From Lorelie and Tim –
Hello there! Thanks for dropping by and joining us in returning to beginning times in our home in Ponderosa. Our living room windows fronted an overstory of pines and firs that dominated the property. We soon named the property and yet to be imagined garden, SHADY GROVE. With one lonely vine maple adding variety, our first key landscape decision was to thin the evergreens and add deciduous trees that would provide spring bloom, contrasting colors and textures to the dark green canopy.
OVERVIEW OF TREE SELECTION
Local resident gardeners generously provided “starts”, directed us to local nurseries and offered advice. Since we were greenhorns in the Eastern Cascades foothills (the tips didn’t save us from making our share of mistakes), with their guidance we learned how to plant trees in the clay soil and soak them regularly. When we placed them right for sun and shade, they thrived.
We planted smoke trees, dogwoods, mountain ashes, a variety of maples and more to add beauty and interest to the overstory of Shady Grove Garden.
A CLOSER VIEW OF TWO TREES
SPRING SNOW
A neighbor gardener highly recommended this hardy crabapple for its stunning white blossoms. We bought that tiny tree in bloom and happily watched it grow until it towered over the pergola and provided a focus for the front garden. In full bloom the lovely white blossoms brightened the night sky and framed the moon!
EASTERN REDBUD
Even with our area’s heavy snow in the winter, we took a chance on the Eastern Redbud and planted it as a companion piece with the Spring Snow. The Redbud’s umbrella shape and deep pink blossoms would add color in later May.
The Redbud and Spring Snow continue to grace our front garden and provide a vibrant focus in late spring.
Thank you for spending time in Shady Grove Garden! Although we have moved to Everett, Toni and Paul Olson continue taking care of Shady Grove and imagining a fresh vision for the garden! How wonderful that is for us!
Lorelie & Tim
CREDITS:
Photographers: Toni Olson, Lorelie Olson
Writer: Lorelie Olson
Graphic Designer: Tim. Olson
Editors: Lorelie & Tim Olson
NESTER url: https://notesfromanester.com
To open the Olson previous post, “The Trees of Shady Grove” – click here
