Day 18--More Stalking and Inspiration

"People are turning to their gardens not to consume but to actively create, not to escape from reality but to observe it closely. In doing this they experience the connectedness of creation and the profoundest sources of being. That the world we live in and the activity of making it are one seamless whole is something that we may occasionally glimpse. In the garden, we know." -Carol Williams, Bringing a Garden to Life

While walking in downtown Weaverville yesterday, I met an avid gardener named Sue who invited us into their garden, Laughing Crow. After my disparaging comments on crows awhile back, I thought it interesting that she had such a different take on these birds. They are definitely hard-core lovers of nature though--she even welcomes the yellow jackets because "they are mighty hunters that keep the caterpillars down."

Sue graciously invited Rose and I to explore, so of course, we did! It was an enchanting place to spend time on a hot August afternoon. Their garden is the most extensive and well-thought out private garden I've ever seen--so many paths, private corners, benches, and bed upon bed of plants.

When they first bought the property the land was full of fill dirt from various dumpings, so their soil quality varies greatly. Reclaiming this land and transforming the property has been both the work and play of their retirement. All of the landscaping is their own creation, Over a period of eight years, they've established a strong core of shrubs and perennials, then layered in annuals and tropicals for color. Maintaining the garden is a full-time passion for both husband and wife. Sue is the master visionary, plant selector and weeder, while Dave manages the watering, edging, and infrastructure.

Dave is a retired engineer with a mathematical approach to the watering. He maintains a flow chart of the sprinkler activity and assesses the actual accumulated watering with dishpans! His love for the mechanical and rusty is woven throughout the garden. Their birdhouse sits on an old drilling screw and rusty chains are tucked here and there. He's also built the railings, an arbor for the swing, and even a greenhouse in their basement. Sue commented that they are good separately but amazing together. What a testimony to the beauty of two people working together and using their individual strengths to create something grander.

While talking about different approaches, Sue observed that there are many levels of gardening. She said she's grateful to anyone who bothers to plant a flower--even if it's just a single petunia in a pot: "Anything that anyone does to make the world more beautiful I'm grateful for..." Although their gardening is demanding, she considers the work to be play because it brings such joy. If people find something they are passionate about, she believes that the boundaries of work and play can merge and disappear.

She pointed out that their garden is a "certified wildlife habitat,"a phrase I had run across multiple times on garden signs throughout the area. What's required? The garden must be organic, without the use of pesticides, and provide food, water, cover, and places for animals to raise their young. Their landscape attracts many types of animals--the birds and bees especially, but also rabbits, chipmunks, occasional bear, and a groundhog who has recently taken up residence near her rose bush: "Groundhogs are very tidy creatures. He's created a very neat hole." Sue told me they can tunnel up to twenty feet underground and need to because they fully hibernate in the winter and need a safe place from enemies.

Rose inquired if they have cats after noticing their many cat ornaments. They do have four cats, but they are entirely indoor cats because of the conflict their presence would create with the birds. Although some of the wildlife nibble on her plants, she said their impact is minimal. But, Sue said she doesn't grow vegetables to maintain the peace. She feels that it might turn her against some of the animals if they started eating her vegetables in earnest!

They named the garden "laughing crow" because she believes crows are clever and funny. Sometimes when they sit in the trees and talk to each other, their sound is like laughter.

I was particularly taken with her shrubs, especially the hydrangeas. They make me long to include more bushes and perennials in our garden. Sue has a fantastic eye for leaf shape, size, texture, and hue.

Their garden is a pleasure to wander through with the carefully planned and maintained paths. The many benches and thoughtful ornamentations along the way are invitations to rest and contemplate. She insists that every garden should offer a place for respite from the hard work of gardening. Along those lines, she shared this adage: "The best type of fertilizer for a garden is the gardener's shadow."

Sue's garden shed--love the way the yellow details bring a splash of color in the shade.

I'm thankful for people like Sue and Dave who think carefully about their surroundings and cultivate their beauty. She's given me vision for the future and a desire to boldly dig up more ground.

Spider plant with a splash of begonias.

Hydrangea paniculata--fast growing, loves sun, late summer bloomer

Hostas--along with some of Dave's rusty finds.

I envy her crisp garden edges--an effect Dave achieves by turning the weed-eater sideways. Wish I could teach my Dave that trick--our "edges" are a mess!