Dodie’s Alabama Garden

Bringing a once-neglected garden to life

My name is Dodie . I ’ve been gardening in northern Alabama for 15 years . Oururban propertyis in a historic neighborhood in Decatur . It had a marvelous backbone of plantings created by owners of the home in the mid-80s . We moved to endearing Zone 7b in 2008 from Zone 9 ( Houston area ) , and I have absolutely reveled in it !

Even though the garden had been miss for years , the Japanesemagnolias(Magnolia liliflora , Zones 5–8),star magnolias(Magnolia stellata , Zones 4–9),oakleaf hydrangeas(Hydrangea quercifolia , Zones 5–9 ) , nativedogwood(Cornus florida , Zones 5–9 ) , American boxwoods(Buxussempervirens , Zones 5–8),Magnolia grandiflora , andbigleaf magnolia(Magnolia macrophylla , Zones 5–8 ) were in beneficial configuration and offer the inhalation and social structure for our garden renovation . The former owners had also planted a ligustrumhedgealong two side of the fence in the backyard , which had grow into humble trees over the year . They created a perfect canopy for azaleas(Rhododendron‘Pink Ruffle ’ and ‘ George Tabor ’ , Zones 7–10 ) , which were planted the year after we moved into the house .

The gardens have been a continuous study in progression . They are my playground , my gym , and mysanctuary . Last year we eliminated the little bit of lawn that was left in the back , enlarging beds and create a brick sidewalk , bubble rock ‘n’ roll , stone bench , and flaccid lighting throughout the garden . We also upcut three arborvitae ‘ Green Giant’(Thuja‘Green Giant ’ , Zones 5–9 ) , which result in plenty of elbow room for new shade plants . I addedhosta(Hosta‘Golden Tiara ’ , Zones 3–8 ) and heuchera(Heuchera‘Dale ’s Strain ’ , ‘ Catching Fire ’ , and ‘ Carnival Rose Granita ’ , Zone 4 – 7 ) . In the sunlight areas , I addedBaptisia‘Blueberry Sundae ’ ( Zone 4 – 9 ) , oriental lilies(Lilium‘Casa Blanca ’ , ‘ Stargazer ’ , and ‘ Presidente ’ , Zones 4–9 ) to the existing mix of pink Knock Out roses(Rosa‘Pink Knock Out ’ , Zones 5–9 ) , ‘ Rose Glow ’ barberry(Berberisthunbergii‘Rose Glow ’ , Zones 4–8 ) , daylilies(Hemerocallisfulva‘Keanso ’ , Zones 3–9),tall garden phlox(Phlox paniculata , Zones 4–8 ) , and sweetspire(Itea‘Little Henry ’ , Zones 5–9 ) . I get laid the explosion of pinks and oranges in former summer ! Canna lilies ‘ Australia’(Canna‘Australia ’ , Zones 7–10 or as a tender light bulb ) are like purplish exclamation points in the gay distance .

Two photograph show an overview of the garden in wintertime . The other photos show mostly view of mid - to - late spring and early summertime . I ca n’t expect to see how much the newfangled plants have uprise . Hopefully the genus Funka and heucheras will fill in the bare space . My goal this year is to add together late - summer perennials that will keep the color coming throughJulyandAugustand to find a low - grow perennial to butt against the layer and replace the whiteimpatiensI plant last class . I know that no matter what I plant it will not mate what ’s in my brainpower , so I always have something new to work on ! Happy springiness y’ all ! !

give bloom from azaleas andtulips

Overview of the back garden inearly spring , with magnolias just coming into bloom

Bigleaf magnolia in bloom

This is the garden in early spring , but lots of beautiful trees andevergreenskeep it full of pastime all class .

An blowup of colouring in summer from daylily , phlox , lilies , rosebush , and more

New plantings square off in and already face capital

Another view of the newfangled plantings in theirspring bloom

Have exposure to portion out ? We ’d love to see your garden , a finical collecting of plants you love , or a terrific garden you had the prospect to shoot the breeze !

To accede , send 5 - 10 photos to[email protected]along with some entropy about the industrial plant in the pic and where you took the pic . We ’d have it away to hear where you are located , how long you ’ve been garden , successes you are proud of , failure you learned from , hopes for the future , favorite plant life , or funny story from your garden .

Have a wandering sound ? Tag your photos onFacebook , InstagramorTwitterwith # FineGardening !

Do you receive the GPOD by email yet?Sign up here .

ok Gardening urge Products

SHOWA Atlas 370B Nitrile Palm Coating Gloves , Black , Medium ( Pack of 12 Pairs )

Fine Gardening have a mission for items purchased through links on this site , include Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertizement programme .

ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner

Gardener ’s Log Book from NYBG

Get our latest summit , how - to article , and instructional videos send out to your inbox .

sign you up …

Julie’s Spring Garden in Georgia, Part 1

Renata’s Alabama Garden

Sue’s Front Garden

First Blooms of Early Spring

link up Fine horticulture for a free engaging live webinar featuring Dr. Janna Beckerman , a renowned plant pathologist as well as prof emerita at Purdue University and the ornamentals technical manager …

When I spotted a peculiar sand dollar bill cactus ( Astrophytum asterias ) at the Philadelphia Flower Show a few months ago , I knew I was in bother . With a delightful colour pattern …

When we only prioritize plants we want over flora our landscape needs , each season is fulfill with a never - ending list of chores : pruning , swipe , watering , treating , better , and fertilizing , with …

spring plants and bulbs on both sides of a brick path

Video

Touring an Eco-friendly, Shady Backyard Retreat

You must be thrifty when you embark the backyard of garden designer Jeff Epping — not because you ’re probable to trip on something , but because you might be dive - bomb by a dyad …