The Secret Garden

29 December 2013

Almost finished - just need to get a larger table and six chairs and plant a border of plants around the garden.  We will paint the garden shed black to make it disappear into the background.

27 December 2013
We were getting sick of having to weed the upper garden so it was time to take action and get the next stage of the Secret Garden done!  Compacting the earth in readiness for putting down the weedmat and shells made all the difference - the ground felt more solid!  Great another job done....can't wait for the shells to be delivered!

Compacting the earth!



Weedmat laid



The star jasmine has been planted along the fence line - which will provide lovely fragrance as we eat breakfast in the in the dappled morning sun. 

Next step - painting the shed charcoal grey to make it blend into the garden area...


September 2013
The back garden has long been an area which we have felt has not been utilized as much as it could have been. Catching the morning sun, this area will be a lovely space to have breakfast and relaxing cups of tea in the sunshine on a nice outdoor table and chair set.  The  mature tree provides the perfect green shade umbrella and a place to hang tea lights for romantic BBQ dining.  I am wanting to create a secret garden effect - informal, rambling and relaxing.  The two lemon trees on each side of the steps leading to the area will be shaped into an archway which will reveal the area.

Inspiration
I am inspired by the courtyard at "Columbus Cafe" in Onehunga.  It looks very French like.  Daisys, lavender, and even has the same type of tree we have.

GroundCover
We have chosen to continue with the existing shell/stone mix of the existing pathways as the roots of the tree will not damage this effect.  ( A large root has broken a concrete step which tells me it is better to work with nature than against it.)

Planting
A border garden of lavender will go along the retaining wall this will soften the lines and also provide a natural boundary stopping people from going over the edge of the wall.  I will need to find a variety that withstands the shade - or find an alternative plant that enjoys the shade.  The boundary fence has a star jasmine growing - we will purchase more to replace the ferns which were there before.  They provide a lovely fragrance and have white flowers in the summer.