Before and After; A Front Yard in Desperate Need of Help

As much as we all like instant gratification, in the garden we often have to wait for mother nature to do her part and provide sun and rain to our new plants so that after a season or two they mature into their full, wonderful selves. Case in point below...

When the new owners moved into this home the front yard was a weedy, muddy mess with just a few plants struggling to survive under the window and the monster english ivy on the front fence 6' high and 3' wide.

The first task on hand was to clear out all of the weeds and cut back the over grown ivy. The decision was made to clear the ivy back to show off the incredible old vine growing through the fence and just leave growth along the top of the fence. The homeowners say the old vine woven through the fence has since become a neighbourhood conversation piece and people often stop and ask if they did that; um no, that would be mother nature's handiwork! Cutting back the ivy then allowed the sun to fill this once dark, weed laden no plant's land and give plants in this area a chance to thrive and grow.

Hostas, ferns, grasses, desdemona and helebore were added to the bed under the window and grasses, russian sage, pansies, black bamboo, spirea and a beautiful rosebud forest pansy planted in the newly created bed along the side fence. Ground cover was installed along the edges of both beds and sod was installed in the centre area to complete the interior yard design. Lavender was then planted along the front of the newly revealed fence and two ornamental flowering plum 'street' trees planted in front of the house.  Through this process the soil was amended and each plant installed with a dash of bone meal to help them along.

By the second summer the plants were coming into themselves and the home owners (and I) were all very happy with the beautiful end result. This makeover is absolutely among my favourites and I love seeing the plants fill in and this area becoming even more beautiful!