Small Space Gardening

Have no yard but want to garden - no problem. I love to garden but in essence we have no large ground space available to us- not to worry as small spaces can be just as effective and transformative as large spaces - in fact I prefer them.  Many Europeans (Holland for me was a gardening revelation) have small plots in which to garden and I find their gardens inspiring. 

Most of my gardening is done with container pots but we do have two small plots of ground that I use for my bulbs, perennials as well as annuals. In the back yard the “garden” measures a mere 23  x 23 inches,  I have planted tulip bulbs, tall phlox and there is a pink flower (that somehow got in there and I have no clue what it is) all make their lovely appearance known in early Spring. Once the tulips have had their run, I’ll plant that area with annuals such as wave petunias  

Our front garden plot measures 35 by 83 inches. Each year I plant tulip, grape hyacinth and daffodil bulbs as well as some creeping phlox. Interspersed among the bulb plants are the hostas which are now just breaking ground  - daily unfurling their tightly folded  deep-green leaves like some hidden treasure - they make great ground cover plantings and come in a variety of green colors, some solid and some variegated.  Other perennials are also making an appearance such as the wild geraniums. Once the hostas are done revealing themselves it’s time to plant annuals to fill in the space - pink & white impatience, blood-red geraniums, purple salvia.

It is a pleasure to walk out every single day beginning in March/April to see the emergence of buds, the sprouting, the colors changing. I’m already thinking about what bulbs to buy for planting in the Fall for next Spring.

What influenced my interest in gardening:

·        -My Mother’s row of tall red tulips in front of our white fence and black lamppost

·        -May Sarton’s memoir, “The House by the Sea” given to me by my friend Cici back in my mid-twenties

·        - Living briefly in Amsterdam

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Recommended reading:

Container Gardening: the complete practical guide to container gardening, indoors and outdoors By: Stephanie Donaldson & Peter McHoy

 The House by the Sea by May Sarton

Best buys for flowers and containers: 
TJ Maxx on Henderson Road for inexpensive and unusual pots and containers.

·         Marc’s grocery store on Henderson Road: Best prices on annuals, they do have some perennials but is limited - check their stock frequently throughout April and May - have had great luck with their flowers - always hardy and healthy.

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