Name: Suzanne, Michael and MaxWhen Suzanne, her husband Michael and son Max moved in to their home the backyard was essentially a sandlot - just bare dirt, no plantings at all. Suzanne took it from barren to lush in the years they've been there, adding trees, grass, flowers and a wonderful deck that acts as a whole other room to enjoy during the warm weather.
How did you create it?:
She designed the deck to replace an earlier not-so-great room addition onto the back of the house which they removed. Her gardening has been a labor of love which has really flourished over the years- the trees are so large and healthy that they've turned the once-sun baked stretch of dirt into a shady oasis in the city.
Some of the trees and plants shown in the photos which are all thriving this year: a Newport Plum, a Beech, Japanese Maple, Japanese Juniper, a Globus, a Weeping Spruce, Hostas and, of course, the beautiful blooming Irises.
Recommended store, site, product or resource?
Suzanne loves Gethsemane Garden Center - it's her go-to spot for all of her garden needs - from the trees and plants to the rocks, pavers and decorative accents. She says that in addition to healthy plants, she's gotten great advice from the staff there.
Thanks, Suzanne, Michael and Max!
Images: Janel Laban
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Really nice choice of plants and trees. I love pathways with the stones and the wood choice for your patio covering. It has a nice natural look.
view sfteri's profile
Classy. The use of stone is eye catching and gives what was once a blah space (Really? It was all just sand and dirt?!) an earthy touch of character. Everything looks great. The deck, the plants, the trees, the paths... Yes, everything is very timeless. All those plants make me long for the lakes of Minnesota. Especially...the Hostas! Man, those things are so hardy. My parents have them all over their lake property and they are all descendants of the ones that were there when my folks bought the place over 30 years ago...Great plant for the midwest or back east... Sigh...feeling homesick...
view bittergaymark's profile
PS -- The Isises, too, are so old school and timeless. One thing that amazes me is how "old" your yard looks. I don't mean that in a snarky way, either. Instead, it really looks like it has been thriving for decades... The larger trees are so well established.
view bittergaymark's profile
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. The whole space looks truly loved, and is surely a wonderful place to spend time. This is what we're constantly striving toward in our yard, though we have a way to go. Great work, Suzanne!
view JR in Sweden's profile
You have utterly convinced me that every garden needs a gargoyle. Lovely space.
view Lisa (Montreal)'s profile
I love it--I have to agree with Mark, it looks like it has been there a long time. Great space!
view coffeesnob's profile
VERY NICE!
view colleen2009's profile
Gargoyle from Gethsemane Garden Center, right?
Love that place!
view serfer0's profile
Beautiful place to spend a lovely relaxing afternoon sipping tea :)
view jeanne211's profile
Classic and very beautiful--a pleasure to the soul, for sure!
view rmp154's profile