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Monday, August 19, 2013

Garden Before and After

Last week I mentioned I'd share the new garden area that I planted this year. I wanted to add more flowers to the side of the house, reduce the lawn a little more and add an arbor.

This is the arbor in the early spring before the garden was planted around it.


Before

This is the new addition and as you can see it is quite a difference.
This is the view coming from the front of the house.

After
 If you go to the backyard and round the corner you get a different view, both pretty I think.


The larger hydrangeas were planted on a previous garden improvement project. 





One the right side I added Pink Diamond Hydrangeas, delphinium, daisies, coneflowers, petunias, snapdragons and alyssum. On the left side I planted more Endless Summer Hydrangeas, astilbe, violas and lobelia. The arbor will hold a climbing rose and clematis.



I like rabbits and have them in several spots in the garden. This guy looks a little grumpy, how could he be grumpy among all theses flowers?




This is the climbing rose called Angel Face. I've managed to get a few blooms, my nemesis the deer have been eating them. I love the soft pink color, they are fragrant and smell wonderful.



I like the combination of hydrangeas and astilbe.







 I think it is hard to take photos of the expanded view of the garden. You are fighting sunlight or shade, making it difficult to capture the true beauty. The area is really prettier than I have been able to capture. Anyway, I look forward to next year and having the new garden area fill in a little more.

A big thanks to Kathryn at Make It Pretty Monday for featuring our garden from last week!


Linking to this week:

Amaze Me Monday



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49 comments:

  1. Uniquely EllaAugust 19, 2013 at 12:21 PM

    OMG can you say heaven. Your garden is gorgeous. Love your flower beads. My favorites are your pink Hydrangeas, can't grow them in Miami. But I did planted 4 in my sister's garden in Alabama last year. I think the acid in the soil makes them pink?? Hope hers are pink. Your trellis is gorgeous now, I can only imagine with the roses. God has blessed your garden, what a pleasure, and your work paid off.
    xxx
    Marlene

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  2. MadeliefAugust 19, 2013 at 1:04 PM

    Hi Laura,

    What a beautiful garden you have! I like the way you changed your garden, creating rooms. The flowers you chose are very pretty!

    Madelief x

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  3. JeanieAugust 19, 2013 at 1:08 PM

    Dazzling gorgeous! I can't believe all this happened in a year -- adore hydrangeas, but I've never seen them grow so fast! What a sweet-smelling haven you must have out there!

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  4. Katherines CornerAugust 19, 2013 at 1:19 PM

    gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!Wow you have some powerful soil! thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things hop. Big Hugs and Happy Monday!

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  5. Red Rose AlleyAugust 19, 2013 at 1:53 PM

    Laura,
    I think that's one of the prettiest pink roses I've seen. Your garden is so charming. I love the little rabbit amongst all the pink flowers.

    I think I could sit and dream awhile in your back yard.

    Love,
    ~Sheri

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  6. Red Rose AlleyAugust 19, 2013 at 1:55 PM

    Laura,
    I also wanted to tell you that it looks like you've worked very hard on your garden area to make it what it is today. Your hard work has paid off, because it truly is a beautiful area.

    Love,
    ~Sheri

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  7. DawnAugust 19, 2013 at 2:55 PM

    Wow it sure did fill in nicely. Looks like a lot of work but well worth it. Everything is beautiful

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  8. Jacqueline~Cabin and CottageAugust 19, 2013 at 3:41 PM

    Now I call this a success story! Simply gorgeous! Really gave me a lift!

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  9. AnonymousAugust 19, 2013 at 6:24 PM

    Your yard/arbor are gorgeous. I love the colors you feature. Have a wonderful week.

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  10. eileeninmdAugust 19, 2013 at 7:13 PM

    I have to say WOW! I love the makeover with the arbor and your lovely flowers. The colors are all beautiful and blend well. Your photos are lovely, thanks for sharing.

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  11. NanaDianaAugust 19, 2013 at 7:16 PM

    OMGoodnes, Laura! This is as pretty as anything I have seen anywhere. I could just carry a chair out there with a cup of coffee and a book and just BE! It is absolutely stunning-looks magical! xo Diana

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  12. Jeannie MarieAugust 19, 2013 at 7:17 PM

    It looks so beautiful. To look at it one might think it took years to get it to be so flourishing and full. You have knocked my socks off.

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  13. A Few PenniesAugust 19, 2013 at 7:33 PM

    Amazing! Just so beautiful; your garden talent with flowers and shrubs are breath-taking, gorgeous!

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  14. Laurel StephensAugust 19, 2013 at 7:44 PM

    Your garden is just stunningly beautiful!

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  15. Miss CharAugust 19, 2013 at 8:55 PM

    Just breathtaking Laura, I can only imagine how many hours of work you have into your beautiful gardens. I'm a lover of all things bunnies too.

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  16. Betty August 19, 2013 at 10:20 PM

    Your garden is so lovely and I just adore the rabbit.

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  17. Pinky at Designs by PinkyAugust 19, 2013 at 11:50 PM

    OMGoodness, this is gORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!! I am saving this cause it is my inspiration for here. We just moved here in Oct. so are just starting over with our gardens. We have planted over 60 bushes and 3 trees so far. Your gardens are amazing. Thanks SO much for sharing this. XO, Pinky

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  18. Our photosAugust 20, 2013 at 12:58 AM

    The garden is beautiful, Laura!
    Greetings from, RW & SK

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  19. MindyAugust 20, 2013 at 12:59 AM

    Wow, it looks fantastic!
    What's your astilbe secret? Mine never do much. Do you have them in quite a bit of sun? They're gorgeous!

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  20. Kris YackelAugust 20, 2013 at 3:55 AM

    WOW! You give "green thumb" a whole new meaning! The garden is beautiful, Laura. Very classy, just like everything you do. Love the rabbit also.

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  21. AnnAugust 20, 2013 at 6:16 AM

    Your new garden is amazing! What a beautiful difference it made on that side of the house. Everything filled in so nicely around that simple and elegant arbor. Thank you for sharing, Laura.

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  22. Tammy @ A Walk in the CountrysideAugust 20, 2013 at 8:17 AM

    Your hydrangea's are so beautiful! I just cannot seem to get them to grow well in my yard!

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  23. suzyqAugust 20, 2013 at 10:06 AM

    🌺🌺🌸🌸🌷🌷 just beautiful!! I wish the fairies would come and make my garden look like that !!!
    Suzyq

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  24. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeAugust 20, 2013 at 11:20 AM

    Amazing, your garden is stunning. Great pics too. Thanks for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  25. dizzyizzyAugust 20, 2013 at 12:42 PM

    Your garden is so beautiful. Do you hire out?

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  26. PriscillaAugust 20, 2013 at 3:07 PM

    Hi Laura,

    What side of the house are the hydrangeas planted on?? I think we are in the same garden zone and I have trouble growing hydrangeas. Are they getting morning or afternoon sun?
    Thank you.

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  27. Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLizAugust 21, 2013 at 8:25 AM

    Wow, that looks great for a new garden! Your arbor is a nice accent and you've done a great job on your plants. Perhaps that's Peter Rabbit and Mr. McGregor has locked him out of the garden! Your hydrangeas look awesome!

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  28. SarahAugust 21, 2013 at 11:22 AM

    Laura, the before and after photos say it all. Wow! You certainly have a green thumb and a lovely sense of design. This garden is spectacular. I have several bunnies sitting about in our garden too. My favorite, Peter Rabbit disappeared some years ago. Made me sad, and I still miss him. He had been a gift from one of my first grade students. She had so enjoyed our literature study of Petter Rabbit, that she left Petter Rabbit on my front porch as a surprise. I still have the memory of this thoughtfulness, and that's what is important. '-)
    I agree about taking photos of one's garden. You did a great job of getting wide shots. I don't have much success with such photos.

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  29. TinaAugust 21, 2013 at 1:51 PM

    What a beautiful garden! The blues, pinks and lavender colors are so peaceful and inviting. I could sit there for hours.

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  30. CynthiaAugust 21, 2013 at 2:24 PM

    This is really, really pretty! I love how you mixed the astilbe with the hydrangeas. We're going to be re-planning one of our front garden areas for next year, and I may have to borrow this idea from you!

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  31. StaceyAugust 21, 2013 at 7:37 PM

    Your yard is incredibly beautiful. The trees are so large and the shade is wonderful. It is clear to me that you live somewhere cooler than Texas. :) We have pretty yards too but in a different way.

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  32. SImple and Serene LivingAugust 22, 2013 at 12:02 PM

    How could any rabbit be grumpy in a garden that is so beautiful. I love it all. xo Laura

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  33. Phyllis @Around the HouseAugust 22, 2013 at 1:07 PM

    Could not help becoming a new follower of yours, love your wonderful yard, just the perfect combination of grass and flowers, wow your flowers are beautiful...I will be back again to see more of those beauties...

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  34. Tammy NAugust 22, 2013 at 7:29 PM

    Beautiful new additions to your garden. Can't believe how beautiful your hydrangeas are. I'm jealous. Hydrangeas just don't grow like that in Utah.

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  35. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageAugust 22, 2013 at 7:55 PM

    Oh, how gorgeous! You have a beautiful garden, Laura, from whatever angle you look at it. What a pleasure it must be for you to see this every day. I love the astilbe and hydrangeas together too; breath-taking! Thank you so much for sharing and you are more than welcome to link this up to my HOME party. Have a lovely rest of your week.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  36. Ivy and ElephantsAugust 23, 2013 at 5:42 PM

    SOOOOO beautiful! It's hard to imagine all this grew in such a short time. I love the color choices as well. When the roses cover the arbor, it's going to be even more amazing! Gorgeous!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  37. LoriAugust 23, 2013 at 10:18 PM

    Any secrets on your beautiful hydrangeas we would love to know!!!!Lori

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  38. pinkkandyAugust 24, 2013 at 12:43 AM

    Happy...Happy...Happy Pink Saturday!
    God bless and strengthen you in all things!

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  39. Sherry from AlabamaAugust 24, 2013 at 9:26 AM

    What a lovely place to spend a summer's day! All your hard work certainly paid off.

    Wishing you a Happy Pink Saturday!
    Sherry @ A Happy Valentine

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  40. UnknownAugust 24, 2013 at 10:10 AM

    Soooo beautiful! I have a soft spot for hydrangeas...got one that is not doing well but your beauties make me want to add more!
    Be blessed, Lorena

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  41. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonAugust 25, 2013 at 9:08 PM

    Oh my gosh, what a difference Laura! It is breathtaking! It really gave the area a whole new look. I have a few bunnies in my garden also. I think this guy is just a tad serious. He needs to lighten up. lol! I wish Hydrangeas grew like that here. I love Astilbes in my shade garden! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  42. Judy at GoldCountryCottageAugust 25, 2013 at 9:55 PM

    Laura, this is just beautiful. It sure filled in, in a short amount of time. Your pictures show it off beautifully. I truly love it..Happy Sunday..Judy

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  43. Lady of the WoodsAugust 26, 2013 at 9:36 AM

    I'm over from Rooted in Thyme party and this has just made my morning! I can't stand it! how beautiful it is. that first picture is comical next to the "afters" LOL....hydrangeas are amazing and they combine beautifully with the astilbe and all the rest! Wish I could have such flowers down here. Gorgeous!!!

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  44. LANASeptember 1, 2013 at 4:43 PM

    Wow! What a difference the arbor and plants made! Truly beautiful!

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  45. UnknownSeptember 14, 2013 at 6:55 PM

    Beautiful hydrangeas!!!!!

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  46. greenthumbSeptember 16, 2013 at 2:56 AM

    Hi I have just found your lovely Blog , what a amazing garden you have it is so very pretty.

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  47. In My Wild EdenSeptember 16, 2013 at 10:15 AM

    You are such a talented gardener. Your flowers are so beautiful and your list of what you have planted reminds me how much I love their names. Wonderful!

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  48. ConnieSeptember 17, 2013 at 5:07 PM

    Wow!!! Talk about beuitful, your yard is amazing. You certainly do not live in our area of the country. It takes more humidity than we have to grow a garden so lovely as yours. It is absolutely breath-taking. Do you dry some of your hydrangeas for winter bouquets?
    Thanks for letting we stroll through your garden . . . I truly enjoyed myself.
    Your blogging sister,
    Connie :)

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  49. mariondee-designsNovember 26, 2013 at 1:45 AM

    wow! I love your garden and you did such a beautiful job of mixing the plants. The new arbour area looks so pretty! thanks for visiting me today. take care, maryann

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We would love to hear from you, Laura and Andrea.