The water feature meanders about the yard.
Glass balls are hidden around the garden.
Well manicured beds line the fence.
Flourishes of cattails rise from the pond.
coneflowers stand sturdily in contrast to strategically placed clumps of hosta, mounds of blue fescue and the soothing gold of Karl Foerster grasses. A spectacular clump of mauve allium occupies a place of importance by the patio, separating it from the bush beans. Lori gets great joy from the Royal Burgundy bush beans with their bright purple fruit. Daylily clumps fill out empty spaces. The plantings are situated harmoniously so that there is variety in colour and texture yet in such a way that creates a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Bird feeders supplement several nanny berries provid-
ing balanced dining for their feathered friends. “We are near the river so we get a lot of birds,” comments Lori with some pride. “We get hummers, blue jays, both Downey and pileated woodpeckers, magpies, waxwings, warblers, even cardinals. I found the remnants of a rabbit thanks to the visit of a Cooper’s hawk or perhaps an owl,” she adds. All wildlife is welcome and Lori relies on carpenter
36 • Early Spring 2016
Hostas and echinacea compliment each other.
bees to pollinate her beans. They enjoy the many native plants: liatris, spirea, Joe Pye weed. Adding to the tranquility of the garden is a beautifully
constructed pond and watercourse that runs beside the two-level brick patio, but notes of excitement have been added here and there: a brilliant red Japanese lantern hanging from a tree branch, pretty, shiny gazing balls sitting here and there. “I’m a bit of a magpie,” Lori says. “I love shiny things.
But I like shape and texture, too.” She points out the ‘Big Daddy’ cup-shaped hosta, its blue leaves contrasting with the yellow ‘Sun Power’. Two creamy Siamese cats with a causal attitude laze
in a spot of sunlight. A very old spruce extends its arms protectively, shading a latticed pergola. Pebbles collected on camping holidays are arranged in interesting vignettes around the garden. There is peace in the air. This garden is the home of a well lived life filled with love, a sense of humour and a very good eye for design. h
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