New garden

The pictures don't do it justice and cannot broadcast the pomp and circumstance that I was humming when it was completed, but this garden was a huge endeavor! I originally wanted to plant vegetables, but quickly realized that this section doesn't get enough direct sunlight (and the neighbor clued me in that the former owner had tried unsuccessfully) . The garden was already sectioned off, so I wanted to plant perennials. Hopefully they'll make it through the rough winters and be back next year. With a lot of referrals & advice from more experienced gardeners (thanks, Pam!), I've got: lavender, chives, parsley, Artemisia, 3 different kinds of Seedum, Russian sage, Bleeding Heart, Bee Balm. My mom, Krista & Nathan really helped me bring it home by laying the compost & mulch. It's looking rather sparse now; I think I need some more decorative items against the house.

Shrubbery

Blushing Bride Hydrangea

Miss Kim Dwarf Korean Lilac Tree

Baptisa

Red Wiegela

My co-workers gave us a beautiful shrub as a housewarming gift. I wasn't intending on spending money on landscaping, but then I heard that perennials were 50% off at some local nurseries, so...with lots of advice and strategy from friends and family, I purchased what's shown below. Poor Corey; he willingly agreed to assist but neither of us knew what we were getting into. He managed to saw down to the root base of the first cedar bush, and after a broken shovel and a broken rope (that was tied to the truck), he managed to wrangle it out. Good thing we started early because this endeavor took about 3 hours. Then came the deer/rabbit repellent. I had to saturate the plants for the first time and I nearly vomited up my breakfast. (I cannot even describe how bad it smells; 50x worse than most horrid smell you can imagine). The shrubs looks great, so it was worth the effort! I can't wait to see what they'll look like in a few years. Kelly, I thought of you so I decided to put these in my post!