Garden Photo of the Day

Making Paradise in Ontario

A gorgeous space 18 years in the making

Today we’re visiting Susan Featherstone’s spectacular gardens.

My husband and I purchased our home in Bradford, Ontario, 18 years ago. At the time we purchased it, it was approximately 30 years old, had never been updated (inside or out) and had no landscaping—only a couple of neglected shrubs and hostas. Over the years, we have updated the house and have turned our yard into a virtual botanical garden, complete with an outdoor kitchen, a three-season gazebo, and a “Zen” stream bed. We have added flagstone pathways through the gardens that would rival those in photos of Europe in any magazine.

After a long day at work, we enjoy spending many peaceful hours enjoying the fruits of our labors in our private oasis.

flowers on a railingAnnuals in containers on the top of the deck railing spill down to create curtains of color.

flower-topped deckCloser look at the flower-topped deck.

purple clematisHealthy hostas carpet the ground with green, while a purple clematis (Clematis ‘Jackmanii’, Zones 4–11) covers the fence.

flagstone pathwayA wide flagstone pathway leads to the gazebo. Tall hedges and dense plantings create a private, lush paradise.

Front gardenFront gardens combine trees, shrubs, and perennials to make a colorful entrance to the home.

walk from front to backThe narrow walk from the front to the back just hints at the beauty around the corner.

inside gazeboThe inside of the gazebo is full of creature comforts—and a cat making itself exceedingly comfortable.

Annual flowersAnnual flowers mix with herbs for a beautiful and practical planting.

 

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Comments

  1. PattyLouise 12/17/2020

    Love, love, love! You have made your own paradise! The gazebo is awesome!

    1. PattyLouise 12/17/2020

      Also....your hostas are gorgeous - guess you don't have deer munching on them like we do! Love your pathways!

  2. User avater
    user-7007816 12/17/2020

    What a lovely space you have created. Congratulations!

  3. User avater
    treasuresmom 12/17/2020

    Love that clematis on the fence.

  4. wittyone 12/17/2020

    What a beautiful job you've made of it! I always feel sorry for neglected houses and gardens-------they just need someone to love them. You're making your house and yard very happy indeed.

  5. User avater
    simplesue 12/17/2020

    That garden is splendid! I'm running out of adjectives LOL!
    Seriously thought is a real work of art- I just love it!
    Picture perfect and I'm so inspired seeing these photos!

  6. cheryl_c 12/17/2020

    Gorgeous photos of gorgeous plants in gorgeous arrangements in gorgeous gardens! Well done, and thanks for sharing.

  7. btucker9675 12/17/2020

    The results of all of your hard work are spectacular! Thank you for sharing this beautiful garden.

  8. lilholloway 12/17/2020

    I am absolutely stunned by what you have accomplished. So very beautiful and inviting.

  9. alicefleurkens 12/17/2020

    That is a lovely garden. Alice

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