The Creation of Morrow Park

 In August of 2012 we decided to enlarge our front flower gardens. When I say enlarge, I mean ENLARGE! We decided this new area was going to be called "Morrow Park" and is dedicated to our loved ones...both human and animal. Since we had a severe drought last year we decided to make this area a bit different than our other beds by planting more shrubs than perennials. The first four pictures are from August, 2012.

 

 This is what the area looked like before we started.

 The first thing I do when designing a new bed is to draw it out on paper. Next, I use marking paint to draw the outlines of the bed on the ground.

The first section we put in was the seating area. A couple of weeks after this picture was taken we put stepping stones under the table and chairs to make a little patio. This is where I take my breaks while working in the front gardens.

 The first step is to outline the beds with rip-rap. We pick up each piece from the local quarry and then bring them home and put them in place. Next step was to put down weed fabric in the bed where the shrubs were planted. The round bed you see was planted with Sage, Veronica, Coneflowers, Phlox, Daylilies and I threw down some Poppy and Larkspur seeds this Fall. I am anxious to see how they look this spring!

 The picture above and the remaining pictures were taken today. We woke to a light dusting of snow and 14 degrees! I just made this little sign! 

This picture and the next five pictures are phase I of Morrow Park. The shrubs include different varieties of the following:  Spiraea, Carpet Roses, Weigela, Butterfly Bush and Crepe Myrtle. The tree was the second tree we planted (2005) and is a Zelkova Serrata.

 I'm looking forward to spring when I can see the shrubs start to mature a little bit.

I found the double washtub at an antique store. Right now it's planted with violas, but they will be replaced in spring.

The round perennial bed will be pretty when everything starts growing. 

 Along each side of the sitting area are Veronicas, Mums, Gaura, Phlox, Sage and Violas. I will plant new annuals in spring.

 Our main water line runs under this little area, so I decided to plant in pots only. These will be filled with annuals in spring.

 

 This little area is also on the water line, so it is only planted with annuals. I planted Poppy and Larkspur seeds in Fall, so they should look wonderful in spring!

Now, any of my gardening friends will tell you that I'm always changing my gardens. Even though initially I was only going to have shrubs in Morrow Park, phase I, I have decided I MUST have more flowers, so I will add beds along the paths so that more flowers can be planted.

The picture above and the one below are phase II. Phase II was started in October, 2012. So far the shrubs include: Pearlbush, Abelia, Fothergilla and Weigela, but more will be planted. The square you see is going to be something VERY SPECIAL!!!  It will be completed in spring and I can't wait to show it to you!

  

 You can see the small beds on each side which will be planted with annuals.

 

 These last two pictures are the final phase. Phase III was started in December 2012. So far there are only two shrubs planted, a Deutzia and a Hydrangea. More will be planted in spring...we just ran out of planting time!  We will add screened topsoil and lots of compost to the soil area you see and then it will be planted with annuals (seeds) and perennials.  We placed the path right over the main water line.

 

 Right now you can see that the path ends in a little circle. I've changed my mind (again) and will bring the path towards the rip-rap so there are two entrances. 

So, these are a few of the projects we will be doing in spring. I will update you with posts along the way to show you our progress. I think it's going to look awesome when it's done!

Happy Gardening!

Words and Photos Property of Christy's Cottage Wildlife Garden.