Our Latest Project

We decided to make this section of our yard - adjacent to the pond and stream, into a little garden.

Here's what I started with. A stump left from the tree we took out last fall with a half barrel on top, some yellow iris and yellow primrose from the bed under the mailbox, a hanging basket full of orange impatience, ferns from the woods, trillium and a pink hybrid ladyslipper (Cypripedium 'Gisela') from our trip to The Garden In The Woods in May, and a great big pot of Meadow Rue, purchased here in CT.


Hubby brought in the big blower, and knocked back the leaves, clearing a space all around to work in. We mixed up a whole lot of planting mix on the tarp - incl leaf mold dug from under the trees, vermiculite, moo dirt, and organic potting mix. Then hubby rigged up a crude sled with a piece of plywood and a chain to the back of the tractor and dragged three large rocks over to the stump.

We positioned the rocks to hold some dirt in near the stump, and roughed out the bed.

For the ladyslipper, which needs both good drainage and damp lightweight soil: its own little area with a layer of small chipped stone lining it.

The orchid in its new home.

Our next door neighbor came over to ask if we wanted some bleeding hearts that have taken over her patio! We went right over and pulled them out.


A little varigated hosta and orange daylillies from the front garden rounds it all out.

The new view from the deck.