Garden Photo of the Day

From Mud to Garden (and Golf Hole!)

By GPOD Contributor
view of garden from above

Today we’re in Raleigh, North Carolina, visiting with John Matthews.

I have put together an entire deck on the garden, going from muddy grass to what it is today. There is even an 85-yard golf hole on the property that I have built in the last few years.

garden pation with pergolaIt’s hard to imagine this was muddy grass before. Now it’s a lovely sitting area surrounded by a beautiful garden.

cat sitting in a chair in the garden
A feline garden companion relaxes in a chair, with a view behind it of an unusual garden feature: a golf hole.

view of garden from aboveThis view of the garden from above shows that there are lots of places to sit, visit with friends, and enjoy the space.

frog sitting next to garden pond
Water is a wonderful feature in any garden, and the water here is heartily endorsed by this garden resident.

stream cutting through garden
The garden stream flowing through the garden passes next to a planting of black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia fulgida, Zones 4–9).

garden at dusk, illuminated by garden lights
Thoughtfully placed garden lighting can really make a garden shine as the sun goes down. Here it highlights a clump of yellow flag irises (Iris pseudoacorus, Zones 5–9).

another view of the garden from above
Repeated plantings of black-eyed Susans tie the garden together with pops of yellow flowers.

view of elevated deck from the garden
Looking up at the house from the garden.

garden in fall
In fall, the surrounding trees steal the scene as they put on their autumnal colors.

path leading down to the garden
A last look at this beautiful garden, with the stream running along the side of the path.

For more of John’s garden, check out his instagram: @mattiesgardens

 

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Comments

  1. garden1953 09/09/2021

    Gorgeous! What a beautiful space to relax and enjoy nature.

  2. gardendevas 09/09/2021

    Wow - well done!! What a beautiful way to turn a detriment into an asset.

  3. btucker9675 09/09/2021

    This garden leaves me speechless - how lovely! Your hard work has been so very worth it. Just spectacular!

  4. User avater
    treasuresmom 09/09/2021

    Amazing! Could you share some close up pics?

  5. user-7020748 09/09/2021

    lovely use of slope and repeated plantings. You certainly have a designer's eye. Thanks for posting.

  6. sheila_schultz 09/09/2021

    Beautifully designed on so many levels. Comforting to look at and sitting by the stream must be incredibly relaxing. All of your thought and hard work definitely paid off.

  7. User avater
    pattyeckels 09/09/2021

    I also checked out your Instagram. Just gorgeous! I took a picture of the fireplace and patio. Will give it to my husband for a winter project. Lol. He is sooo jealous of the tee box and golf hole! Thank you for sharing.

  8. nicki_s 09/09/2021

    You've created your own little paradise! Every inch of it is lovely and beautifully designed. Color me green with envy!

  9. User avater
    simplesue 09/09/2021

    A gorgeous garden that has everything anyone could want in a garden!
    I love it all!

  10. Dusanka 09/09/2021

    Just stunning, you are doing an amazing job. Cant wait to see what more you add but as is is wonderful.

  11. Sunshine111 09/09/2021

    So lovely!

  12. perenniallycrazy 09/09/2021

    Fabulous vision and work!

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