Last week, we spent a half hour visiting this gardener on her birthday. Maybe I should say that we visited this gardener plus her gardener husband plus her very agitated new puppy. The puppy Aoife, didn't know what to do with two people invading her territory and she told us so...... loudly. It took the half hour to gain her trust so that she would reach out to us.
I was looking forward to coming back again this week for our planned meal together and to see if the Aoife would remember us.
And, to learn from these gardeners.
Lesson #1 - plant marigolds around your beans to deter rabbits. It works.
This garden has its own micro-climate probably influenced by the fact that most of it is on a steep south-facing hill. Not only that, it is protected by a tall cedar hedge and mature black locust trees. Perfect garden space.
While we walked around admiring the growth and beauty, I was able to click a few random shots like this "whateveritis".
And, wouldn't you know it - our newest friend joined us!!!! Aoife! Dogs are so smart.
We've had the privilege of witnessing the transformation of this garden from a grassy hill to something that Monty Don would smile at.
It looks like it's been here forever.
20 +- years ago, this was a path left for the kids to toboggan on in the winter.
You have your gardeners who worry about every blade of grass being in the right spot and you have ones who revel in wildness. This one is in the latter category. I think Aoife approves.
I love the contrast of that massive black locust's trunk and the delicacy of the foxgloves.
Aoife loved being part of the tour.
Yesterday morning, our hiking club hiked in this neighbourhood, stopping at this garden for a tour. Ted led the hike as I was slightly under the weather. I love connecting great gardeners to other great gardeners. I heard that one of our hiking gardeners pulled out her INaturalist app (I am guessing) and identified this beautiful flower. I can't remember what it is, but even without a name it is still stunning.
This garden meets all the criteria to be considered a wildlife friendly habitat by the Canadian Wildlife Federation. The requirements are quite doable.
Even the rabbits might agree.
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