Name: Penny
Location: Williamsburg — Brooklyn, New York
One of the reasons we chose this condo when we moved from Manhattan, was the potential of the garden. We promised a garden to our dog Sasha and we delivered.
We inherited it as a pit of tenacious weeds, specifically Japanese Knotweed, that had to be dug out and removed by hand before any planting or sod laying. To cover a random sidewalk remnant, we had a beautiful planting box made from IPE, a Brazilian hard wood that is a highlight of the small space. The box was so big and sturdy that we were forced to bring it in through the bakery next door. In the last 3 seasons, we managed to transform it into our personal paradise. The highlight for me is the magnolia tree that blossoms in July with the most luxuriously fragrant flowers.
It's amazing how addicted to plants I've become, always finding little corners to squeeze them into. The time we spend in the garden is vital decompression time where we forget for a moment that we're surrounded by city.
My husband's pet project? … Outdoor movies! — He devised a whole system with projector and outdoor screen. It feels just like a drive in movie. More reasons to stay out there as much as possible.
Thanks Penny!
Inspired to Share Your Own Outdoor Space or Outdoor Party Photos?
Send us 5 images and a brief description of your garden, deck, yard, terrace, balcony, patio or outdoor party: OUTSIDE SPACE SUBMISSION FORM
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That is such a lovely space! What an amazing transformation -- I can totally imagine spending all possible free time out there to enjoy your outdoor area -- Sasha must love it, too!
I know I must be missing it...but where is the big, sturdy planting box? I see the cabana and the flower and the gorgeous pup and the lounges and the before picture...
What a nice job you did! Lovely and serene. And totally adorable dog (though he looks a bit put out about something in that photo!)
I can smell the magnolia now. Oh my gosh! If you can -- try gardenia, it's nice too! Sweet pup!
Wow! Looking at the before...what a transformation! Fantastic.
Where's the "beautiful planting box made from IPE"? Why tell the story if you aren't going to show the item?
This is Fantastic! Where is this? (I have a roof garden on the South Side, have 75 plants!)
Wow, this is really fantastic! What kind of vine are you growing on the far wall? We have a retaining wall to deal with, and wanted something that would provide good cover and not be toxic to our dog.
Also, is that a cement planter that the Japanese maple is in? Really cool.
Thanks for all the lovely comments!
There are only 5 photos for submission and had to edit on the fly... here's a link to the ipe box.... http://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarblossom/4780000226/
There are 3 vines in the yard... on the yellow wall is a gorgeous Boston ivy, and a trumpet vine that has yet to flower. On the white fence and running the railing is wisteria.
The planter the Japanese maple is in is actually resin made to look like cement, so its really light.
So nice! And in some ways, exactly the right sized garden (lucky).
I hope you succeed with the magnolia grandiflora. My sister had a couple that have remained small but bloom well each year in Nantucket, but they would not live outside in Boston where I live year round.
I grew up in SC and our little woods in town, as well as our yard, were full of these trees. That lemony scent of theirs is incomparable, especially on a warm night.
What a beautiful transformation. @Charlotte - you might be surprised, magnolia are quite hardy. Our evergreen magnolia flowered for the first time a couple of years ago (we've been here 14 years). The blooms are exquisite - absolutely my favourite plant.
Gorgeous!
Wow! Perfect!!
Very nice!
Nice..tell me more about the outdoor movies...i just got an outdoor projector and inflatable movie screen