Welcome to the Courtyard Garden

This landless gardener is still setting her trowel in the soil and installing plants in gardens all about town. For two summers I was a seasonal gardener for the city. It was amazing! The second summer I spent many of my days with an experienced gardener who knew more about plants than I will ever hope to learn. She is generous with her time and knowledge and even has me talking to the birds and learning their calls. Many days we worked side-by-side. Some days I was sent out with a large truck and told to do what I could with a park area that was in need of some attention. I would weed, cut, edge, mulch, plant and weed some more. I earned the trust of the city gardeners, which has led to my next big adventure as a landless gardener.

I am taking on a new park space. It is impossible for every inch of park space to be perfect; there is simply not the time, money or manpower to make this possible. This is true in my city and I am sure in yours as well. Instead of complaining I saw an opportunity. I made a few calls, asked for permission, presented a few garden-references and was granted permission to adopt a new garden space.

Why this space? As I sat one the bench one evening after work I saw what this space could be; a lush shade garden in the back that transitions to a sunnier garden as you move towards the entrance. I saw plants that butterflies and hummingbirds would flock to. I saw a place with benches, paved paths and a covered porch; perfect for park visitors. I saw a blank slate that I couldn’t wait to fill with hostas, Rodgersia, coral bells and ligularias in the shade and salvias, lantanas and coneflowers towards the front.

I hope you follow along as I try to breath life into this courtyard garden!