Saturday, April 17, 2010

A Secret No More

Another week and another triple post for me. First, Blue Monday is being hosted by Sally. Go to http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/ to see more beautiful blues.
Next comes Metamorphosis Monday, which is being hosted by Susan. To see more amazing transformations, go visit http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com .
Last but not least is Mosaic Monday. To see more creative mosaics, go visit Mary at http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/
My blue contribution is a blue vase and a labradorite pictured above in a mosaic. The labradorite is more than 4.5 lbs and is 5 x 7 inches in dimension. Do you see the lovely sheen on it? It changes as it moves. We bought it when Natchez was having an annual jewelry and semi precious stones expo, which occurs during the Balloon Festival season. I did not want to buy it because I thought it was too expensive but John insisted. Oh well, he is the one working so what can I say? LOL!

Before I go on with Met. Mon, I would just like to remind Mississipppi Magnolia Southern belles about our get together on June 5th. Please email me if you are interested in attending. Hey! You get FREE home made lunch and lots of fun for sure so what have you got to lose? :-)Please email me for any questions or specifics.

So far, 6 plus me (that's 7) have committed. We are hoping more belles will join us.
Ok, now for my Secret Garden revelation. My granddaughter was the first one who came up with naming this the secret garden because you cannot see it from the house nor the deck unless you go all the way to the edge.

This was a big project and it is still ongoing so please excuse me for loading many pictures.

This is how it used to be. It was really bad! I wouldn't even go down there because it was so messy and bushy and I am terrified of snakes.

Still pretty bad! Yikes!
We added railroad ties to prevent the soil from eroding.
Looking a little better after I swept most of the leaves and planted more. There are still spaces that look like they need more plants but lots of little plants from last year are coming up and I do not want to dig them out. I will just have to wait for them to grow bigger.


We can access the secret garden from 3 areas: the gazebo, the wet deck and near the vegetable garden.

Now, I can live with this look. I am really proud of this area because I did most of the work except for the initial cleaning and cutting of the bushes. Last year, I had 2 part time garden helpers but I could not find them this year. Maybe they found a job which is good for them but not for me cause I am doing all the work now.


This is the view from where the veggie garden is.
I just love those 2 lanterns by the stepping stones. I bought them from Kirkland's when we went to Pensacola last Saturday. I wish I bought more. They were only $9.99 each.
We dug that heavy solid stone rocker from behind the bushes. It was like half buried from eroded soil and leaves.
I replaced the mulch with red rocks because I hose from above and it used to wash the mulch down every time I watered. The red rocks are heavier so they stay even when I water,
We bought the iron swing from a garden shop in Baton Rouge and then created a sitting area there.

This is the view from the gazebo.
I am still looking for a tin sign saying "My Secret Garden" I want something big (about 15" tall and 36" long, more or less) to hang on that retaining wall. I planted sweet potato vines and prostrate rosemarie on top of the wall and hopefully they will cascade down when they grow longer.
John wants to put chicken wire against the wall and hang some orchids on it. Which idea do you think is better?


I want to hang a hammock between the 2 big trees on the right. You do not really see the other tree in this picture.

I am not afraid to go down there anymore. I can actually sit on the swing, enjoy the peace, watch the squirrels and chipmunks play while listening to the birds sing.
Just another place for tea.
The hostas and bananas are just starting to come out. I broke a St. Francis statue last year and I just found this solid heavy stone one last weekend and replaced the broken one.

I had my picture taken for you to see how much lower this area is than the other part of the yard.
Have you ever wondered what is behind the iron fence back there? The last pictures will show you.

This is another area of the yard. I just want to show what is behind the arbor. It's another sloping yard. Behind the fence is a creek and I still do not go back there. Water mocassins?.....eeks! Do you see the iris plants in front of the fence? They have to thrive on their own because even with a 120 ft. hose, the water does not reach them.
Tea time post coming up here soon!

Below is what is behind the iron fence. This is the side of our house. The house sitting on top of a hill is more apparent here. This was taken from the right front corner.
You can see the other side of the fence in the second picture. Can you spot the vegetable garden up there?
I hope you enjoyed the tour of our secret garden. Thanks a lot for visiting and commenting.
Thank you Sally, Mary and Susan for hosting.

57 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Christine, you have done so much work and your yard is just gorgeous. I love all the different areas you have for pretty plants and to sit and relax. So beautiful. Hugs, Marty

Natasha in Oz said...

Wow Christine, that garden is just divine and it looks like a great place for both adults and children. Your hard work has really paid off!

Best wishes for a beautiful week,
Natasha.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

What a pretty home and garden! Thanks for sharing it with us. I love when everything is blooming and fresh Spring green.

Kat said...

Christine, this really is like a secret garden. Just beautiful, what a wonderful place to relax and unwind. I like your idea of the cascading vines on the retaining wall. Kathy

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Your home and garden are always so beautiful to look at. I love the secret garden, looks like a great place to retreat to and read a book.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Christine, what a beautiful place for you to sneak away to. I love the terraces you made with the railroad ties. The gazebo pic is my favorite. Check ebay for those signs. I don't know about metal, but there are a lot of wooden ones and they show them outside.

Donna said...

Beautiful job, Christine. It looks very pretty and peaceful.

D

Americana Lady said...

You're sure working hard and it looks lovely! Joan

Anonymous said...

Christine- wow!! WHat a fabulous yard you have!! How do you have time to take care of it with all the wonderful traveling you do!!?

Kathysue said...

Hi C, I am so glad you mentioned for me to come tonight and see your secret garden. You really did a lot of hard work, it has truly paid off. Looks so inviting. I bet it is so nice to sit there and have tea. My favorite picture is the one of you, you are so pretty, just like your garden, Kathysue

Linda said...

Everything looks absolutely great but wait, did you say SNAKES!?! I think I'd be staying up by the pool area!

I'm curious, how do you get such nice, big pictures? I must learn the trick!

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Whew!!! What a lot of work! It is well worth it...truly beautiful!

Blessings & Aloha!
(Ahhh! I just had to stop and say hello! It is after 1am, but my hubby and I came back late from Atlanta and since he is asleep, I thought I would try to catch up on a couple of fav blogs :o)

GardenOfDaisies said...

You do have a big slope to deal with! Terracing some of it was a good idea!
I just had a look at some of your past posts so I could see the Polish Pottery you mentioned. You have some really beautiful pieces!

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Christine, I just LOVE the idea of a secret garden - what fun! It has turned out beautifully. I especially like the different levels with the rr ties and plants - just perfect! Linda

Carol at Serendipity said...

What a beautiful yard and beautiful gardens. Thank you so much for sharing all of your hard work.

Carol

Dolores said...

I love all the beautiful flowers, bushes, trees, and the areas to sit and enjoy all the beauty you.
You've really been working hard, but what a great job you've accomplished in making the secret garden (perfect name).....Yes, you need a quaint sign.
Thanks for the tour, your yard is beautiful!!!! Great picture of you too...very pretty.

PAT said...

Your gardens are absolutely beautiful Christine!

Creations By Cindy said...

Everything is soooo beautiful! WOW at the work you've accomplished. I wish I had the energy and the eye you have for landscaping! So pretty. I've enjoyed looking at your blog. I am your newest follower. Be blessed. Cindy

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine! I am loving seeing the transformations of your lovely gardens. This is so beautiful! I know it's been a lot of work but you've made it all look fantastic. Love all your pretty little touches - the swing and plants your little table and chairs. But look at you - Christine, you're so beautiful! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

What a beautiful garden. Lots of hard work really paid off!

Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a nice comment. I'll be back to see you again soon.

hugs
Sissie

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

OUTSTANDING CHRISTINE! You should be proud, these pics are just amazing. You've done a beautiful job and have your own private sancutary. Water Mocassins hey? oooh, I wouldn't care for those either. I wish I lived closer, I would love to go to your luncheon.
Hugs, Cindy

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

All your hard work has paid off - Your yard is simply stunning! Each and every nook is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Beautiful garden! I know it had to be lots of hard work, but it really paid off. Every area looked liked it would be a great place to sit and have a nice cup of tea or coffee and just relax. Thanks for sharing.
Sandy

Cynthia@ITLLDO said...

What a beautiful garden. I know from years past how much work is involved in creating such a sactuary. This is lovely, and you should be very proud.

Kammy said...

Hi Christine !
Your yard is so enchanting - I can't believe how pretty it is getting !
Kammy

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

My goodness - you've worked so hard and your secret garden is beautiful! What a lovely setting to have tea or read or meditate. Thank you for your very sweet visit to my bridal shower post -- it was fun -- now all my pretties need to be put away again -- that's not nearly as much fun!

Bobbi Ann said...

Lots of work, gorgeous pictures and wonderful mosaic! Thank you so much for sharing all of these! I hope that you have a great new week!
Hugs...
Bobbi

A Garden of Threads said...

Beautiful garden and the mosaics are lovely. I hope you have a wonderful week:)

Lia at Petite Little Bee said...

Your garden is just so beautiful!!!

Cheers,
Lia

Lia at Petite Little Bee said...

Your garden is just so beautiful!!!

Cheers,
Lia

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine... I found your blog over at Mary's The Red House.

Your top mosaic on this post is one of the prettiest I have ever seen....Glad I stopped by today.

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Hi Christine, Wow...this is like a little secret paradise! I know this was a lot of work, but totally worth it...so beautiful! I really like the different little seating/tea time areas...perfect to enjoy your secret garden! I hope you find your sign...that would be sooo cute! Maybe you could have one made! :-)
I'll keep my eye out and let you know if I see one somewhere. Beauitful garden, Christine...I know you are loving it each time you visit it.
Hugs,
Susan

Unknown said...

Incredible! Your garden is amazing! :)

~Liz

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Wow, Christine! First off, your fist mosaic is really beautiful & so is your garden. You've done so much work - I love the table & chairs on the little cobblestone patio that your placed on the slope. Hope you take time to sit & enjoy your garden!

OCDesigner ~Athella said...

everything is so beautiful Christine....makes me wanna take a vacation to your house. Think of you often....!

SmilingSally said...

That blue vase displayed with that labradorite are drop-dead gorgeous! I'm so glad that John insisted you get it; what a find!

You certainly have transformed that yard, Christine. Happy Blue Monday.

Ingmarie We said...

You garden looks fantastic! You've done a great job!

luna said...

Gorgeous garden photos!
Happy Mosaic Monday and Blue Monday...Luna

eileeninmd said...

What a great idea, I love your Secret Garden. The photos are all just lovely.

Michelle said...

Wow, love your secret garden! I like all the different sitting areas, very inviting. Everything is so beautiful. Your mosiac was great, too!

Beth said...

Christine, You have worked very hard and with great results - it's beautiful! I love the azaleas. You do have a very nice place for tea in your secret garden. Thank you for sharing a beautiful place with us - you have a wonderful yard and home!
Blessings, Beth

Debbiedoos said...

Christine, you secret garden sure is the Best kept secret I have ever seen!~ Your property is just so pretty, so much to certainly keep you busy and what a fabulous place to entertain! Have a great Monday!~

Amanda at 32˙North said...

Hi Christine,

Wow! You've been busy! All that time spent has really shown progress and it's coming together so nicely. What a wonderful place to spend happy times together!

Amanda

Becky K. said...

Christine,

It is stunning! I love that it is so cozy and pleasant. You did a very lovely job!

Becky K.
Hospitality Lane

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Beautiful transformation! All the hard work really paid off.

Momgen said...

Oh so pretty yard i like it....You inspired me to do something in the yard heheheh. Happy blue Monday.

Mine is here

Mary Bergfeld said...

Christine, you have a beautiful home and now we see that your grounds are beautiful as well. You did a wonderful job with the secret garden. I hope you are having a wonderful Blue Monday. Blessings...Mary

Chubskulit Rose said...

Wow it's coming pretty good Christine!

Atticmag said...

I always enjoy seeing the developments in your garden and so admire your energy.
Hope you'll drop by and see our villa. -- Jane F.

Marice said...

WOW!!!! fantabulous! such a beautiful garden :) you really did a great job! thanks for the tour in your awesome garden :)


u may view mine here

joyh82 said...

What a beautiful mosaic for blue monday and I love the vase! Your backyard is amazing! Happy Blue Monday!

Blondie's Journal said...

You have so many interesting spots in your yard to sit and relax!! And I'm glad you can do that now that everything is cleared out. Snakes...oh my!!

I have always wanted a secret garden after reading the book as a child. I think you did a lovely job. Everything looks lush and like it is thriving. What sort of veggies do you grow? I am planting my seeds this week, now that it is warming up.

I love everything, Christine and can't wait to see it all in person!! Tentative dates for us are 5/26 to 6/1.

xoxo
Janie

Nancy said...

Just beautiful, Christine. The table is perfect. I think I like the color contrast as it is now instead of the black. It is so nice to see green and blooms. Right now it looks like I will be in the south only until the 23rd of May. I would love to join in, but the date is off by just a bit.

Diann said...

Christine, your yard and gardens are looking s beautful! You can tell you have been working hard! I like the idea of the plants growing over the wall and cascading down. I think it woulg just look more natural and pretty.

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

The Arbor is absolutely beautiful as is the rest of your Yard !
Blessings,
~Myrna

Mary said...

Omigosh, your secret garden is gorgeous! What a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy the warm breezes. Thanks so much for sharing at MM. :)

Cottage Dreamers said...

What a beautiful place! I could spend the whole day out there.
☺ Celeste

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