11 Readers Share Their Beautiful Gardens

I second the Jess from Cortes Island feature!

Ditto! As another Jess who dreams of living in a bit more isolated spot, I’m so curious about living on an island. What about when you’re kids are older and they play basketball during the week but you’re dependent on a perhaps seasonal ferry? I WANT it but I just don’t know how people make it work when I’m also having to meet the needs of the people in my family too.

I just realized my yours are all wrong. Please forgive my fuzzy brain.

As to why me moved, I think these little islands might be the last real small towns. We really wanted that feeling of intentional community. It’s so rural here, but not in the same spread out way you often get on the mainland. We have a community hall where most kids have their birthday parties. Everyone gets together to decorate it at Christmas. At the beach a big group of local kids will form and roam around all day. It’s something from another time. We have different summer camps and after school programs and a few dance and music classes on island but the kids mostly forgo the usual extracurriculars they might participate in a bigger community. Swimming lessons are often at the lake in the summer. For us the trade is worth it. The house on the inside has kept its old charm, we were lucky not to have to undo any bad renovations. It’s so sweet to see all the interest, I hope that answers some questions!

That’s beautiful! Enjoy your plants–caring for them can be restorative and result in so much beauty. Hoping your next season is a wonderful one!

Yes! I came here to say the very same thing! I’d love to know more. Annalisa’s and Jess’s gardens both look so lush and beautiful, and I wonder how it all came to be.

Same!! I want this kind of yard so badly and feel at a loss on how to start.

Seconded! The simplest, most refreshing joy we all need right now.

Find out what is native to your zip/postal code and plant that! https://www.wildflower.org/collections/

I agree with Annie: Plants native to your area grow the best because they are especially adapted to your area. They love your soil, they adapt to your weather…

Oh my gosh, for real, come visit! Any chance you’ve hit up the Wilton Garden Club or Ridgefield Garden Club plant sales today/tomorrow? They are so so fabulous for finding plants!

I wasn’t able to to today, but am hoping to tomorrow! Lets meet up :)

DM me @ouroldcarriagehouse on insta and we can chat gardens anytime :-)

Do it! It’s the best! I actually dislike gardening but there’s something about how the native plants take care of themselves and the un-formalness of a meadow that makes it so much easier.

This is so true! I love how my native wildflower meadow looks in winter, especially after a light snowfall and the snow is resting on the dead Coneflower and other flower heads :) And the various shades of brown and red from the stems adds interest, even if it looks a bit sloppy.

Yes! That wildflower meadow probably looks far less “beautiful” in the cold months, but only if you think biodiversity and natural cycles of life aren’t beautiful and magical in their own right! Mine certainly looks a mess 1/4 of the year according to conventional standards, but I think there’s so much beauty in the rest (and hard insect/mycological work) going on when the blooms fade!

Kat I loved seeing this comment! I just ordered 2 David Austin rose plants (a splurge for me!) for the first time and I am so excited to plant them.

I transplanted some peonies from my parents’ house that were once in my grandmother’s yard. It took three years for them to bloom, and in year four they are finally starting to take off. I’ve heard this about trees before, so perhaps it’s also true for peonies: the first year they sleep, the second year they creep and the third year they leap. Enjoy!

Nic, I would suggest starting with 2-3 small raised beds (think 4×6). They are easier to take care of than a big in-ground plot. Fill with garden soil and add a layer of compost. Then plant things that are easy to grow (zinnias, cosmos, zucchini, tomatoes). Water well once a week, more if the soil is looking dry. Add a a few handfuls of organic fertilizer throughout the season I would also encourage going to a local nursery and buying some starts instead of just doing all seeds. You will have more success when you are just starting out. Gardening is not hard, but it does require paying attention. It’s such a joy though when things are in bloom. Good luck!

Nic– I think your first step is deciding what kind of garden you want: a food garden with fruits and vegetables, or a pollinators garden of native plants and flowers, or a chaos garden with all that plus wildflowers. The third thing is a genuine option, I swear. If you want the second or third options, block off an area of your home that you decide will be your garden. Also, budget how much you will spend on gardening plants and supplies per year.

It really is. Wild beauty and then some of the most beautiful gardens I have ever seen. Our annual island studio and garden tour is one of my favourite events, it’s incredible what some people have built. One woman on island terraced an entire rocky hillside high above the ocean. I asked her how she did it and she said “one step at a time, I just felt the need to keep going “. Unreal.

Same! I live in New England but I’m obsessed with the high desert landscape – seeing those types of plants in a garden is so cool to me!

I love the agave! As a child, i have a crystal clear memory of the year that someones agave plant bloomed on Calhoun St. I thought they must be the luckiest people in the world. We drove by it every day and I still think of it often!

Yes yes! I second this request!

Gasp! Yes! I would LOVE a garden tour series!!! Especially if the gardeners included any tips they learned over their years of experience.

Yes to a garden series! I would also love to hear from people doing community/organizing work around gardens–guerilla gardens, seed swaps/libraries (I started one at my workplace!), social enterprise or urban farms that employ folks who face barriers to traditional employment due to housing or mental health issues, etc.

I grew up in the sonoran desert and that sounds exquisite haha. I could not take my eyes off that 100 year old house off the coast of Victoria. Stunning! Would happily experience that much rain if it meant I could have a garden and charming cottage like that (sorry to my current coastal southern CA dwelling).

Seattle, while having a rainy reputation, actually isn’t even in the top 10 US cities in terms of rainfall volume. We do top charts for number of rainy days. But if you’re using inches of rainfall as a metric, there are plenty of US cities that blow us out of the (rain) water, including Hilo Hawaii (126 inches), New Orleans (83 inches), sunny Florida vacation spots like Miami (62-67 inches), West Palm Beach (63-76), and Ft Lauderdale (68).

I like rain more than sunshine. A pluviophile. The sun is depressing to me during long stretches without rain. To each their own.

that sounds great. desert rat here who prays for rain.

Hi! Yes you have to love the rain, although as a result the forests here are beyond lush, even by PNW standards. We do often get hot sunny gorgeous summers though! Cheers!

I grew up in British Columbia (my hometown gets more rain than Cortes Island, actually!) and this is the secret to why BC is so fabulous. The rain (1) makes everything incredibly lush and green and (2) repels wimps.

I’d take any amount of rain for that view! What a stunning place to call home.

I lived in WA state for six years and it honestly doesn’t rain even half as much as most people think it does. Philadelphia gets more rain.

It will be well worth it! Keep the new seeds moist for the first few weeks and after that they won’t need any water other than rain. That’s the beauty of native plants :)

I started this same project 3 years ago and it’s worth it! After watering the plants year 1 they’re basically self-sufficient because they need what your area gives. It’ll take a few years to totally fill in but I’ve already seen so many native insects buzzing and flitting about I have an album dedicated to them. It’s brought me so much joy that I never really expected, I just hated cutting grass.

We just did this in our front yard! It’ll look fabulous!

Yes to this!

Hi neighbour! ☺️

No WAY!! So funny! Hi, neighbor!!

If you ever see a sweaty lady gardening next door (house on the corner) please say hi!!

Hey Anne Marie, if you’re in the US, you could start by seeing if you have an Extension office (https://extension.org/find-cooperative-extension-in-your-state/) you could reach out to. Many Extension offices have people who are happy to take calls or emails about gardening questions and/or online resources relevant to your particular State. Also, start small. Maybe just one or two plants first, just to get your hands in the soil and build your confidence. :) You got this!

Hi Anne Marie – I relate! The best I can tell you is that not all plants will work for you, and if you approach it as a learning curve maybe you can let yourself off the hook a little. Depending on where you live one of the greatest resources is local botanic gardens, gardening clubs, extension services – often they have master gardeners who can answer questions. However, I would say just dive in. Through some plants in the dirt and see how it goes. Start with things you like to eat! Lettuce often grows fast. Zucchini is unstoppable in most areas. Tomatoes like plenty of water and light. Throw some herbs in around it and see what happens! You really can’t go that wrong. Also spy heavily on neighbors!!!

Start small, and try new things! Gardening takes time and it doesn’t have to be expensive if you’re patient. Basil and cilantro are easy to grow from seed in pots. Peas, beans, and cucumber are easy seeds to stick in your raised beds, and zinnia and cosmos are a great entry to flowers from seed. That will get you well in the door, and you can learn about perennials that can be picked up on clearance at garden centers later in the season and established for year after year delights. Don’t be intimidated, just grow something and build confidence!

It takes a lifetime to learn — 20 years later and I’m still making mistakes, more happily now that I’ve learned not to expect too much of my skills. I think of this quote from “Elizabeth and her German Garden” all the time: “Was ever a would-be gardener left so entirely to his own blunderings? No doubt it would be a gain of years to the garden if I were not forced to learn solely by my failures, and if I had some kind creature to tell me when to do things.” All gardeners are left entirely to their own blunderings, because none of our dream gardens are the same.

Try to find a mentor who is an amateur but experienced gardener. Often people LOVE sharing their passion with someone else. Do you know a gardener who you can take plant shopping? My plant talents mostly lie in house plants. Anytime someone comes into my home, they compliment the jungle I am cultivating. This weekend I took my husband’s girlfriend (we’re poly, I love saying that, it cracks me up) plant shopping, showed her my plant care routine and sent her home with some potted trimmings I’ve propagated. About 8 years ago, I had a girlfriend take me to the same nursery I took my husband’s gf to and now one of those tiny plants that I bought back then has grown almost to my ceiling. It was a fun bonding activity and I was amazed by my own knowledge that I’ve accumulated over the years.

Hi Anne Marie! I’m a newish gardner (planted things last year and currently am so delighted they are coming back!) And I second the tip to spy on your neighbors. Every time I take a walk, I take pictures of plants that catch my fancy and then my phone identifies them. If your neighbors can grow them, they’ll work in your climate-you just have to check the sunlight requirements. Also, gardening neighbors may have plants they are dividing and willing to give away. I found growing vegetables really disheartening in previous years (though, obviously, lots of people find joy in it) because I couldn’t get them to produce as much as I wanted and then they died in the winter. So right now I am focusing on perennial flowers and I love watching them come back and find ways to flourish in my yard. I also planting mostly natives (with exceptions for my favorite flowers), both because they are more likely to thrive and as way to care for bees and other creatures around me.

I may try this mother & daughter team for learning how to design your own garden. &open=false

I may have sent that link incorrectly! Here you go! https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com/

buy some easy seeds like cornflower or cosmos, follow directions on pack. presto. and remember a dry seed is a dead seed.

I sometimes feel discouraged by my gardening missteps, but last year I took a class on urban gardening with native plants at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the instructor, a professional landscape architect, said she often has to move a plant to three different locations in her garden until she finds the right spot for it, and that made me feel much better about not getting things right on the first tree. And I think herbs are a great place to start growing edible plants. It is easy to yield usable portions, and they are often decorative, too.

I’m several years into gardening, but still kind of a novice. I’m a perennial gardener in my beds, but I’ll do annuals in pots. That helps narrow things down for me. Then I look for plants that for the sun (approximately) of my bed (full sun? Part?) I like to think in heights, so I start with shorter flowers in front, do mid height behind them (like 1-2 feet), then taller plants and bushes interspersed or in the back. With perennials, you might think you’ve made a mistake in year one, but after a year or two, they’ll be established and looking more true to pictures (bigger! More blooms). I like to look for plants that bloom a lot to keep it simple, but I throw in a couple things like lilies and peonies because I love them, even if they only bloom for a short while. So, for example, I live in zone 6, I love moonbeam coreopsis (they spread and you can divide them to have even more plants! They also bloom a ton and are so delicate); salvias and catmint are fun and hardy and have blooms late spring into late summer. They go behind the coreopsis. I put some perennial coneflowers in between them for variety (I like variety, some people like uniformity). Behind them, I have Russian sage, some hydrangeas, a peony, and a beautiful mystery plant. I’ve like to take pictures of things I like on walks and to ask Google what they are. Mostly I’ve spent time staring at labels in the nursery and googling. Trial and error. I’ve definitely messed up a number of times, but this is really so fun. Well, that was a messy comment, but I am short on time. Don’t worry about perfection, just try to get started!! Ps- I find my perennials aren’t such babies about watering.

Start small. You will make mistakes, but you’ll learn something new every year.

Make sure to choose native plants! Once you do that, all you have to do is water it diligently for the first few weeks, then they take care of themselves. This is because they are native to your specific area and climate, so they naturally get what they need. Choose perennials that will come back every year – they are so easy. Even if a few don’t make it, you’ll still have the ones that do!

Thank you so much! It really is a dream come true. We searched for a home for two years before I found this one online and fell head over heels. We had never even been to Cortes but traveled eight hours and three ferries to view it the next day. I remember walking inside and catching my husband’s expression, it was a done deal right then and there. Best decision we ever made.

I agree, grass is so boring compared to a wildflower garden. Teach us your ways!

Would also love more information from a seasoned gardener on this type of transformation!

YES! I came to the comments section to say this exactly.

I started the meadow in early spring 2021 and that summer it was pretty impressive! Definitely has become more dense each year, but I was surprised at how great it was just the first year. I planted a mix of native wildflower seeds with 10-15 1-gallon pots, because I didn’t know how the seeds would take. Well, they took off! Def needs water that first season – seeds need to stay lightly moist – but after they are set you don’t need to do anything – most native plants are rain AND drought tolerant so they take care of themselves. The only regular maintenance I do I pull out invasives. Had to download a plant ID app but now I know them all and don’t need the app. I spent HOURS the first year pulling invasives but now there are hardly any. Usually in the fall – when they’re on sale- I will pick up a few pots of native flowers from the local nursery and plant those. I also like to add some Blazing Star bulbs every couple of years. But really the only maintenance is ID-ing and removing the invasive plants.

This guide might be helpful: https://www.prairiemoon.com/PDF/Prairie-Moon-Nursery-Smothering-and-Solarization.pdf We are in the process of converting part of our yard into a native plant meadow. We put down cardboard and put soil on top and then used a seed mix appropriate for our region. We’re entering year 2 and there is still a lot of competition from weeds, but the grasses are doing well. I don’t know how many years it takes to get to something like the picture above, but I’m pretty confident it would be more than 3.

Check out this podcast episode/ transcript by Margaret Roach who has the amazing, A Way to Garden podcast. https://awaytogarden.com/front-lawn-transformation-with-sara-weaner-cooper/

Remove the grass – there are a few different ways. Then in the spring plant a mix of native wildflower seeds and plant pots. Seeds need to stay moist the first few weeks but after that everything takes care of itself! Invasives will always find a way in so you’ll need to use a plant ID app to learn what they are and remove them. And then I mow the meadow once a year in Feb/Mar and that’s it!

How wonderful to have a yard to convert! Maybe start with just a part of your space. I found the book Tiny and Wild by Graham Laird to be helpful for my community garden patch because it’s easy to read, has plenty of photos and diagrams for how to plant a meadow garden in various types of spaces. Good luck!

Oh I would love to see pictures!

Oh I just love this so much, Marian! <3

Marian, I love this! I’m also an introvert who doesn’t quite know how to bridge the gap with my neighbors but I’ve planted the front area by my sidewalk just chock full of flowers in the hopes that all the people walking by can enjoy them. I bought cherry tomatoes and strawberries this spring to plant amonst the flowers so the neighborhood kids can pick and eat them. I’m intrigued by your poetry box–please tell me more!

There is something so magical about a bench. It’s a shortcut to community!

I would love to see this front yard!

I would love to see photos, maybe even a post, all about your garden. It sounds wonderful!

A friend and I were recently discussing what a gift a garden is to the community! OH THE JOY it brings me to walk thru neighborhoods in my city and look at other people’s gardens! Thank you for all your hard work and love!

I could not agree more! I am going on year 3 in our new house (new town, state, etc) and I work remotely, so I am quite isolated a lot of the time. The backyard is an eyesore but I am so drawn to the front as a way to garden, yes, but also just feel the presence of my neighborhood community. I LOVE how many older women (I am 40!) cheer me on as they walk or drive past :) :)

I LOVE the sense of community and connection that you have articulated here Marian. Such a beautiful way of sharing life with people.

Okay here’s a little video the muralist took of the retaining wall! https://www.instagram.com/vineandthistle/reel/DAWWM9WywCw/

This sounds AMAZING.

This is so lovely! I had no idea that working on my meadow would help introduce me to so many neighbors. Some have given me plants and seeds over the years. One painted a beautiful card inspired by the meadow and gave it to me. And I wouldn’t have met these people if I didn’t spend that time outside. It’s a nice way to build a little community.

Same same – here in MKE. UGH. Come on warmer weather!

solidarity, fellow wisconsinites. my veg starters are small and still hiding away in the basement with their heating pads and lights. meanwhile, though my native flowers are popping right up in the rest of the yard! which is nice :) hoping for more rain and warmth right alongside yous!

Oh yes Celeste and Mary…. my baby cucumber and tomato and pepper and zucchini seedlings are sitting in boxes in my windows, just waiting… and honestly looking like they may give up soon lol. Hang on babies!!!! Meanwhile my heater continues to kick on every morning. We may bite the bullet and put them out tomorrow, surrounded by the warm blankets of walls of water. Gardening in Montana is a lesson in hope and perseverance. But my peony plants are full of buds and so happy!!! They are hardy AND pretty. May we all learn something from that ;)

This x1 million!! We talk about moving to Pender ALL the time, and I can’t get enough of hearing about people’s experiences living on the Gulf / Discovery Islands

This would be a dream feature!

One million times yes! That photo took my breath away!

I am also a fan of this house but that seems intrusive. I don’t know, someone would have to be really open to exposing their house to scrutiny (obviously most folks here would be nothing but flattering) and to strangers online.

Thank you! The interest is so sweet! I do share little bits on my instagram @northwestmoon With two kids, a dog, four cats, bees, 25 chickens and the garden, there is lots to share 😂

Ugh, Denise nothing like leaving a garden behind. I’m sure you’ve already transplanted a few things from to your old to your new place? Mourn all you need and get to work growing things. The plants will help you heal.

My mother has created both an amazing yard and some of the most spectacular indoor plants. She is truly a wonder at it.

So funny! I am utterly mid at houseplants – can mostly keep them alive, kind of? But I adore the garden. Something about the seasonality of it, seeing things sprout and grow and flourish and die and magically return – and the constant learning, getting dirt under my fingernails, feeling the sun on my shoulders… it’s intoxicating and that love translates! I’m curious – what captures you about houseplants?

Elizabeth, I love being surrounded by living things in my everyday spaces :) and being so close to these plants really lets me appreciate every little new leaf, sprout or flower (exciting!!). I live in Phoenix so the outdoors is also inhospitable to both plants and me for part of the year, haha.

Hi! I’m a freelance photographer (although mostly I work in the home and with our young children these days) and my husband works remotely so once we were looking for a home it was just a matter of going for it. Believe me lots of people thought we were crazy but this island has been gift after gift.

I am right outside Philadelphia and our neighbor has a cherry blossom that does that same. Sadly, after a day or two, it doesn’t look so pretty anymore. I wish it stayed for longer!

It doesn’t seem real! I agree, so magical.

We have the same type of cherry tree in Philly and the cherry “snow” is incredible. I had to sweep all the wet petals off my sidewalk but for the 1-2 days it’s fresh it’s so worth it.

I’m in Delaware County right outside of Philly and there are soooo many cherry trees, irises, dogwoods, and azaleas in my neighborhood, it’s magic to walk the dog in the spring.

hehehe SAME! I love looking at gardens & trees so much … but yeah, though I wish I had the drive / patience / money for it … I’d rather read my book. Though I know that getting your hands in the dirt is so good for your mental health!

I feel exactly the same way. I have a house plant or two in every room, and that’s enough for me to manage. I let my husband take care of the yard and garden.

Hi Jeannie! Yes some of these photos are from the previous summer! We included them because we thought it would be fun to give readers some inspiration and ideas for planting their gardens this spring. Hope that makes sense :) xoxo

As a fellow Ottawan with a garden, I can confirm it’s not remotely close to the picture right now, though we do have daffodils, hyacinths, and some tulips open right now. Speaking of, our world-famous Tulip Festival begins next week! 🌷😊 https://tulipfestival.ca/

ow this looks amazing!

Lovely! We just converted our front yard to a wildflower garden. I hope it looks like some of these later this summer (or next year!)

I second this!!

TOTALLY. Go Jess!

Yes please!

This is seriously so sweet 🥹 really feeling the love.