It was a hot day on July 22nd for the 3rd annual High River Garden Tour so it was especially nice to arrive at Marie Corns's lovely garden and enjoy all the seating she has situated around her yard. I had discovered them the day before when I came by to shoot her garden, it was every bit as hot and each seat was every bit as appreciated.
As I read through the garden blurb Marie provided to the organizers I realized it would cut down on the amount of writing I would need to do for this blog.
The current residents have enjoyed maintaining the original blueprint of the garden, learning by trial and error, forever at the whim of mother nature.
Many of the original perennials and bushes remain, inclusive of asparagus, holly hocks, delphinium, peonies, lilacs, and lily of the valley. 13 poplar and ash trees had to be removed in recent years, changing the shady yard into a sunny one.
I might add - sunny, with cool, shady places to enjoy.
off to the right you will see the half moon garden and grave garden.
To the left you will find the green ash garden, and as you move through the yard toward the back you find the hosta garden, and the backdoor garden.
As you pass through the arbour and turn to the left you will see the lavender table, begonia pots, leading to the cedar boxes, the succulent table, and the sunken garden. The compost area holds space for the dream of a greenhouse yet to be.
A favourite feature is the summerhouse, lovingly referred to as "the shack".
As I passed through "the shack" I sat a listened to the birds sing, I caught a bit of a breeze and took a deep relaxing breath. I wondered if I could convince my husband to build me one of these.
The backyard houses the throwing wall and the bird house condos.
There are multiple bird feeders and baths thought the grounds. As you circle your way around the deck and the wood shed "woody" ...
... you will find the secret garden, which features an apple tree and the sweet pea gate. It is here you will see the historical sandstone and a notable piece of High River History.
Ongoing battles continue with the zombie plant - creeping bell flower and the dreaded lily beetle. However the beauty of gardening nourishes one soul
My eye is often attracted to those little extras gardeners add to their spaces. Special pieces that add a little something personal when the flowers are not putting on a show.
Credits:
C.J. Bennington Fine Art Photography