Thank you for joining me in the making of my garden. This is the third section of my garden I began working also in the spring of 2009 (in conjunction with the Potager). I call it the Nice Driveway. (To learn the story of how I came to name the bed I created along my driveway and why we now frequently toast to our “Nice Driveway” among friends, please visit this previous post starring my favorite contractor.) To view a sequential slide show of the making of the Nice Driveway, simply click on the first image below. You will be taken to an enlarged viewing screen. Click the arrows on either side of each image to navigate, or use the arrows on your keyboard. (Please note the slideshow may not work properly on your mobile phone.)
The “before” picture with a small bed prepared. “Hi neighbor, what are we grilling this evening?” More privacy, please! Our property line actually extends right up to our neighbor’s house – crazy – but I leave a pathway for our neighbors in my plans which include a large trellis.
My favorite contractor’s trellis design.
The trellis blanketed with Morning Glory by summer’s end. A few perennials and shrubs are planted in the bed including Emerald Green Arborvitae and Ninebark Coppertina.
Expanding the planting bed in 2010 to continue further down along the drive. Another Emerald Green Arborvitae is added as well as Indian Grass, Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks,’ and Rudbeckia Maxima – Giant Coneflower.
By high summer 2010 the Nice Driveway is attracting a large number of pollinators such as this Hoverfly on the Ninebark.
Wasps on Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks.’
Poppies “pop” in the spring of 2011. These bright blooms are so much more appreciated than a strip of muddy lawn.
Summer 2011. The perennials are filling in. Giant Coneflower blooms wave in the breeze.
Still playing with some annual vines on the trellis while waiting for Dutchman’s Pipe to take hold. A favorite is Purple Hyacinth Bean.
Adding a few other perennial vines to weave among the Dutchman’s Pipe like this Clematis Contesse Bouchard.
Summer 2012 the border explodes. The drift of Bee Balm is a favorite stop for hummingbirds and a new sighting – a Hummingbird Clearwing Moth.
A young Cranberry Viburnum in its fall colors, 2012.
Another newly added shrub, Low Gro Sumac is a great alternative to the invasive Burning Bush.
The Violet Fern 