Eastern Gardens

Before

The small strip of land on the eastside of our home was lined with 80 feet of overgrown privets, with a small, sinking flagstone patio.

We began breaking ground on the eastside of our yard in June 2021.

The Process

One of the largest undertakings for this area has been removing the privet hedge. Among the privets, were two large Norway Maples, a Red Mulberry and Black Walnut trees.

Both Norway Maples were cut down, and more than a year into the privet removal process (2023), we continue to eradicate privet shoots using minimal, targeted herbicides.

Coming to Fruition

The existing Mulberry and Black Walnut trees are healthier than ever, and are now the foundations to the eastern gardens. Replacing the privets are Red Osier Dogwood, American Cranberry, Elderberry and Nannyberry whips, with interspersed Ostrich ferns filling in while the young hedge establishes.

The mixed hedge will eventually serve as a privacy screen, source of berries and wildlife habitat; while providing a lush backdrop as the shrubs pour into the abutting gardens.

The small corridor on our property has now become an inviting ‘backyard’ oasis; complete with a pea-stone patio, firepit, seating area, water feature and surrounding gardens.