a gardener's heaven

I saw a little piece of heaven today.  Thank you to my garden pal Sue for telling me about this event.  The gentleman that owns this garden came here from Italy with his brothers and they opened the Como Inn in Chicago.  When they sold that property he settled here with his partner.  His estate is now for sale as he is moving back to Italy.  Most of the items for sale are garden related.  Gorgeous Italian pots and tiles.  Art pieces and even plants. The garden is breath taking.  His use of grasses is stunning as are the large urns and pots that are nestled into the beds.

Enjoy...

say what?

This time of year I'm usually in full hibernation mode.  Inside my house reading gardening books and mapping out beds for next year.  Not today.  Today it's 60 degrees in Chicago.  So the kids and I were outside moving rocks around the yard to prepare an area for planting in the spring.  Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy being out in the mud digging with my kids but, 60 degrees in December?

Most people aren't complaining. Hey, how can you blame them?  I consider myself to be an optimist but, I think something much bigger is causing these 60 degree December days.

 Global warming is just something most don't want to hear or talk about.  

Whatever the reason for lack of concern or discussion, the optimist in me pushes forward.  Finding small things that I can do and teach my kids about reducing our carbon footprint.  My hope for the future is that our local, state, and national governments will team up to shine a larger light on this topic and make some changes.


Some books on my shelf.....

This is a wonderful read for kids and adults!  It gives  kids hands on projects and solutions that they can do in their own homes.

An intriguing book about organic gardening and what we all can do in our own gardens to make a difference.

Now on to some inspiration pictures for my corner (zone 4) redo...

My concentration being grasses against the evergreens.  Foreground options are still in the works. 

 via-statebystategardening.com

 via-statebystategardening.com

 via-statebystategardening.com

grasses to carry us through

We are looking forward to everything fall at our house but with that comes the inevitable end to many of our favorite bloomers.  So at night where does my mind go...ah yes to some of my favorite grasses that will adorn our changing landscape in the next several months.

I think hmm what can I do with them and how can I arrange them to bring more color and life back to our garden.  I start with one of my favorites....purple fountain grass(common but nothing beats its amazingly intense color)

Mass plantings make a dramatic statement paired with colorful annuals.

via-sunset.com            

Used here as a focal point for garden entrances.

Below are some outstanding gardens from FineGardening.com that use grasses instead of shrubs in the landscape.

I LOVE how the smaller grasses line the front of the bed while the Black Eyed Susans add color to the backdrop.

A fearless and fun space which should remind us to never stop 
trying new things and that anything is possible!