Sunday, March 05, 2006
The Hidden Garden: Myth And Reality
The hidden garden: a phrase that evokes a sense of mystery and romance, with a charming garden secluded behind shrub and fence in order to conceal its beauty until the visitor enters its weathered entry gate, and stands transfixed in the glory hidden there. The reality here in Iowa is a little more prosaic and practical. If you came down our driveway, you'd never know a gardener dwells here; you could even explore the front, back, and side yards and be clueless (you also might have a few contusions from exploring the side yard, as it drops off rather precipitously into a ravine). Our garden is hidden behind evergreen hedges and a six foot fence, with five gates that provide entry (three are shown here). While this does lend some charm, and seclusion to the garden, the real reason for this concealment is not aesthetic; rather, it's a matter of survival, for this valley is some form of deer heaven, with wooded ravines, water, and no hunters. I always chuckle when I read articles about deer-proof gardening, as the deer around here seem not to realize they are not supposed to eat things like spruce, yews, and leaves that are fuzzy or scented. So, come with me to our hidden garden, walking downhill to a enter a rustic wooden gateway... just don't mind the deer peacefully munching the grass in our back yard.
// posted by IBOY @ 7:52 AM 
