Hi GPODers!
Today we get to see another garden transform over the course of the last year. (If you missed yesterday’s 2024 garden highlights, check that out here: Phyllis’s Garden in New Jersey) Karen Safford has submitted an incredible month-by-month tour of her new rock garden in Bend, Oregon. In just three years with this space, you’ll be amazed at what Karen has been able to create.
Hi. I saw your call for photos and decided to be brave and send some along. This is just a section of my garden—I’m sending photos that start in early spring and end just yesterday (Nov. 15). We moved into our house 3 years ago and the backyard was a blank slate other than established trees and massive lava rocks and a large slope. We had a lot of structural work done and I did all the plantings. This section can be seen the best from my kids bedrooms—so I’ve really focused on butterfly and hummingbird plants that they can watch from their desks. Also, being in the high desert, I’ve really concentrated on low water— I’ve installed drip irrigation on all of these plants and run it between 30-60 minutes, 3 times a week depending on how hot it is. I am also working on keeping everything deeply mulched to try to help conserve water and protect the roots.
The first photo is mid-April. You can see all the rocks I’m dealing with (I have even bigger ones in other parts of the yard). The snow has cleared and things are really starting to green up.
Next photo: Mid-May. Plants: Helen von Stein lambs ear (Stachys byzantina ‘Helen von Stein’, Zones 4–9), bearded iris, Raspberry Wine bee balm (Monarda ‘Raspberry Wine’, Zones 4–9), Royal Candles veronica (Veronica spicata ‘Glory’, Zones 4–9), FlowerKisser® After Midnight English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘WWG002’, Zones 5–9), Siskiyou Blue fescue grass (Festuca idahoensis ‘Siskiyou Blue’, Zones 5–9), Princess Louise oriental poppy (Papaver orientale ‘Princess Louise’, Zones 3–8), poet’s daffodil (Narcissus poeticus, Zones 3–8), Globemaster allium (Allium ‘Globemaster’, Zones 5–8) and creeping veronica (Veronica prostrata, Zones 4–8).
End of May.
Mid-June.
Early July: Big blue Bryngium (Eryngium × zabelii ‘Big Blue’, Zones 5–9) and my favorite geranium, Ann Folkard (Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’, Zones 5–8). Darlow’s Enigma rambling rose (Rosa ‘Darlow’s Enigma’, Zones 5–9) climbing the tree in the background.
Mid-August: The bee balm and hollyhock (Alcea rugosa, Zones 4–8) are putting on a show.
Late September: Blue Boa agastache (Agastache ‘Blue Boa’, Zones 5–9) still going pretty strong along with PowWow® Wild Berry echinacea (Echinacea purpurea ‘PAS702917’, Zones 4–9).
Mid-October: The tree that I got for free that I don’t know what it is is putting on a great show.
And finally, mid-November.
Thank you so much for this glorious tour of your garden through the seasons, Karen! It’s amazing what you’ve accomplished in three years in this space.
Have you documented your garden through the seasons this year? We’d love to see how your landscape has evolved over the course of this year. Follow the directions below to submit your photos.
Have a garden you’d like to share?
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening!
Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point – no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.
National Wildlife Federation®: Attracting Birds, Butterflies, and Other Backyard Wildlife, Expanded Second Edition (Creative Homeowner) 17 Projects & Step-by-Step Instructions to Give Back to Nature
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
From the National Wildlife Federation, the largest U.S. nonprofit conservation organization, with 6 million members and 51 state and territorial affiliated organizations. 17 step-by-step projects that everyone can do together make getting your family back to nature easy, educational, and fun. Over 200 color photos of backyard wildlife habitats and the wide variety of creatures they attract, plus step-by-step photos and illustrations for family projects. Learn wildlife-friendly practices for gardening, landscape design, supplemental feeders, birdbaths, nesting places, and more. Learn how to attract backyard pollinators, from bees and butterflies to beetles, bats, and hummingbirds
Get your garden certified by the National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife(TM) program by following the included certification application checklist.
Spear & Jackson 4930FZ Razorsharp Telescopic Tree Pruner
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Telescopic tree pruner with SK5 carbon steel blade which stays sharper for longer. Variable length telescopic handle extends up to 92 Inch (2340mm). Lopper for cutting branches up to 1.2″ (30mm). 13 inch (330mm) saw is ideal for cutting thicker branches. Supplied with a long cord and pull-action handle. Part of the Razorsharp Advantage collection, the obvious choice for gardeners who demand and expect precise, powerful performance. “Grow Your Own” Great British Growing 2020 Award Winners.
