Garden Photo of the Day

Terri’s New Garden Project

A new opportunity to make a beautiful garden

By GPOD Contributor
formal garden courtyard with fountain and small seating area

Today’s photos are from Terri Bennink.

We were not able to really work on the front and side yard, as there was a giant sweetgum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua, Zones 5–9) in the easement that was too expensive to take out. It had created significant damage to the driveway. A third of the tree fell into the house during a windstorm, and we quickly seized the opportunity to remove the remainder of the tree (rotting on the inside) and excavated the entire front and side yard.

I was able to fulfill a dream I had had to put in brick walkways and antique iron gates and a small courtyard with a fountain. We met many neighbors during the project who planned their walks to see the progress we made each week after the tree fell. Here are a few pictures. It is a work in progress.

front of home before new hardscaping and landscaping
Here’s the “before” photo—not bad, but not very exciting.

front of home after new hardscaping and plantings
And here is what it has turned into! Terri says it is a work in progress, but it is sure progressing well.

view of small brick courtyard through iron gate
View through the iron gates to the new courtyard and fountain.

formal garden courtyard with fountain and small seating area
And stepping inside, it is a beautiful, formal garden space. Those chairs look like a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the sound of the fountain.

view of new plants around the garden courtyard
Taking a step back, you can see the new plantings around the courtyard. And you can see that this isn’t a big area. You don’t need a huge yard to make beautiful garden spaces.

new small plants along a brick garden path
Abundant, romantic flowers soften the formal lines of the garden.

wider view of new plants around the walkway
Repeated hedges and blooming hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens, Zones 3–9) unify the space into a harmonious whole.

stone garden sculpture amongst the plants
A garden sculpture is half-hidden by the flowers around it.

cherry tree in bloom with a heart-shaped hedge around
A romantic old flowering cherry tree (Prunus sp.) is set off perfectly by the formal hedge around it.

grass garden path leading to garden shed
The winding path and shed beg to be explored.

cat sitting in the garden
A four-legged garden resident

 

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Comments

  1. Oxdriftgardener 05/18/2023

    Beautiful job. Love the way you created the low , uniquely shaped hedge around the cherry tree.

  2. user-7392754 05/18/2023

    Wow! What a gorgeous yard you have! I can see why neighbors wanted to see your progress on their walks. I bet they still walk by just to enjoy your beautiful yard!!

  3. User avater
    simplesue 05/18/2023

    Oh I'm in LOVE with your garden!
    What a great before and after photo...I love everything you've done and wouldn't change a thing!!!!!
    I just have to save some of your inspiring photos!

  4. sheila_schultz 05/18/2023

    Every piece and part of your garden is charming. All the details have taken the curb appeal of your home from plain to enticing. The brick walkways and antique iron gates are the perfect addition to the formal landscape. Beautifully executed and joyful to view. Bravo!

  5. nicki_s 05/18/2023

    I love that you took such a bold step with your front yard! You did a beautiful job.

  6. btucker9675 05/18/2023

    Everything about this is perfection, including the beautiful cat!

  7. janetsydoruk 05/19/2023

    Just fantastic. Love it.

  8. User avater
    vanhatalosuomi 05/21/2023

    Wonderful garden! Thank you for sharing your space :)

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