The bones hold the body in place.

Our garden has several defining elements that govern how the garden looks all year long.  At the back of the yard, along the property line, are several Leyland Cypress trees that are at least a dozen years old.  They serve as both background and barrier, effectively blocking out the view of the houses behind us, giving privacy to both us and our neighbors. 

 At one side of the Cypress is our “path to nowhere”.   It’s a short path leading from the central part of the garden through a small arbor.  After passing under the arbor, there is a concrete pad with a compost bin, but that’s as far as it goes.  The arbor, wedged between the Cypress and a Japanese Cherry, defines that corner of the garden.  It also makes the garden appear larger by suggesting that there’s more.  I love to hear people say, “Where does that go?”  Nowhere.

Down one side of the garden is a series of privacy fence,  rose trellis and shrubs, all lending privacy and defining the space.  The opposite side has three Japanese Dogswoods, interspaced with hollies, for the same effect. 

The center is a circular “patio” with a series of paths (3) leading to it.  It’s rough stone with moss growing between the stones.  A two foot high stone wall follows part of that central “patio”. 

Attached to the house is a long arbor that supports Carolina Jasimine (or Jessamine).

These things define the space.  They suggest, even in the dead of winter, a lush, green garden.  You don’t have to imagine a garden while standing here in the throes of winter.  It’s already here.  You can see it.  All that’s missing are the colors and smells.  And thanks to the evergreen aspects (Cypress, Jasimine, Holly), we still have privacy, color and shelter and food for the birds.  

Those are our bones.  Tell us about yours.

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