Western Gardens

Western Gardens

The Western Gardens began in 2017, with their largest (and perhaps final), expansion in July 2021. They live in a narrow, sun-soaked corridor between our house and a dead-end road. Balancing the perceived cultural expectations for a front garden with my love of native plants did not come easily. Yet, In the end, my love for plants—and the life they sustain—won by a landslide.

Transitioning between the bold Southern Gardens and the pale Northern Gardens, this area is a subtle mix of whites, pinks, soft purplish-blues, and pockets of brilliant yellows. Dominating the space are large oakleaf hydrangeas, lush baptisia, and four columnar eastern red cedars. In time, two young serviceberries will shade the house, obscure the road, and offer plenty of entertainment as birds, chipmunks, and squirrels feast on the berries in late spring.