A Garden in Brooklyn, NS, May 30

8 comments

We were treated to a tour of some friends’ garden yesterday, thought you might like to see it too. Brooklyn is across the Mersey River from Liverpool, NS. It was a dull day, and the blackfly and mosquitos were very hungry, but the garden was so spectacular we hardly noticed (until later).
Jean and Charlie have been working on their garden for 25 years. They added a large piece of land at the back about 10 years ago, so that’s wilder. We went down the side yard and into the wild part first, then came back through the more established portion and into the front garden. The whole property is about 1/2 an acre.I can’t remember all the names Jean gave me, but she knew them all. So just enjoy the photos.
elke

On the left is a magnificent Norway maple. The variegated leaves require quite an effort. The tree sends out branches with regular green leaves too, and these have to be religiously trimmed off each year, leaving just the variegated branches. A wonderful reward for all that diligence.

We found several rustic little benches dotted around just right for resting awhile and admiring the garden.

Viburnum mariesii

A long-needled white pine:

A lemon magnolia:

Hywel has named the 2 bushes below for me – pieris. I think this variety is Pieris japonica Forest Flame. Jean said they had white flowers, which were now over, and the fruit looked like tiny purple grapes. The red leaves are the new growth. Thanks Hywel!

The fruit:

A lilac magnolia:

This is a Japanese umbrella tree.

Sorry Toto, time for your neck stretching exercises again…

A peek over the fence into the neighbours’ garden.

A delicte Japanese maple.

A Japanese azalea – very delicate flower in two colours. Whatever had been in front of it died over the winter and hostas are going in.

One last look across the back garden before we head to the front.

A dwarf apple in blossom – the perfume was unbelievable.

A new columbine:

Yet another secret corner:

And we say goodbye until the next visit.

• 31 May, 2009
• 7 likes

More blog posts by elke