Solving a Garden trouble spot!

When Liz of Hoosier Homemade asked me to participate in the Summer blog party she planned, I was quite happy to accept. And, when she shared with me her idea for my assigned Topic, gardening how-to, I knew exactly what I wanted to share with you. Not because I'm this terrific gardener, oh no! Because I'm not!

About all I know about proper gardening is how to enjoy it. Fortunately, I am married to a Brilliant hobby-gardener. He plans, he executes, and Everything he plants thrives, and in most cases, multiplies!

I titled this post Solving a Garden trouble spot because it's exactly what he did... In a Big way! The addition of a koi pond and shade garden in a spot in our back yard that almost never gets any sunshine, and is almost always damp was the perfect solution for a space that was otherwise unusable. Having said that, my husband insists I tell you that there are, No garden trouble spots... Only plants put where they don't belong.

This slight disagreement aside... I would like you share with you what I believe was a trouble spot in our garden solved in a most delightful way.

In this area of our rear Garden behind the house, there are no less than

eight huge trees. Their spring, summer and fall Canopies makes this

a decent place to hang out to Escape the heat; however, the shade

created by the trees makes it next to Impossible to cultivate a lush,

green lawn. So what to do? He suggested a pond. I said no pond!

I just couldn't see it...

But he could. And so, the Pond and

shade garden that would Frame it began

It was quite the project... And, I had absolutely nothing to do with

it. Except to come home every day and Marvel at the progress!

Pretty soon, his Vision came to life and I began

to see exactly what he was so Excited about

With the addition of a deck, this area became More than just a koi pond

and shade garden. It became another Outside room. A place to hang

out and Relax apart from the pool, firepit area and deck off the house

It was at this point I began to see the Error of my ways. And,

when we went Shopping for our first bunch of fish, I was all in!

The fact that the View was improving helped too!

And, it's only gotten Better over time!

With the addition of fish and water plants, our pond was complete

Speaking of plants! While a lawn is a No-no back here... Other plants,

such as Ferns, hostas, creeping jenny and Japanese maples, love it!

An added Bonus of having the pond is all the wild life it attracts

In summer, when the Hostas bloom,

their sweet fragrance fills this area!

I didn't expect so many plants to bloom in this Shady, moist

garden. But the fact is, there is something Blooming from early

spring, right into late Fall. Here is one of my favorites - Toad Lily

It's the perfect compliment to the ferns and hostas that surround it

And speaking of Hostas!

Hostas fascinate me. They disappear completely from the

garden following the first Frost, and return faithfully each

spring to produce these wondrous bouquets of green

Deer love Hostas too! The secret to having both is to

offer the Deer something else besides your hostas!

We offer cracked corn. And plenty of

it, since it's also what the Ducks like!

Of course, it's important to keep Feeding after the hostas go to sleep too!

In winter, the pond shade garden disappears. However, the pond

and trees continue to offer plenty of Visual interest and appeal

Early spring, as things awaken and summer, when things

are at their peak are my Favorite times of year at the pond

But honestly, there isn't a bad time to be at the pond. Even in

a heavy down-pour, the Trees high above act as a natural

umbrella so that we can continue to Enjoy time by the pond

I enjoy that we always have little Visitors!

They come. They eat. They swim, and Nap. Right at our feet!

If you have a shady, moist area in your garden, Hostas are for you!

And of course, a pond too. If you're so inclined...

I assure you... You'll never regret the small initial effort

it takes for such tremendous and Continuous reward

Aside from feeding the Fish and cleaning the

pond filter, this Garden takes care of itself

No weeding. No trimming. All enjoying!

Which is exactly what I like in a garden!

I hope you've enjoyed this Tour of our koi pond and

shade garden. I've certainly Enjoyed having you along!