Five Years Later
Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-1409 -- More Projects »
Gardening by the Yard host Paul James takes us on a tour of his garden, featuring many areas "before" and "after" five years of work and improvement.
The first bed Paul shows us was originally full of hard, impenetrable clay. After two years of adding all kinds of organic matter including leaves, rotten straw and more, it now features Japanese maples, viburnums and hydrangeas--all plants that require good soil and excellent drainage.
Next Paul points out a large bed that was formerly lawn and now includes a combination of evergreen and deciduous plants.
Other additions to his garden during this five-year period include multiple water features, a dry stream bed, patios, paths, a fire pit and seating area, outdoor kitchen, "saloon-style" garden shed, as well as additional planting beds.
Paul tells us with great pride that he planted every single plant himself. And although his garden is still a work in progress, overall he is pleased with the results. But as gardens mature--especially the plants themselves--things change. Beds may become crowded. Certain plants may outgrow their original space. Or maybe you just tire of plantings and decide it’s time for a change. There are multiple solutions to those problems including pruning; transplanting a plant to a new, better location; or maybe getting rid of a plant altogether. The important thing to remember is that gardens are living and growing, and never remain static. That’s the simple joy of nature and that's what makes all our gardens a constant "work in progress."
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