Journal Journey Part 1
January 1, 2009 – 10:00 amI used to have a large perennial and rose garden before gardening on the balcony. I kept a journal each year so I could build and diversify my plant portfolio and frankly, remember where I planted fall and spring bulbs and how large some perennials grew.
My journal, maintained in a large sketch book, is starting to fall apart, so in an attempt to revisit the past (both successes and failures) here’s a look at some of the pages.
In 1989 my inexperience was balanced with an earnest desire to build a garden like Larkwhistle. How hard could it be? I had the book. I was trying to figure out how colour worked, relative size relationships and like all gardeners, build the list of what to move where. I started with a pretty standard assortment of perennials – delphinium, iris, daylily, sedum, bugleweed, coral bells, silver mound, columbine, rock cress and poppies.
Also drafted a nice little herb garden plan for chervil, lemon balm, rosemary, sage, mint, garlic, thyme, parsley and nasturtiums. The mint that I initially grew was a variety from my mom’s garden – a tough, prairie-hardy mint that was invasive if you didn’t pay attention to it. I also had a great patch of strawberries and asparagus that year.
Red ink? Not sure why, possibly too lazy to get up and get a another pen.
3 Responses to “Journal Journey Part 1”
Wonderful sketches. Am also in the process of planning an herb garden. Well, actually extending the small one I already have.
An exciting time of year for us gardeners!
By Karen Sloan on Mar 9, 2010
I have been to Larkwhistle. Isn’t it the most beautiful garden! I also think that Patrick Lima is one of the best garden writers and I have a number of his books.
It must be a huge adjustment to find yourself with a balcony garden. Have you added a water feature? Hopefully, there is room for a wall fountain?? The sound of trickling water is so soothing.
Happy gardening!
Jennifer
By Jennifer on Jun 16, 2010
Jennifer
Great to connect with another Canadian gardener and yes I have 4 ponds on the balcony, some with fish and most with plants. You can see some of the history at http://www.balconygardener.ca/get-gardening/plant-a-pond/
By gardener on Jun 16, 2010