Japanese Maples Fall Color
'Skeeter's Broom' is the most colorful maple in our garden. I have just returned from a 2-week trip to Japan. This was my first ever trip outside the United States. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Japan was wonderful - they really have their act together and I think the U.S. could learn a few things from them. There was one disappointment on the trip - the fall color had barely begun there and was really just beginning as we left. That is okay because the gardens were still spectacular, and I got a nice shot of fall color when I got back. 'Ryusen' I missed a few things - our ginkgo had just turned a glorious color the day before I left, and the leaves were gone by the time I got back. 'Sango-Kaku' I came home to many leaves on the ground but still a lot on the trees. 'Osakazuki', a beautiful red maple always changed color very late and therefore doesn't usually last long. When I left there was no color but a few remaini
Clay can be manageable but those rocks might be another story altogether!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fantastic area though.
It will keep you young! Working the land there... which is lovely Phillip! Considering you figure out how to deal with the poison ivy! How exciting and sad at the same time. I have empathy and sometimes feel the same way about starting anew in a more energy efficient home. You can of course take cuttings and some plants with you. A small tractor sounds great... to be nearer your family too. Decisions Decisions! Better sooner rather than later in this case. If you do make the move... what a lucky buyer to get your garden!! Best Wishes! Happy New Year! Carol
ReplyDeleteBe still my heart. What an exciting plan. A dream come true. I am glad you aren't going to build a mini mansion. Old age really doesn't call for a huge house. I have friends that are planning such a disaster. One floor, no steps, wide doorways, and we can see fabulous views. Gosh with all of those big toys, I mean machines, you will need a decent sized barn. :) fun fun...
ReplyDeleteHow great to have that creek nearby. I would spend my day just sitting by it. I know it will tough leaving your old garden, but you will have enough to keep you busy and distracted from thinking about what you left. Besides your property is already partially landscaped with all those beautiful trees and that water feature, plus you will closer to family.
ReplyDeletePhillip there will be challenges and I know it will be hard to leave your current beautiful garden, but what a gorgeous setting! It's wonderful.
ReplyDeleteOh Phillip, this is just the most exciting thing ever! Don't give the old garden another thought, other than to raid it for plants!!! The property is perfect, with some cleared land and some woods, with water and those fabulous rock outcroppings! Might I suggest you think about having the house more in the open? Leaves and overhanging branches are not good for buildings, causing gutter damage and threatening the roof. A bobcat would be perfect!!! Can you tell how exciting this is to me? HA :-)
ReplyDeleteFrances
Sounds lovely. I know it can be difficult to say goodbye to something that has been so much a part of your life for so long, but it is a lovely site and you would be closer to family. Sounds like this will be a good challenge for you.
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Always Growing
I'm envious and thrilled for you. What a gorgeous piece of property. I can imagine it would be hard to leave your beautiful gardens, but how nice to have some sunshine to work with. I look forward to reading about your new project.
ReplyDeleteOh Phillip, it's just beautiful!! I can only imagine how difficult it will be leaving a place you have put so much work into. But, I do believe new adventures are good for the soul. When we first moved to our spot in the country it was a bit of an adjustment, and I felt somewhat isolated out here. But now, I wouldn't trade it for anything!!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!! Liisa
WOW. So hard to think of leaving a home one has been in for 20 years. We moved around a good bit as a kid so I cannopt fathom staying in one place and creating such a home (and a magnificent garden!). But what a gorgeous spot full of lots of potential projects, new dreams, and lots of hope. Best wishes to you and Happy New Year! (and I say YES to the tractor!)
ReplyDeletePhillip, it's a marvelous looking property! How much fun the two of you will have! A new house, new land to explore and not too far from the old neighborhood and friends!
ReplyDeleteYour description~~exposed limestone, clay soil and lots of cedar trees sounds like you are near a cedar glade. Beautiful areas...Have you been to this one http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/alabama/preserves/art916.html
Happiest of New years to you both!
Gail
Sounds wonderful and exciting! I've always wanted to live in a forest with a kind of under story garden. The running water makes for some very beautiful landscaping opportunities. You could build a gazebo or pergola nearby! Now I'm excited!
ReplyDeleteThe property looks wonderful! I know change is scary, but if you are in a position to make the move, I say go for it! I've left behind many gardens and have never looked back, once I started on the new ones. When I was making the decision to quit my job (back in Feb.), I was really scared, but the only regret I have now is not having done it sooner (and that I have to look for work again now!). Here are some quotes I found inspiring:
ReplyDeleteYou cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. — Dove Promises
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance... This opportunity comes once in a lifetime. — Eminem
Freedom was waiting... all I had to do was make up my mind. — Leann Rimes
Happy new year!
What a beautiful setting that would be. I can see why you are planning and imagining how it could look. I hope you are able to make the move and have the exciting prospect of starting new gardens and be able to grow even more of what you love.
ReplyDelete"Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again." Phillip that is my absolute favorite book (and, of course one of my favorite movies!!). I can just envision what you want to do with that property. Lawrence and I go walking over at Shoal Creek Preserve and we just dream about where you could build LOL. It's within walking distance of our house and if you haven't been over there you need to go. You might be able to talk Paul into loaning you some "heavy equipment"!!
ReplyDeleteAnn
The setting is spectacular - I would move there in a heartbeat! Sure it will be lots of work, but certainly a labor of love. Your energy will be renewed over and over, and when you are an old man, your heart will still be young.
ReplyDeleteIf the move and a new garden sound exciting, not overwhelming, then you are ready! The property is very beautiful; I can see why you'd want to move there. I know you'll make another fabulous garden, and the new challenges that poses will unleash fresh creativity. A new start! I can't wait to see your progress, and you haven't even moved yet. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your pictures.
ReplyDeleteThe land is so beautiful and I love the natural water features! Building a new home can be so exciting and you have the advantage of "knowing" the land.
ReplyDeleteWhen building, please keep in mind that you can significantly reduce heating/cooling costs by building passive solar. We are so glad that we did. It was 20 degrees yesterday morning out in the garden, but with the sun shining, it was 65 degrees on the love seat on our stone front porch.
Cameron
Those woods bring back so many childhood memories for me, Phillip. We also had a little creek on the property.
ReplyDeleteYou are wise to plan now for your old age even though you've got a long way to go. It will be difficult to leave that gorgeous garden of yours behind, however.
I'm glad that you like challenges because that Alabama clay will certainly be one. Even with soil amendments it can take a long time before it is hospitable to plants. I would suggest that you find a source for cotton burr compost to amend it.
Your plans sound very intriguing. I love sunny terraced gardens and a long, winding driveway.
I wish you and yours a very Happy New Year and good luck with whatever you decide to do.
What a wonderful place to share with your brother and us! I once got horrible poison ivy clearing out flowerbeds, and there were no leaves on it. Ivy Dry works the best on the rash. Your new homestead looks absolutely breathtaking, but I can understand how hard it would be to leave your garden. I’m sure you’ll plant an even better garden.
ReplyDeleteWow, Phillip, I felt like I was on a journey with you and your brother. Would this put you closer to him and your sister? Is that part of the reason for a possible move? I love the woods. My house sits at the edge of some, and there is nothing I love better in the fall and winter. Spring is nice too, and I've thought of planting some bulbs in the woods up by the barn. We've lived here since 1975. The house was built in 1981. My advice: a farm tractor with a front end loader and live hydraulics so that the box blade will move automatically up and down for brush hogging, a brush hog, and a small garden tractor (mower). We use these all the time. Oh, a truck is nice too. Looking forward to reading more about this in the future. Happy New Year, and sorry I was so long winded.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Walking in the woods with your brother puts the whole Christmas stuff into perspective.
ReplyDeleteWith reference to the potential new home, what a great adventure. I would guess that you could design a wooded area that is less exacting maintenance than your present garden, but the terraced garden seems a full time retirement career! (not necessarily a bad thing!)
Oh Phillip, that is a beautiful place! It all sounds so exciting! I know it will be hard to leave such a beautiful garden as you have but the possibilities with all that sunlight, well that can't be ignored. I wish you and Michael the best of luck with all your decisions. Have a great 2010!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great place for a new home. And as I tell my customers, who think I'll miss my yard of 25 years when we decide to go full timing in our RV, life is full of cycles, and when it's time to move on to the next one, I'll be ready.
ReplyDeletePhillip the property looks just beautiful. Lots of free boulders and a nice sized creek. Forty acres will give you plenty of elbow room and you'll never have to worry about running out of room for the garden.
ReplyDeleteI do think about my old garden of course and I'm not sure if I even want to see it in March when I go to Maui. It could be painful. Most of the time I am far too busy and it never comes to mind while I am plotting the garden to be.
Being that this is family land I would guess their is no purchase cost. More money for gardening.
I just finished a novella,"The Last Christmas Ride" by Edie Hand that was set in that very part of Alabama. Your land looks just like the land where she grew up with cedars, lots of cedars, oaks and a blue pool spring and stream for cooling off in the summer.
I say go for it.
Go for it Phillip.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful spot. There's a real quality of life thing there. To have those kind of surroundings plus the exciting challenges ahead building a new home, creating a new garden, go for it.
You'll definitely need a tractor!!!
Happy New Year
Your property is stunning and I can clearly see the draw. Like fear of the unknown, change can be frightening. You seem to handle challenges well ... your brother is blessed to have you, Phillip! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteStunning and a remarkable property Phillip. And here I thought you might move to the PNW. ;) I can see sweeps of ornamental grasses (I'll send you some starts) ;), black-eyed Susan, catmint... things the deer won't eat. The creek is exquisite... you and Michael will love it. Diana
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