Kathleen says her Hudson, Wisconsin, garden is the most beautiful it has ever been, and the photos make a strong case for it. Her backyard is packed with color from one end to the other, with long borders, containers and hanging baskets filling nearly every view. Here’s a look around her garden at its summer peak:
There’s a lot packed into this corner of Kathleen’s garden. A container of SunPatiens (Impatiens hybrids, annual) anchors the edge of the patio, with sedums (Sedum cvs., Zones 3–9) spilling from hanging baskets above. Cannas (Canna cvs., Zones 7–11), coleus (Coleus scutellarioides, annual), marigolds (Tagetes cvs., annual), portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora cvs., annual), and purple fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus ‘Rubrum’, Zones 9–11) fill the border, while tiered containers add even more planting space. The bronze garden lights echo the color of the fence and other metal accents throughout the bed.
Kathleen carries the same materials and plant palette throughout the backyard. Hostas (Hosta cvs., Zones 3–9) are planted beside the house, where whimsical rust-colored metal ornaments sit among the rocks and repeat the dark tones of the fence and light fixtures. Across the lawn, a tomato (Solanum lycopersicum, annual) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus, annual) are worked right into the fence-line planting alongside the ornamentals. Can you spot them?
The small firepit creates a natural gathering spot in the middle of the lawn—and yes, I see the hot tub, too. There are clearly plenty of good places to sit back and enjoy this garden.
A stepping-stone pathway leads from the lawn to the patio, where another densely planted border comes into view. Daylilies (Hemerocallis cvs., Zones 3–9) and cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus, annual) are among the summer flowers in bloom here, while tall wetland vegetation and mature trees beyond the fence create a striking natural backdrop.
This gorgeous border is packed with summer flowers, including cosmos, bachelor’s buttons (Centaurea cyanus, annual), daylilies, portulaca, marigolds, salvia (Salvia cvs., Zones 4–11), hostas, and snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus, annual). Rising above all that color is a bird-shaped living sculpture that immediately caught my eye. I’d love to know how Kathleen created and maintains it! A bright blue bench offers a place to sit and take it all in while providing a striking contrast to the surrounding flowers.
Thanks for sharing your garden with us, Kathleen! I can see why you feel it’s the most beautiful it has ever been. There’s so much to take in, from the plants themselves to all the little details you’ve worked into the space. And I’m still hoping you’ll tell us more about that incredible living bird sculpture!
We want to see YOUR garden!
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
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Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Wagner’s 52003 Classic Blend Wild Bird Food, 6-Pound Bag
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Classic wild bird food uses the highest quality grains to attract backyard wild Birds. A high-quality mix containing Millet, milo, cracked corn and Sunflower for a wide range of wild birds to enjoy. Perfect for tube, hopper, or platform feeders. Great to feed in all seasons! Perfect for the winter, when seeds are scarce; spring and summer for hatchlings; and autumn to give energy to migrating birds. This seed will help you fill your yard with birds such as Jays, cardinals, doves, Juncos, finches, goosebeaks, any many more.
Chapin International 10509 Upside-Down Trigger Sprayer
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CLEAN & DISINFECT: made to handle disinfectants and mild bleach solutions. DESIGNED TO CLEAN: adjustable nozzle for fine to coarse spray. 32-OUNCE TANK: translucent, chemical-resistant poly. COMFORT: ergonomic handle and sprays upside down to reach awkward areas.
Gardener’s Log Book from NYBG
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This weatherproof five-year log book includes the following features:
· Sturdy waterproof cover to protect pages from rain and muddy soil
· Lined pages and gridded paper for plotting beds
· Five years of 12-month bloom and harvest grids for recording what you planted and when
· Authoritative appendices on composting, pruning, pest and disease control, and container gardening
· Useful reminders by season on fertilizing, mulching, and transplanting
· Space for listing your favorite sources and suppliers.
