Garden Photo of the Day

From Weeds to Wow in Three Years

Hard work has paid off in a big way in this garden

By Fine Gardening editors

Today’s photos come from Janet Simmons.

I live in Plainwell, Michigan, and have attached some pictures of the gardens I have been working on since I moved into my house three years ago. When I moved in, the landscape was overgrown and nothing but weeds.

Wow. From overgrown weeds to this in just three years? This planting on a slight slope is lush and beautiful. The curving path with steps breaks up the planting and invites visitors in to explore.

Tucked in between the lush perennials is a sweet little moment of garden art.

This close-up of the pouring teapot sculpture reveals a sign showing how much this garden means to Janet.

An arbor with seats marks the edge of the lawn and the transition to the wooded area behind.

Neat edging lined with stones gives the garden beds a crisp, organized look, and annual coleus tucked in among the perennials brings extra color.

window box
Window boxes overflowing with color. Calibrachoa (annual) mingles with an airy white euphorbia (‘Diamond Frost’ or a similar cultivar, annual), while yellow creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’, Zones 3–9) tumbles down.

impatiens
A huge mass of impatiens (Impatiens walleriana, annual) ring the base of a tree.

Crisp gravel mulch and rock edging set off vigorously growing perennials.

 

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Comments

  1. garden1953 12/02/2019

    I love your gardens! Thanks for sharing.

  2. User avater
    meander_michaele 12/02/2019

    I am totally humbled by your incredibly outstanding 3 year old garden, Janet. It really has it all...great plant clumps that are generously sized and thriving, very attractive and well constructed looking hardscape features and adorable touches of whimsy. Your attention to detail is very impressive and the vignette of the pouring teapot and sign is thoroughly delightful. Super kudos on everything.

  3. User avater
    treasuresmom 12/02/2019

    Wow is right!! Totally amazing!

  4. cheryl_c 12/02/2019

    Janet your gardens are such an amazing way to start this first week of December! So many words come to mind - lush, healthy, colorful, enticing, whimsical - thank you so much for sharing, and please let us peek in again in the future!

  5. User avater
    simplesue 12/02/2019

    So pretty and only in 3 seasons! Love your perennial arrangement with the Balloon Flowers, Coneflowers, Hostas etc.-such a good use of a small steep area in the garden- it displays them so nicely! Such a magnificent window box- perfection!

  6. btucker9675 12/02/2019

    This is a perfectly lovely and totally charming garden - you are a magician to have accomplished this in 3 years. A bright spot on a grey morning - thank you!

  7. user-5117752 12/02/2019

    Talk about a "Wow Factor" and in only 3 years!!! You've got it!!! Now I have to rethink the beds along side my steps - what a shame for me but, with your wonderful inspiration, what a pleasure! Thank you so much for taking the time to share!!!

  8. katherine_8 12/02/2019

    Hugs and kudos to you, Janet!! Your garden is truly a masterpiece of love and effort. I love every corner of it. Thanks for sharing your photos with us :)

  9. carolineyoungwilliams 12/18/2019

    Janet, I absolutely love what you have done in your garden. Thank you so much for sharing. More blessings to you.

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