Garden of the Month: June 2020

Near Hunter Park

There is a spectacular garden near Hunter Park that is the Ashland Garden Club’s Garden of the Month for June.  The residents have lived there for 40 years, and had done smaller renovations in the past.

The owners re-landscaped about three years ago after they incorporated the back of another property nearby.  The property boundary was legally redrawn at that time.  The result is a very large garden, especially for the neighborhood.

Laurie Sager, Solid Ground Landscaping, and Tim Ferguson did the work in 2017.  The workmanship throughout the property is exquisite:  The metal and wood work of fencing and gates, the concrete retaining walls, and the gorgeous stone walkways and patios are impeccable.  The deep red color of the metal is unexpected and just right.

An unusual feature is a geometric pattern of concrete pavers beneath a Japanese maple tree surrounded by “Brass Buttons” ground cover.  A charming blue star creeper surrounds stone pavers in the front.

A large Liriodendron (tulip tree) dominates the front yard and a Douglas fir shades portions of the back.  Most of the mature rhododendrons are holdovers from earlier gardens here.  Ornamental grasses are placed judiciously, particularly in front.  Peonies are featured in front and back.  A wonderfully diverse selection of plants are perfectly placed throughout the yard.

Article by: Ruth Sloan, AGC Member

Photos by: Larry Rosengren.