10 or as annuals), lavender (Lavandula hybrid, Zones 5–9), blue butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii, Zones 5–9), alligator grass (Miscanthus sinensis, Zones 5–9), and a weeping pine (Pinus strobus ‘Pendula’, Zones 3–8) leads to the two-story stone and cedar bank barn.
The potting shed is surrounded by ornamental grasses and perennials. The translucent roof and propane heater create enough light and heat to harden young annuals prior to spring planting.
A 900-sq.-ft. fenced-in area we call “Buddy Park” not only makes life interesting for our faithful Scottie, but it also provides a river-pebble surface for his “business”, thus keeping dead grass and doggy litter off the yard.
There’s plenty there to interest him, including frogs, goldfish, and pint-size paths.
A sculpture of a fish swims through the lush greenery of perennials.
A stand of ‘State Fair’ zinnias (Zinnia elegans ‘State Fair’, annual) brings color, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden.
Early lettuce and onions bring the garden into the kitchen throughout May and June.
Bluebirds are always a welcome sight early in the gardening season.
Cheyenne coneflowers (Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’, Zones 4–9) bloom in a mixture of warm shades.
Have a garden you’d like to share?
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