This space, in an historic area of Jamaica Plain, contained ivy, some hosta, a few bleeding hearts and not much else.  The homeowners were ready to make a change. The garden’s location behind the home, under the shelter of very large hemlocks gave it a very quiet, almost magical feel.  We decided it was a perfect spot for a secret garden – a private place to relax after a long day. Our design would make use of shade loving plants in varying textures. We also used a green and white palette to keep the mood relaxed.

     After removing some sickly arborvitae we incorporated plenty of compost into the soil. We re-positioned a bench and moved some stepping stones to define a natural resting place.  Rhododendron maximum were planted along the back fence to provide more privacy from the neighbors. We added many different shade loving perennials with bloom times coordinated so that there was something flowering from April though September. Because bloom color was white we relied heavily on texture to provide interest. Bold hosta was contrasted with dainty corydalis ochroleuca; large leaved rodgersia was planted near a bed of delicate ferns.

     When we finished the garden we enjoyed a glass of ice tea on the garden bench and decided that it was a place we’d be happy to sit for a while. Happily, the homeowners feel the same way.