Hello gpoders!
Last year we were first introduced to Kim Arkand’s garden in Rhode Island (check out the four-year “Pandemic Gardens” submissions on Rhode Island). As the title suggests, the Garden was the fourth season and was already looking good. A year later, beauty continues to grow. In today’s submission, Kim included gorgeous photos from this year’s growing season, as well as some interesting “previous” photos that highlight the range of conversions.
Our garden is in its fifth year in Zone 6b, Rhode Island. There were some erosion issues from rather deep tints, acidic soil, rocky areas, and our location on the hills, and my husband John and I had a long learning curve (and have forever as it is gardening life). During the winter, there was drought and deep cold temperatures, which left me with more plants than I had hoped. However, it was a very wet late spring, and the area was rebounded from drought, and the gardens were filled out quite a bit. As you would expect in this type of garden, we have had the best luck with hydrangeas, hostas, Japanese maple, pomegranates, boxwood, astilbe, lamium and more. I’d like to put the plants into some of the sky spots, add some ground cover and try as many native plants as possible. And of course, you can’t have too many hydrangeas in New England! Let’s take a look at the progress/changes of the different rooms.
The view of our garden entrance is an area along the walls of HH. It is a hosta and hydrangea under the wooden canopy.
Next is a close-up of the pond. I think it’s much more difficult to photograph your garden than the gardening itself. The photos don’t look as good as they feel.
And here is that space during the construction process. A few plants have now transformed this horn into a lush heaven of tranquility.
Then, on the rear right, there is a deep shaded garden in the form of a keyhole. Hosta flourished there and really expanded this year.
Back in 2020, this section of the garden began as a palette of very different plants before Kim decided that she was the best option for this suspicious corner.
Next is the back fence wall that connects the deep shade area to the secret garden.
We included multiple shots in and around the inside patio area of the secret garden.
And you can see how much the plants have grown – the same area of Kim’s Secret Garden in 2020.
Most mornings I’m in a secret garden. After drinking coffee, deadheads, water, fuss, and just snakes with fun. It’s my favorite place. The flowers work well there as it gets more sun than most of the rest of the garden.
Finally, a view from the patio introducing Kim’s secret paradise. With the various hydrangeas planted in both the ground and the container, Kim gave the gorgeous variety of flower colour by controlling the soil pH and aluminum levels. Shady gardens mean a lot of planting obstacles, but that allowed Kim to create a variety of garden rooms that could still fit together.
Thank you for this incredible update in your garden and for the “previous” photos that provide more insight into your hard work and planting process. It’s always exciting to see the visions gardeners have for the space, and watch that vision unfold with each new growth season.
Are there any photos before and after photos of your garden? Whether you recently started your garden from scratch, like Kim and her husband, or you changed every corner of your landscape last spring, we want to see your garden makeover. Follow the instructions below to send a photo by email or DM via Instagram: @girlherdogandtheroad.
We want to see your garden!
Do you have any photos to share? We want to see your garden, a collection of specific plants you love, or an amazing garden that you have had the opportunity to visit!
To send, send 5-10 photos (Email protection) With information about the plants in the photo and the location where the photos were taken. We want to hear where you are, the time you garden, the successes you are proud of, the mistakes you have learned, hopes for the future, your favorite plants, or interesting stories from your garden.
Do you have a mobile phone? Tag your photos with #finegardening on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
Do you still receive your GPOD by email? Sign up here
Recommended fine gardening products
Corona® Multipurpose Metal Mini Garden Shovel
Fine Gardening receives commissions for items purchased through links on this site, such as Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Longer Service Life: This round small shovel blade is made of carbon steel, which can effectively improve the hardness by high temperature quenching, and the surface has an anti-last coating to avoid rust. It does not bend or deform during the course of use when encountering hard objects. Sturdy Construction: Dhandle, a small garden shovel with ergonomic grip, can increase hand grip when used. Quick Excavation: The well-made excavator has a sharp blade, and the round shovel head is designed to easily penetrate the soil and increase work efficiency while digging.
Ho -Mi Digger – Korean Triangle Blade
Fine Gardening receives commissions for items purchased through links on this site, such as Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Versatile Tool: Easy Digging Korean Triangle Blade Ho mi ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and drilling in home and garden environments. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape makes soil penetration easier and allows for efficient leveling of garden beds and landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Made from sturdy materials, this tool guarantees long-term performance and reliability. Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a safe grip and reduces hand fatigue during long periods of use. Compact size: Its compact design allows it to be maneuvered in tight spaces and stored when not in use.
