Welcome to the second day of photos from Jacky and Lynn Swenson’s garden in Grafton, Wisconsin. In case you missed it yesterday, here’s what Jacky had to say: “In 2003, my husband Lynn and I bought a newly-built home with three acres of land near Lake Michigan in the town of Grafton. There was only a driveway…no sidewalks, lawn, or hardscape. The weeds grew up to the door.
It had formerly been a farm field, and we hauled out old fence posts, barbed wire, dead trees, and debris that were left behind. Since we both grew up on Iowa farms and have a passion for planting and watching things grow, we make a good team. This also means that if one of us comes up with an idea, there is no one to “put on the brakes” and we have done some pretty big projects, including building two ponds stocked with fish and planting dozens of trees, bushes, and flowers. We have dug every hole ourselves for each tree, shrub, and plant. Sometimes our ideas put our muscles to the test, but it is all worth it in the end result.
We like a lot of flowers touching each other so your eye just flows along, but I still like to keep it pretty tidy and so I do a lot of cutting back and deadheading. I would call our garden style “Controlled Exuberance”! My husband Lynn has done all the hardscape work all by himself…brickwork, pond digging with rental equipment, and laying the stones and paths.
After nine years, he and I now have a serene paradise that we enjoy each and every day. Incidentally, you will note that there are several patios and lots of chairs, which are great places to enjoy the quiet beauty of nature and have a glass of wine. When our friends sit by the pond, they always comment that it is so peaceful. We love it here!”
For the second day in a row, WOW! I feel very lazy….
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Comments
Besides being blessed ( ha, or afflicted ) with an enviable work ethic, the two of you also have a gift for creating a highly pleasing naturalized look. Your woodsy garden areas are delightful and are very much in harmony with your generous sized ponds. Things look like they have been in place for much longer than your 9 years of ownership which is always a sign of a job well done.
your gardens are truly amazing. will surely bring many smiles.
WoW Lynn & Jacky! It appears you have one of everything and TWO beautiful ponds. I join the garden lovers who would love to stroll those paths and sit to gaze. Please share pictures through the seasons. I imagine those hosta can put on a spectacular golden show. Happy Autumn.
Again, absolutely wonderful photos!!! Sensational! What a fabulous place this would be for a B & B! Sign me up!
First let me say that I'm still hopeful that the Log In "Remember Me" will get repaired.
Now onto this wonderful Wisconsin garden, there's so much good stuff on those three acres yet it doesn't seem crowded, thanks to the beauty of those swarths of green lawn that frame each area the same as a frame does a picture on the wall. Kudos on those great bird feeders and birdbath. Once again I want to thank Jacky and Lynn for sharing their creativity. Oh, and don't forget to take pictures with everything blanketed in pristine snow.
Tractor1 - I feel your pain! (I had to re-log in too)
Beautiful gardens - I really love the woodsy feel of it. You have an eye for placement as everything looks as if it should be where it is. Love love love it!
Lordy, lordy, those ponds!! How do you tear yourself away?? I, too, love the abundant beds framed by lawn - so much foliage variety, texture & color - stunning. You've done an excellent job with design & placement so that the eye moves smoothly through the landscape.
I bet I can guess SheilaS's favorite photo - the last one, "Smile"
This garden is one of my faves! Thanks, Jacky & Lynn....
Jacky & Lynn, Your garden is BEAUTIFUL! I love your style. We have a pond which needs landscaping badly. Thanks for the great ideas.Wish we had some of those large trees to give us an anchoring effect. I can't believe it only took you nine years. Love the pathways too.
wow!!!! i am speechless, a wonderful garden, keep it up!!
All the best to Jacky and Lyn
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