Roses and Juniper Rock Gardens

Wide circle driveways don't happen much anymore, but when they do, what do you do with them? Clear out the grass, mound up some soil, and park a few boulders in strategic positions and you've got the perfect spot for an artistic rose garden. Plant some dark green Juniper and a few golden-tipped junipers for background color before adding your roses.

Invite people into your garden with planned paths, safe benches (protective distance from pokey thorns), and a shade providing arbor. A garden structure can be as formal or rustic as you please, make your choice, and design what suits your style. Personally, I prefer rustic structures, so mine sports rough hewn pine lodge poles and leather lashings.

Cedar chips and lava rock provides moisture retaining mulch for the area. Low growing juniper and an occasional spot of Shasta daisies around the edge of the drive provide additional color and flora. A gazing ball nestled near the path, and bird feeders, add life to the garden without intruding. A birdbath near the center offers a restful trickle of water for those quiet afternoon siestas on a bench nestled into a cove of tall growing juniper.

No circle driveway available for this garden design? Find a corner of your yard, or create an island oasis for roses in the middle of a broad expanse of lawn. For more definition, rough-cut logs, cut to different lengths can be buried around the edges, except for the footpaths.

I prefer the rough look of open edges blending out to black top. Specific design details would be best left to the planter of this garden. Each person has their own preferences. I like blending short and tall growing versions of various plants, however, some folks want a more formal appearance.

Jan Verhoeff spends her days as a business consultant, her evenings educating her children, and her weekends playing in the yard. Gardening is a favorite pastime, but one she has few moments to enjoy, so they must be treasured. Visit her web log at http://coffeeclatter.blogspot.com to find more interests you might share. You may contact her at janverhoeff@yahoo.com

---

Moss on Lawns

Just about right now, we start to see moss on... Read More

Suet Facts and Tips

If you are like many people, backyard birding is a... Read More

10 Free Gardening Products

One of the pleasurable spin-offs in organic gardening is finding... Read More

Wild Flower Garden - Make Amends...Your Plants Will Love It

A wild flower garden, just like any garden you wish... Read More

Backyard Ponds

Backyard ponds are a great source of fun and enjoyment.... Read More

Oregano: Joy of the Mountain

Known as "joy of the mountain," Origanum vulgare is commonly... Read More

Sunflowers

Hi there,I am Jhon Saunders and recently took up gardening... Read More

Garden for Birds #3

Well, another week is passing us by.I want to thank... Read More

How to Buy a Porch Swing

The Porch Swing is enjoying a surge in popularity thanks... Read More

Guide to Basic Lawn Mower Maintenance

Trying to start your lawn mower after a long winter... Read More

Seeds and More Seeds...What Your Garden Needs

Seeds are the most important ingredient in all gardening. Without... Read More

7 Factors Needed for a Compost Pile

Compost, made from decomposed grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and branches,... Read More

How to Grow Strawberries

In addition to the traditional strawberry patch, there are as... Read More

Hummingbirds ? Attracting Those Little Flying Powerhouses

It's early in May a beautiful fairly warm day so... Read More

Funniest Pond Stories-Part 1, May 2004

Get ready for some gut-wrenching, laugh out loud hilarious pond... Read More

Release Some Tension...Spend Some Time In Your Garden

Gardening can be one of the most rewarding and relaxing... Read More

Science Cant Explain Everything!

You will know that if you have spent at least... Read More

Tractors and Their History

I recently bought a small tractor for my garden, which... Read More

How To Find Cheap Flower Delivery In Your Area

As humans, we are always on the lookout for a... Read More

The Garden As Healer

The word for 'paradise' comes from the Persian word for... Read More

Beauty With Indigenous Species

A garden a serves a man's every day need for... Read More

Planting Bare Root Roses

Before planting, the plants must be prepared. The following suggestions... Read More

Wildlife in Winter Ponds

This may seem contradictory, but you want to leave a... Read More

Turn Your Patio Into A Voluminous Vegetable Garden

My first apartment was a second-story condo in an urban... Read More

Liner Ponds versus Folding Preformed Ponds

IntroductionSo you've decided to build your very own backyard water... Read More

Are My Grapes Ready to Harvest?

This is the time of the year that I keep... Read More

Teak Furniture - The Proper Way to Care For & Clean It

Teak furniture is tropical hardwood that has a rich, golden... Read More

The Sundial - Garden Ornament or Exotic Timepiece?

Most of us regard a sundial as an attractive ornament... Read More

Hydroponics Gardening - An Introduction To Hydroponics Gardening For Beginners (Part 2) Plant Needs

THE BASICS OF HYDROPONICS.What Do Your Plants Need?All plants need... Read More

Bedding Plants and Plugs (small plants)

It is not difficult to grow bedding plants from seeds,... Read More

Wooden Greenhouses

An important addition to any British back garden, the greenhouse... Read More

Teak Patio Furniture Is The Perfect Choice For Your Terrace

You have spent hours of time and quite a lot... Read More

Homemade Hummingbird Nectar

HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR RECIPEWe love hummingbirds and love to watch them... Read More