Cottage Garden Tour With Lady Butterbug Apkmusk

For the past 17 years, Karla has lovingly lived in this home cultivating this cottage garden. As a teacher, she understood the value of resourcefulness, meticulously adding one section at a time. Her journey began by crafting pathways and cozy seating areas, carefully considering the hardscape elements. Once these areas were established she began planting gorgeous ground cover and shade friendly blooms under her beautiful established trees that I bet have been here for over a century.

FRONT LAWN

Karla’s front lawn is no ordinary yard with just grass and a few plants close to the house. It’s a full shade garden that’s full of lush healthy plants. She has a sign at the front that welcomes people to enjoy a walk through the garden at their own leisure. She said this is why it’s challenging for her to cut flowers because she wants them outside for guests to enjoy rather than bringing them inside.

One of my favorite features here are the huge ferns hanging from the trees! In the tour she shares they’re on drip irrigation making sure they’re perfectly cared for.

BIKES IN THE FENCE

Karla was inspired by a store called “Sir Wigglesworth” that she once used to shop. It’s no longer open but she held onto this inspiration and used it in her own year. On the left side they’re simply between then fence and on the right side they’re hanging from green house hoops. There’s so much whimsy with this display.

FAVORITE PLANTS

Dragon Wing Begonias are one of Karla’s favorite blooms for her garden. She shared that she orders over 60 every year between all 3 gardens that she maintains. They’re absolutely stunning. She also mentioned Torenia as one of her new favorite perennials. They come in many colors including white and purple. If you’re looking for flowers that thrive in shade these are your ticket.

She also mentioned she’s a hydrangea hoarder! I don’t blame her because they’re my favorite too. She shares that she prefers Proven Winners when she picks hydrangeas as she’s had the most success with them. She had so many big blooms in her yard so clearly she choses right. She also shared salvias as another favorite annual. They also add a lot of whimsy to the garden.

She also mentioned that the roses are doing great this year because the Christmas freeze. Roses do great after cold. I had no idea until Karla shared.

Apkmusk