the Itoh peony is one of Joan’s favourites.
A rich blend of grasses, perennials, trees and shrubs.
Large boulders provide contrast to the surrounding greenery. are surrounded by showy grasses,
peonies, globe thistle, delphiniums and lilies. Massive boulders are spaced throughout, adding dimension and contrast to the surrounding foliage. A journey around the house takes
Lush front garden.
you past brilliant flowers, blooming along the walkways and overflowing pots, to the full splendour of the back yard. Flowers, bushes and trees abound in perfect harmony all along her back fence. In the far corner is her alpine garden, a beautiful addition and strik- ing contrast to the massive blooms and greenery of the other gardens. Joan's alpine garden is a treasured
place. "There used to be a Colorado blue spruce there, but it was planted too close to the house. When we took it out I decided to try an alpine garden. I had seen one in a garden I went to and it seemed like the perfect orientation. So I read more, joined the Calgary Rock and Alpine Garden society, and have been adding to it ever since." The rocky paradise is one of her
this pale lavender poppy was a gift dropped by a bird.
22 • Beautiful Gardens 2014
favourite spots. It boasts tiny little plants perfect for Calgary's high alti- tude and lots of colour in the spring. "I love that it is one of the first gardens I can get into because it is not muddy. We brought six pieces of tufa rock from Radium, B.C. and built the whole garden in one weekend. The gravel provides great drainage and the tufa
rocks add a really unique look," she says. Looking at Joan's garden, it is clear
that she has an affinity for circles. "I love circles; I have always been drawn to circles and spirals," she says, pleased that they were noticed. "I put in one circle and they have just sort of built on each other." What better shape to incorporate into a garden than one so symmetrical, which also occurs natu- rally in nature itself? It seems right for them to have a place in a living garden, a living representation of sharing and the circle of life. Always looking for a new gardening
project Joan just completed a succu- lent garden this year and is contem- plating adding raised beds in the alley behind her home to plant vegetables for next year. Knowing of her passion for gardening her employer, Kids Cancer- Care Alberta, has given her a monu- mental task that she finds exciting. She's been enlisted to help landscape their camp in Water Valley, just outside Calgary, a mere 160 acres. Joan is excit- ed by the project and laughingly agrees that she isn't likely to find herself at a loss for planting space. Joan loves to share her garden with
others "That's what gardens are for, sharing," she says matter-of-factly. "Plants are meant to be shared.” We’re delighted to help her share her garden with others. P
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