Creating My Secret garden in the suburbs

Danova Pink Bicolor primroses in the Spring garden for newsletter
Helleborus 'Madame Lemonnier' blooming in my garden on March 21, 2023
words made from leaves from my garden

Background

  • Located in South-East lower Michigan, USA
  • USDA Zone 6a (I treat it like Zone 5 due to cold winters)
  • Started in 1993
  • Lots of deer pressure
  • Moderately wet in Spring (March-May)
  • Typically dry and hot during the summer (July-August)
  • Majority of property is partial-shade, shade

a Garden for All seasons

Spring

The Spring growing season is unpredictable in Michigan. Spring in my garden is greeted with hellebores, daffodils, trout lilies, and snow drops. The blooms on the Forest Pansy red buds are always a highlight of the season.

Summer

By mid June, my garden is coming into its own. The summer months are filled with Annabelle hydrangeas, Japanese maples, phlox, and biennials like Rose Campion (Lychnis Atrosanguinea).

Autumn

As the growing season winds down, the Japanese anemones bloom in shades of pink and white. The Annabelle hydrangeas have turned bright green and the leaves change colors. My garden takes on a golden glow in Autumn.

Winter

Evergreens are the focus of the Winter garden. Even under a blanket of snow, the garden still looks inviting. It’s filled with cedar, boxwood, and yews to provide structure while the garden sleeps.