West Garden

We removed the giant yew and planted boxwood instead. Mountain Green at the back and Green Velvet at the front.

This bed is not big but it has taken me weeks....It has gravel mixed in the dirt so it is hard to shovel. And there are thick roots! I literally dug every inch to remove the big roots.

I'm tempted to expand the garden by putting an obelisk for a climbing rose and plant lavenders at the front. So there will be more room for more roses. Do you like this design?

I do like the clean look though. Any thoughts?

East Garden

I plan to plant boxwood and roses to make it look like a garden. There will be a gravel path and arbors with climbing roses.

Corner Garden

This bed's condition is similar to west garden. The giant yew was removed last year so there will be some big roots..The dirt is mixed with gravel too. We also have to move the big rocks somewhere else.

It's great to see the changes you're making. What beautiful growth in your back garden! Such a lovely place to sit!

Amazing work! In just a year you’ve done so much. That looks like a fantastic place to sit and be a part of the garden.

I’m not a good person to ask about more garden vs clean lines and turf. My answer is always more garden space. 😁 It might be smarter to wait and see how much upkeep the current design requires before adding more, or in case you discover you want space for miniature conifers or daylilies or something. Its your garden, though, do what makes you happy.

Just beautiful! I love your garden bench too.

That bench rocks? I want one!! I love that spot to sit and be with the garden. :) I love everything...but my other favorite spot is the rock-defined triangle space...that's going to be wonderful! I think the lavender will look beautiful!! I agree with you that climbing roses would add a lot. :) :) You did a lot of work!

Wow !! you have lots of space and sun for future roses. I like your design with evergreen shrubs. The smallest evergreen shrub I could find is dwarf golden glove Arborvitae, but that got big after 20 years and its roots started invading my rose bed. The neighbor tried to dig out the root of an evergreen shrub, and after 2 hours of pick-axing, he gave up, he called a tree company for removal.

@rosecanadian The previous owner left the rocking bench. I’m glad I found an arbor with the same finish. Together they look like a set!

@strawchicago z5 That exactly sounds like me! I do 2 hour max pick-axing a day then I’m done. It’s like a bootcamp workout!

We have the tree company removed the huge shrub in the corner garden last year. The problem is the dirt is heavily mixed with gravel so their stump removal machine couldn’t get any roots. They were afraid it will break the blades so they had to stop. So here I am, pick-axing…

Wow, I'm impressed by all the work you've put in! So much digging, planning, preparing... And planting! Your garden is going to look awesome. That PCdM looks very happy in her spot, I'm sure the other roses will catch up very soon! Congratulations!

Cute - really? I thought that the chair was part of the arbor...you really did a good job in finding an arbor that matched. :)

Super impressive Both in the amount of work in the final product. I can't wait to see How things progress With the rose is growing larger and other planting. !

Incredible work, wow. You have done so much and it really has made everything look more inviting and beautiful. I am also in love with your rocking bench and entire set up. Looking forward to seeing your garden grow and learn about all the roses you have chosen.