Master Composter's Garden

The Tims Garden

Enriching the soil and composting are at the heart of this gardenscape. After stripping lawn which this gardener calls, "phony green", she cover-cropped the bare surface for two years to build soil for a "real green" edible landscape for herself and wildlife. Planting began in 2003 with a major work party to establish chipped paths, plant major shrubs and more cover crop. She worked from a design that incorporated her desire for a sustainable, diverse, drought-tolerant garden that would also assure privacy. Since 2004, she added fruit trees, two worm bins and compost stations.

Under cherry trees, the parking strip sports lavender, groundcovers and Yellowtwig Dogwood. Three varieties of clematis curl over the fence and Viburnum graces the fence line. Past the gate, to the left are perennials, hydrangea, daisies and lilies. To the right is the veggie and herb garden--salad greens, berries, espalier apple and Italian plum trees are favored producers. The rose gauntlet rules the northeast corner near the house. Following the path on the left you discover the lavender ring, flanked by Hinoki false cypress; roses and mock orange climb the Celtic Trinity arbor, designed by a friend. Still on the left, past the arbor, strawberry trees and a screen of Cape Fuchsia create privacy. A Paperbark maple holds down the fence line. The brick-lined eating area makes us forget that there is a world beyond these beautiful borders.

A pear tree wends its way up the south side of the house. Opposite is a combination of compost station, berry and rhubarb patch. By the garage, within view from the kitchen, is the holding garden and favorite herbs; a cutting bed lies off the back door. Rounding onto the alley is a rockery with more raspberries and Marion berries and a patch for heat hungry veggies.

Irrigation depends upon rain or ye olde garden hose.

This bountiful garden has entered its teen years with some plants becoming unruly or seeking personal space far from the parent plant. With soil so rich, any rebel will do well.

NOTE: Wheelchair accessibility limited. Chipped paths are narrow.