Monday, July 8, 2013

Order Versus Chaos

It's been a rainy summer, something we rarely see in these parts. We might have rainy springs, but once summer rolls around, it usually turns hot and dry. Well, so far this summer the weather has been just right. Not too hot, and frequent pop up storms to keep the lawn green. It's just so rare we don't quite know how to act without constantly dragging the hose around the yard! But I've got to say, it's much appreciated. The garden has literally never looked better.
Perhaps it's because this is the first summer in many years that I am not working, so I have plenty of time to work on it. Or maybe it's because I've been tweaking it, and thinning out some of the clutter. Either way, I'm pleased with the progress. Honestly, it almost feels "done".
Done? What a concept. I dare say it's a rare gardener who says her garden is done. Oh I'm sure I'll find spots to work on soon, but I'm actually trying very hard not to over work it. I'm enjoying the garden a little tidier these days, with a little less exuberance.
Perhaps this is a nod to my husband's love of order and neatness. I am not quite as tidy as he is, but almost. When I was working, I would come in and frantically begin to clear the mess and chaos left by others. When I walk into my orderly home, I breathe a sigh of relief. It is only when things are in order that I can truly relax.
But that same attitude is harder to implement in my gardening. I want every flower I see! Now I am not totally cured, by any means. 
But I am trying harder. I'm giving up the cottage garden look that I enjoy in photos. I just can't seem to get that look without it looking like a mess. Besides, my home is not a cottage. 

The biggest challenge was landscaping my new patio. This was my chance to implement my new way of thinking, and I think I did it pretty well. I have no real training in landscaping other than reading books and garden blogs. But I still know most of the salient points. The most important point was knowing when to stop adding things. Heck, that's always been my trouble!
Still, don't come by and expect everything to be perfect. It's a long way from that! But still, I'd be happy to show you around Robin's Nest.


14 comments:

  1. Love this post! My garden looks a little busy and perhaps even messy too and I have to agree we sometimes have to know when to stop. Beautiful garden! That hypertufa is awesome!!

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    1. Thanks Tina! I had fun making, and then filling that hypertufa. It's my pride and joy.

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  2. I love what you have in your garden Robin!
    That first shot of the birdhouse is beautiful .. I want one too!
    All of the pictures are gorgeous with the garden accents and plants ... hey you don't have to be certified to know exactly what you are doing .. I threw that to the wind and went with my gut and what I liked .. and we constantly change our tastes.
    I am one of those poor souls that needs order or I can't relax .. so it is a constant with me as well.
    With the strange weather we are having lately the garden is in need of a lot of tweaking .. eek! Hopefully I will get there with it too.
    Yours is looking wonderful!
    Joy : )

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    1. Thanks Joy, that birdhouse is amongst the yellow Knockout rose, a favorite of mine. It's heavenly fragrant and blooms like mad. You must get one!

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  3. You must tell me about that second photo...that awesome container filled with succulents. Did you make them or buy like that from a garden center? I *love* it!

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    1. Melanie, I made that container at a workshop, it's called hypertufa. Very fun, like grown up mud pies. Then at Lowe's I found a succulent planter and transferred it into my pot, plus added a few more. It's my pride and joy!

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  4. Robin ... my husband drilled holes in the metal bird bath so water would drain from it and then sprayed some of the rust-proof paint around that area .. and I use it as a plant stand .. it looks really nice that way ... I'll take a picture today of it ... if I can remember!
    Joy
    PS .. it is pretty on its own too!

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    1. Thanks for the idea. I've also thought I might make it into a butterfly "puddle" by adding pretty stones and then just letting the rain fill it up.

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  5. Lucky you, having perfect summer weather! Wish I could say the same ~ maybe next year???
    Your garden is looking great. I LOVE your succulent container and the first photo with the birdhouse is beautiful. I wish I could get over the cottage look. It sucks me in every time. I don't always like the way it looks either but I can't seem to help myself. I admire your restraint and will watch how it works for you!!!

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    1. There are still areas with a more cottage look, but hubby and I both find it a bit too messy for our tastes. Perhaps I'm just not doing it right! I have to admit, that I LOVE my hypertufa succulent trough too! It was my first try at hypertufa and is my pride and joy.

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  6. p.s. jealous of that 'Queen Red Lime' Zinnia too. I looked everywhere for them this year, next year I'm ordering seeds!!!

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  7. Such a beautiful, peaceful work in progress!

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