May Days

The month of May has flown by in a flash. We have had a record-breaking dry May which makes me sad. I cannot remember the last time we had a good rain but the garden looks pretty lush nevertheless. The Pan Garden (above) has not filled in yet and I keep tinkering with the planting, moving things around and replacing others. Since this photo was taken, Michael pulled out the edging and buried it deeper.

It looks so much better... 






The major project - the terracing of the slope (below) - is finally drawing to a close. I think one or two more loads of rocks will complete it. The middle set of steps will be planted in grass, or at least that it my current plan. I think there is enough going on in the side beds and the eye needs a place to rest. 




Standing at the top set of steps (at the far right in the above photo) gives this view - a sense of accomplishment - 

Over on the opposite side is our only shady spot and we refer to as the woodland path -

About a month ago, we moved the arbor from the vegetable garden area to the woodland path. I think it looks much better here and I have other plans for the vegetable garden (I plan to replace it).

And today, we finished spreading the gravel for the wide pathway at the bottom of the slope - 




A wider shot of the entire area - 





I continue to add trees - the last one planted is this weeping Redbud. The poor apple tree still partially stands. I continue to whittle away at it. It gives us some valuable shade so I do not want to take it all down yet. It is a mess though. 

The rose 'Mutabalis' has been spectacular this year. It is over 6 feet tall! I really do not like it paired with the Jerusalem Sage on the right but for now, it will have to stay. The next major project will be a wall to create a separate room for the Pan garden. I hope to do that next winter. The work never ends around here!

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy