grow a beautiful garden

I need to start with some fencing this winter/spring. Then I plan to work on the front yard first. I received a newletter from the county that includes an order form for some native species of trees and shrubs. I need to get it completed and sent out. I would love to plant some native dogwoods, spirea, Port Orford Cedar, and find a vine maple to transplant into the front yard. My native/japanese garden may actually happen!

What I envision is a japanese style garden in front, using native plants. Instead of a japanese maple I will use a vine maple, native azaleas, etc. The back of the house will be a cottage garden with herbs, vegetables and flowers (some for cutting and bringing in to the house). The problem has been the lack of fencing and a very overcrowded deer population. I had the front yard planted at one time, and decided to share it with the critters. The only things left are the lavenders and the bulbs, neither of which deer will eat. I’ll look in my book collection (japanese gardening, native plants, etc) and design this winter. If I don’t complete the goal this year due to nursing school and lack of fencing, I will carry it over to next year when I should have more time.