Not long after we added the fence across the back of the garden, we decided to create a lower maintenance area all along there by planting Yew and Boxwood. We used cardboard circles to estimate mature size and how many shrubs we'd need to buy. The hose is marking the future path. Despite its simplicity, this has turned into one of my favorite features of the garden.
While it's not totally low maintenance, all that's really required is an annual trimming of the shrubs to keep them from getting too big for the space. Mark used to do that job, but our great garden assistant has done it the last few years.
As they were wildly sending out new growth, I decided I would trim them if necessary. But I am so glad I was able to leave it to a pro. Jutta's a horticulturalist and knows her stuff; it is a pleasure to work with her. The huge increase in interest in gardening, however, has limited how much she can work in our garden, as she has a full time nursery job. She managed to come one morning in July and trimmed all the yews in the back garden: 27 of them!
I don't think I ever walk through this part of the garden without running my hands over those tightly curving globes as I sigh with pure pleasure.
Lovely. And how fortunate to have a talented helper even if her time is limited.
Posted by: Barbara H. | Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 08:25 AM
An inspired path! It's great to have people you trust to help with certain of the garden chores.
Posted by: Susie at pbmGarden | Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 09:42 AM
The yews have a sculptural appeal that fits your overall aesthetic nicely.
Posted by: Kris P | Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 01:16 PM
It looks lovely...
Posted by: Gail | Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 07:57 AM
What a great combination of manicured and natural growth. It’s hard to do both in one garden and make it look right. The last photo is like an invitation to stroll down the path.
Posted by: Christine | Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 09:48 AM
CHRISTINE — Thanks for that nice compliment. I think we have so many pruned yew and box because pruned shrubs are used in both Japanese and English gardens. They really help to calm other areas down where a lot is going own. And they really are low maintenance.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 10:47 AM
SUSIE & BARBARA — You are right that it is a real help to find someone to work in the garden that has a hors background. I've tried highschool kids to weed and even that is difficult. They have no clue as to how to work without smashing nearby plants.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 10:48 AM
How fabulous! (the yews and the fact you didn't have to trim them yourself)
Posted by: danger garden | Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 11:47 AM
Very nice, and a great idea. It's awesome to have a lower maintenance area of the garden, and especially fabulous when it looks as lovely as yours does. :)
Posted by: Beth@PlantPostings | Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 02:15 PM