Saturday, February 4, 2012

The Prettiest Tiny Garden!

Such a pretty bowl of welcoming flowers!
Some of my 'faithful followers' know of my daughter Linda, either through 'Romeo's Wish', or through reading her blog, The Squashed Tomato. As her exceedingly proud mother (don't get me started, else I fear I won't be able to stop myself) I know I am not just biased in her favor. She really is that special and I regularly wish I could sing her praises from the rooftops (she will not allow me to do so and that is why I am so reticent).

Now, before you grab your things and rush away, thinking I'm just another blogger nauseatingly puffed up with maternal pride, please let me reassure you right here and now. This post is not about Linda. It is about her little garden. I was there yesterday and, although I had not taken my camera along, I just could not resist snapping away using my mobile's camera. I do hope that all of you who are 'novice gardeners' or who have teeny tiny plots of your own will be able to glean some lovely ideas from Linda's delightfully pretty, little garden. I am so proud of what she has achieved in her own teeny tiny garden.

See for yourselves...



This woven screen gives her privacy from the cars which park directly beyond this gateway. I really love what she has done to make this an attractive feature in her small front yard.

A narrow little bed filled with perennials each flowering in its own appointed season to add year round interest.

Every gardener deserves a quiet spot from which to enjoy her garden!

It just goes to show that you can effectively incorporate bold leaved plants even in a very small space!

What is a garden without a water feature. This little pond has seven fat, happy goldfish living in it!

In a tiny garden, these elements of whimsy add an element of delightful surprise. Linda tastefully places her 'surprises' in the most appropriate spots.

I helped her start her garden when she became the proud owner of her townhouse in March 2010. I was given strict instructions, "no fussy plants".  She wanted an 'easy-care garden' and has certainly succeeded in achieving this.

The little pond runs continuously and its soothing trickles are incredibly comforting to the ear.

This Pussy Willow is her only tree. It is growing strongly in its pot and adds a lovely shade of green and soft foliage to break the wall beside her pond. Notice the mirror cleverly tucked behind the greenery.

Another corner of her small front garden. 

There are three trellised creepers trained up the three walls enclosing her front yard. They flower gloriously when it's their season,  emitting the most beautiful perfume.

One of two window boxes on either side of her patio door exiting into the front garden. Notice the solar lights that are strategically positioned around this little garden, At night, she has her very own little fairyland.

This is her back yard. It is here that she and her guests gain access to her home. I love this bright splash of color to welcome every arrival!

A healthy Gardenia shrub greets with its heady perfume right outside the backdoor entrance.

A nest of pots and a birdbath add beauty to this corner of the tiny back yard.

Linda has a couple of wall ornaments to add interest to an otherwise monotonous expanse of  back yard wall.

A small wrought ironwork table graces this corner, attractively adorned with a cluster of potted plants. 

Birds are most welcome to stop for a drink in this little Eden.

This little shelf displaying a pretty succulent is strategically placed on the wall above the birdbath.
In case anyone was wondering, this garden tour was entirely unsolicited and unexpected by the homeowner who, at the time I visited, wasn't even present. She was in fact back at my home, taking care of the dogs so that I could attend an appointment in Cape Town. That being said, she had not prepared her garden for this impromptu photo-shoot! What I saw and captured was exactly as I found it. No sprucing or hurried manicuring. It really is just this pretty all the time!  Now do you see one of the many reasons I'm so jolly proud of her?  Should you wish to find out more about her, please feel free to visit her blog or her website

73 comments:

  1. It is such a party to see summer in your garden.....it is freezing here in holland - 22 degrees and we have lots of snow....i want spring now please !!!...love from me......xxx...i miss you...x

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    1. Please don't wish too loudly for spring. I'm not yet ready for our autumn!

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  2. Des you have made my Saturday afternoon as I opened up my lap top and your blog is the first thing I see. I look so forward to any of your posts since they are usually filled with gorgeous photos.
    Now as an added bonus I find out you are at Linda's place which makes this post even more personal. You have every right to be so proud of your beautiful daughter in many ways. Her gardening talent is reminding me of how your beautiful home appears in many posts.
    Her attention to detail is amazing as is your ability to take such great photos with your mobile camera. You haven't disappointed us even once Des.
    Thank you for blessing us with yet another eye pleasing display of South African beauty.

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    1. Thank you for your generous praise, Odie. You have both of us blushing now ;)

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  3. What a wonderful use of space - a small oasis! I like to see what people do with tiny plots and containers. Your daughter must have inherited your green thumb!

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    1. Much appreciated, Barb! I always say no matter how tiny ones available space, the potential is there to make something beautiful!

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  4. It's pretty clear where she gets her talent for gardening from! This is a beautiful array of plants and decorations. Thank you for letting us into her corner of the world.

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  5. Linda is a great blogger and now I also find out that she is a great gardener! thank you for sharing this, you have all the reasons in the world to be proud of her!

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    1. I couldn't agree with you more, Claudia! I love Linda's blog posts

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  6. Linda has done a wonderful job with her garden
    and her plants are amazing and look so healthy.

    I loved having a look at her beautiful spot.

    Thank you for posting the photos.


    xx

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    1. Thank you, Fiona! I know it will please her to hear you enjoyed seeing her garden! She did not know I was doing this post!

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  7. Lovely to see you here Desiree! No wonder you are so proud of your daughter - my goodness me, what an absolutely delightful garden she has created. It really is beautiful, with so many things to draw the eye. The little violas in the hanging basket are my favourite colours. I loved the placed mirror and the little cherubs in amongst the creepers. Sending hugs your way my friend.

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  8. Trzeba być bardzo pomysłowym , żeby na tak małej przestrzeni zrobić tak piękny ogródek. Pozdrawiam. *** One must be very clever to in such a small space to make such a beautiful garden. Yours

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    1. I think one just has to trust ones instincts and not second guess yourself when you create a garden, Giga. Just do what feels right for you and don't get caught up in what the gardening experts say!

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    2. Też tak myślę i pozdrawiam Cię serdecznie. *** I think so too, and I greet you warmly.

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  9. Hi Desiree, I love this little garden. Beautiful colors, and that little frog lying there chillaxing is so cute. It's a really beautiful place your daughter has created. It made me smile seeing it - longing for Spring and warmer weather. Have a lovely weekend my friend! big hugs x

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    1. I smile each time you speak of chillaxing, Eva. Linda uses that expression quite often herself. The frog definitely appealed to her own sense of humour.

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  10. She has used the space in a most delightful way. How precious to have a little oasis of calm and beauty.

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  11. Dear Desiree,
    Yesterday on Elisa's blog was "Fishducky Friday." There she posted an article written by her granddaughter, of whom she was justly proud--just as you are of your daughter and her garden. One of the readers commented, "The acorn doesn't fall far from the tree." And I'd have to say the same about you and your daughter and the ability both of you have to create calm and beauty that brings contentment to the viewer and to anyone sitting under that umbrella and viewing all the lovely works of art amidst the living garden.

    Peace.

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    1. As I said to Linda, while I may have influenced her to begin with, she's doing it all on her own, now. I love seeing her own interpretations unfold.

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  12. it really is a beautiful space! love the water feature. i can tell this is her private space to rejuvenate her soul. :)

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    1. Yes, she does love her garden even though she claims not to be a born gardener! She takes as much pride with the interior of her home as she does outside!

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  13. How lovely!! I especially love her little pool and waterfall with the goldfish!! The wall hangings are great. It is like a little fairyland! :):)

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    1. You are so right, Rita! Using ones available space to maximum effect is a skill you possess in abundance, too!

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  14. No one could fault you for being puffed up with maternal pride, Desiree. I love what Linda has done in her front and back yards. When space is limited go vertical. That's the rule and Linda has demonstrated how effective it can be. Her gardens remind me of those in Key West where tiny patios are enveloped in towering walls of plants and palms that offer shade and solitude. Linda's specimens are immaculate making it hard to believe yours was an impromptu photo shoot. It's comforting to know that you're out and about, dear friend, and a pleasure to see you back here on your blog. Happy Sunday to you!

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    1. Thank you, Tom! As always, your comments are astute and show attention to detail.

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  15. Wow, your daughter's little courtyard garden is just spectacular. The plantings, the added special touches, the pond, the fabulous screen ... I love it all. That hanging basket of Impatiens and Violas, that beautiful potted Gardenina and that window trough of Lobelia and Seaside Daisies are beautiful additions. Your daughter certainly has the touch! Thanks for sharing her wonderful little garden.

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  16. What a sweet little garden your daughter has! She has put so much into it, I just love the cute little touches all round, the pond, the rocks and little figures, the wrought iron accents (especially that shelf). You have every right to be proud! And the plants all look healthy and well-groomed.

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    1. Thank you, Alison. Your comment and observations mean a lot. Being such a dedicated and knowledgable gardener yourself, I know you have an eye for detail.

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  17. Desiree, Thanks for sharing this oasis of color! What a gorgeous garden you and your daughter created in little space. Very creative and beautiful. It must be such a joy to sit among the greenery and soak up the sunshine! I am off to read your daughter's blog!

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    1. I wish I'd had my good camera instead of just my mobile, since I know I have not succeeded in doing full justice to her garden. It really does grab ones attention when you see it in person! Thank you for visiting Linda's blog. I am sure she will appreciate it.

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  18. Sheer delight...you can see just how much her garden is loved! ...she has an awesome blog too and I love her review.
    Happy weekend to you and thanks for stopping by.
    Shel

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    1. Thank you for your sweet comment. I am sure Linda enjoyed reading it, too! I love her writing and think her blog is great.

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  19. Oh, Dearest Desiree,
    You sure are a proud mother as well!!! Woderful, stunning garden she has♡♡♡
    I enjoyed another viewing of splendid beauty of gardening!!! Thank you very much.
    I loved your new background, too.
    Blessing to you from east, xoxo Miyako*

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    1. Yes, Miyako. I am blessed with two outstanding children both grown into remarkably talented, well balanced young adults. I can sit back and observe their personal achievements with quiet pride. Thank you for commenting on the change to my blog. Actually, my son made several improvements to the overall layout and design. I am delighted!

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  20. *blush* Thanks Mom! As everyone so rightly points out... it's your influence all the way! xxx

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    1. It may well have been to begin with, but you've been flying beautifully on your own for quite some time now and it's my turn to learn from you!

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  21. It sure is a beautiful teeny tiny garden.

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    1. It really is a pretty little garden and I always love visiting it, which isn't nearly as often as I'd like. Linda comes through here far more regularly than I am able to go to Cape Town.

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  22. Welcome back Desiree! I've missed you so much. Linda's garden is so inspiring and lovely. I could sit there all day with a good book, some nice music, or in conversation with friends and family. How lovely! I know it takes a lot of imagination, vision and care to create outdoor living spaces such as this patio garden. She's done a fantastic job and I would want to share it too. It was so comforting to see your name in my comments today:) Thank you for being such a wonderful friend!

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  23. It is a bitterly cold day here in Italy so I am staying warm and cosy by the fire and catching up on my blog reading. I will be off to check out your daughters blog and website straight away. I think her garden is so lovely and know where her obvious love of gardening comes from. I have also just added you to my blog roll of favourite blogs, thought you were there already but seems I was wrong!

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    1. Thank you kindly, Lindy! It is lovely to see you here today.

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  24. Desiree, how satisfying it must be to know you have paased down the love of gardening to your daughter. You will cause her so much joy,...I can't think of any occupation more enjoyable then being out in the garden. I saw her succulent in the watering can. If you let her know about it, she might really enjoy my Facebook page Flea Market Gardening. We all love that kind of thing AND we are asking now for photos of 'pocket gardens' You're very welcome to come see. https://www.facebook.com/fleamarketgardening

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    1. Hi Sue! Lovely to have you pop by. I will let Linda know about your link. I am unfortunately not on Facebook.

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  25. She has done a great job with that small patio space. That is incredibly gorgeous. I'd be proud as well. Well done! I used to have a space like that and it was wonderful. It was small lush and exotic with the occassional tarantula. Today that space has quadrupled and it is taking me time to restructure it all. It's a massive project, but your pics of her garden remind me of the gentler and sweeter days of gardening:)

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    1. I am sure Linda will be delighted when she reads your comment. She'd freak out if a tarantula took up residence in her Eden!

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  26. What a pretty garden! I am always interested to see what people do with small spaces - this garden could have been from a magazine spread! You have every right to be proud of your daughter - and I look forward to visiting her blog.

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    1. I know your comment will be much appreciated by Linda. Thank you!

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  27. Those little gardens are just so sweet! You were right to snap the blooms:)

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  28. Some people will find small gardens easier while others see it as a challange. I've never bothered much with my garden, but I'm getting more and more inspired

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    1. A garden gives so much pleasure, Jonker! I do hope you begin to explore your creativity in your own garden :)

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  29. hey there Desiree!! your blog has many changes! it looks & feels nice!

    i LOVE your daughter's little garden area!! so much to see...and enjoy! the waterfall, the pond with fishies...the plants...AND THE TURTLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i love that blue turtle!!

    i have a gardenia bush too...and when it blooms...aaaaaaahh...one of my favorite scents!

    you did a wonderful job helping her plan this space! how beautiful and relaxing!

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    1. I am delighted to see you popped round today, Laura! Thank you for your lovely comment and for being the first to notice that my blog has undergone a radical facelift :)

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  30. Desiree, it looks like Linda has taken after you in the gardening department. Wonderful photo essay of a small but adorable garden. Thanks for sharing her secret spot!

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    1. Hi Eve! I always love finding your comments.

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  31. Your daughter sounds so amazing.

    Thank you for putting my book on your blog. That absolutely made my day. ;)

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    1. It was my pleasure to do so, Elisa!

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    2. My goodness! Who would not be proud of such a garden..it's lovely! Daughters! What would life be without them. All four of mine are treasures! For some reason it is especially wonderful when they share our interests..and yours is certainly gardens! Gorgeous!
      You are doing well, Desiree??

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    3. Wonderful to see you popped by today, Mona. Yes, I am incredibly blessed to have Linda as my daughter. Thank you, yes, I am getting along very much better. The other dogs won't allow me to dwell and add so much laughter to our lives on a daily basis, which has certainly helped to ease the hole we felt when Bonny died. We naturally miss her every day, but I know she had a very good life with us and it was her time to leave us. Big hug xoxo

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  32. Hi Desiree, It was an interesting coincidence to read your post this morning, because amazingly enough, I was thinking about daughters last night as I cleared away the dishes. I only had one child, a son, and often wonder what I missed out by not trying for a daughter. Would I have felt a natural affinity with her because she was a girl? So many similar questions passed through my mind; the answers to which I will never know. I am grateful for the son I do have. That will have to be enough.
    Linda's garden must be a wonderful place to relax after a long day at work. It is obvious that your daughter shares your knack for gardening. There are so many pretty little vignettes in her tiny townhouse garden.

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  33. Des...what a beautiful garden indeed. You have every right to sing loud and strong praises of Linda. You have a lovely and kind and brilliant creative daughter...so find a rooftop and start singing!
    Hugs~

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  34. Hi Desiree, It's been such a long time since I stopped by. I was not disappointed. (I never am!) Your daughter has a beautiful garden. I can see why you want to sing her praises. It's hard to believe it's a tiny garden. Very well done!

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  35. We had gardenia bushes in our yard in Miami. Loved the smell of the flowers!

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  36. Beautiful and delightful! Linda's garden is very inspirational too. A lovely little hideaway. She is lucky enough to have inherited your gardening talents Desiree, as well as expressing her own. You have every right to be bursting with pride.

    Thank you for your very welcome comments while I've been away - I have so appreciated them. It's wonderful to return and pick up where I left off... with great blogfriends such as yourself. Kind regards, Susan xx :D)

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  37. The stone pond is beautiful; the flowers, greenry, grasses, rocks, pots and frogs are artfully placed. I can see why you are so proud of her. No matter how hard I try, my attempts at a small garden by my front door is just plain pitiful so I can appreciate
    Your daughter’s small paradise. kt

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  38. Ohh! What pretty flowers! So nice to see all the green and blossoms as things are just coming to live here in Illinois. I'm excited that I stumbled onto your blog. Can't wait to learn more about life in your part of our world.

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