Golden Shadows Pagoda

This is a beautiful little tree, with creamy margins on the leaves and wonderful fall color, as you can see.  I love the horizontal branching form of these trees.  The dogwood that was here before is being moved to the opposite corner of the house. 

Trellises

I added these trellises to the east wall of the garage.  Next spring, I'll plant clematis to grow up them.  I added some shrub roses (Sunrise Sunset and Fairy) and a Carol Macke Daphne to this area.  I have always wanted a Carol Macke Daphne, but after doing some research, I know that they don't transplant well.  So I am thinking good thoughts that this one will be happy in its new home!

Additions to the tree line -

Bought lots of trees and shrubs on sale - and have been adding them to the tree line at the back of our lot.

It is a challenge because there are big mature oaks, a line of 10 year old Austrian pines and these newly planted trees look so small!  I tried to add some taller shrubs - a Wentworth and Arrowwood viburnums, and three Wichita Blue junipers.  Also added were cotoneasters, a blue shag pine, and varigated dogwoods. Oh, and three Techny arborvitae and hazelnuts.  I have to remember that this is a work in progress -

What's left on my list?

Here is my list from April.


1. Finish mulching around the vegetable garden.

2. Build a retaining wall on the east side of the garage.

3. Lay fabric and mulch on my path to get rid of the grass, finish edging with rock, and create a seating area as a destination.

4. Move trees!!!

5. Find permanent homes for the techny arborvitae and cottoneasters on the east side of the garage.

6. Shade garden on north side of garage.

7. Plant cutting garden!!!

8. Put down corn gluten on lawn to help cut down on weeds.

9. Move lilac.

10. Add lights to front walkway.

11. Add new water feature to front garden.

Most of my to-do list has gotten done.  I still need to work on number three - I know I won't get the patio for the seating area done this year.  But I hope to get the path in good shape with a brick border.
I still need to move the maple trees and the lilac.  I am also working on a path next to the retaining wall and have purchase a beautiful arbor to place at the end of that path.  I'd like to get that in.  There are also bulbs and some more shrubs to plant.  I am hoping for a nice fall!!

New trees

We are adding some Black Hills spruce trees to the tree line.  They are about 6 feet tall.  They look so small compared to the Austrian pines, but they'll grow! 

The holes are dug, but we didn't have time to get them in place. We'll get that done tonight.  In our zone, evergreens need to be planted by early October. They'll need to be watered until the ground freezes to ensure they have enough moisture to get through the winter. 

Roses and catmint - still going strong!

These are Sven shrub roses - just planted this year. And look how nicely they combine with Walkers Low Nepeta (catmint).  The puple continues on the corner with some nice russian sage.

Mums!

This hardy mum just started blooming!  Doesn't it look great?