Three years ago Elliott & Kristina bought their first home.
To say they had “vision” is an understatement.
Their timing was incredible.
The house had been on the market for sometime.
The front had a mammoth awning.
I’m thinking it distracted couples with lesser vision.
Then there was the backyard.
It was….well…frightening!
But this is no prima donna couple.
They are after all, both descended from gardeners, farmers & ranchers.
They could see what it could become.
Vision.
Not everyone has it.
But they possess it.
And they weren’t afraid of work.
So they began.
I guess you would call the first stage demolition.
Thankfully, I’m a state or so away so I missed this stage.
There was not a lot to save.
The decision was made to take out even the Aspen trees.
Since, though they are lovely
They actually are a bit of a nuisance.
A single wispy tree will turn into a grove of Aspen
Right before your eyes.
Great for mountainsides.
Not so much for backyards.
The giant deck
Was replaced with a lovely flagstone patio.
Carefully layed by Elliott with help from friends.
My parents used Colorado Red flagstone
Inside and outside the “new house” at the farm.
So there was symmetry here.
Meanwhile in my garden.
I was potting up babies from all over my garden
And buying a few.
By June my friend Vivi and I loaded it all up
And drove this garden to its new home.
The humidity in my car was stifling.
Kristina and I spent a long weekend planting away.
Adding roses and hydrangea from a local nursery.
There’s a saying about perennial gardens
The first year they sleep
The second they creep
And the third they leap!
Welcome to year three
We visited again a few weeks ago
What a transformation.
Perennials are oozing onto the grass.
Morning glories dance along the fence
Greeting each new day
Thyme suns itself on the flagstone.
Cleome spills over the edge of the narrow bed
And little juicy golden tomatoes grow practically wild.
Elliott seems to enjoy puttering around the yard.
Growing not only flowers,
But vegetables as well.
Kristina never misses a chance to make a flower arrangement.
Taking them to friends, her office
And sending guests home with a freshly cut bouquet.
They both enjoy foraging dinner from the garden
And entertaining as well.
This year the Kentucky Derby fell on Cinco de Mayo
Calling, of course, for a Cinco de Derby party.
It’s reported that a good time was had by all.
And…the creeping thyme can handle a lot of foot traffic.
Vision.
It brings sunshine to the world.
Enjoy this glorious week
Gail
Peg at the Morning Glory Gate
In My Garden 