We’re visiting with Terrie Lewine today:
I live in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia, in a rowhome. I call my garden the Urban Sanctuary. The garden is a work in progress (as I imagine all gardeners say!). I’ve been here for more than six years, and I adore it. The garden is a mix of shade and sun. In the front I have raised beds for the usual herbs and veggies. I have two big trees, a holly (Ilex opaca, Zones 5–9), and a Norway maple (Acer pseudoplatanus, Zones 4–7) that were here before me, kiwi berry vines (Actinidia sp.,), roses, many natives, a pagoda with a hammock, and an outdoor soaking tub. Lots to explore!
My focus has been food (for all beings), native species, and beauty.
This is an urban space, but there is a lot of beautiful garden beyond that gate.
An urban sanctuary indeed—green and lush; it is a wonderful place to sit, relax, and enjoy.
A few fish live in the water feature, while next to them a pot full of golden creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’, Zones 3–9) glows like a puddle of sunshine.
One of the residents of the water feature is the native pickerel weed (Pontedetia cordata, Zones 3–10), which has spikes of beautiful purple flowers.
More of the pickerel weed
Clouds of white astilbe blooms (Astilbe, Zones 4–9)
Double-flowered columbine (Aquilegia hybrid, Zones 3–8), with blooms in a sweet sugar pink
There’s nothing like the drama of a perfect rose blossom; here, the hints of golden color echo the creeping Jenny below.
There is food in the garden as well; here, a cucumber is ready to be picked and enjoyed.
Some plants provide food for humans and other beings. This carpenter bee is enjoying the pollen on those white flowers that will, thanks to the pollinating efforts of the bee, develop into delicious blackberries.
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