Garden Walk: Rockford, IL (Post 1)

My mom called to let me know she had found a Garden Walk in Rockford, Illinois.   She lives just over an hour away from Rockford, so I drove up to meet her.  Mom was not feeling very good, but she was a trooper the whole day and barley winced.  Come to find out she had had a misplaced rib poking her lung!!  I think she's pretty tough!

With all that she walked and enjoyed the different scenes for their creativeness, serenity and even some innovation.

First stop: Greenlee Gardens, or Chateau Neuf de Fleuve

    I was so very impressed with these gardens for so many reasons, and the very first one was the giant etched namesake! I could blab for miles regaling my contemplations, emotions and inspriations, but I'll try and say very little (except when I'm making myself notes) and concentrate on my takeaways. 'Chateau Neuf de Fleuve'  translates from French to 'New House on the Little River.  This garden is 8 years old!! That piece of info is very important to me because it gives me hope while I stare and my evergreen only ankle high!!

This Garden in Belvedere, IL has a primary objective of using indigenous species and having something in bloom from early Spring to late fall while maintaining asymmetry and a variety of textures throughout. The abundance of deer in the area influence plant selection.

(That's what the write up says) 

The beds are tightly packed with robust plantings.  Lots and lots of textures.  And really a small variety of plants used in very large numbers.  The front pond and waterfall begs you to stop along the driveway and peek into all the happenings in the water.    This place was a fern paradise!  The middle bottom photo is there because I like the spirea with the mugo pine and ajuga.  I'm always looking to see where I can put more evergreens.  Mugo Pine is on my list, as well as, in the photo below the weeping Lerch (or weeping Norway....I don't know which one she/he has)

Greenly Garden in Belvedere, IL  

This garden features sweeping views of one plant, which I very much enjoy, but can't get myself to subscribe.  There are so many colors and shapes that I want to incorporate, I don't know how planters choose to use so few.  In tis case, I'm sure the deer's appetite helped narrow the choices. The look is very beautiful.  

I feel like using so many of the same plant makes the space look larger,  It is certainly more restful for the eye.....

Hostas and more Hostas - the kind deer won't eat

Deep Blue hostas in the middle surrounded by variegated Hostas on the perimeter

The view of the left side yard from the front porch.  Ferns, Hostas and Daylilies and a few Heucheras

Along the back of the property the Kishwakee River gushes by and is part of the Kishwakee Conservation District.  The back pond is full of Koi that have to be overwintered inside so the river otters won't steal them away.

Although the gardens are on display not necessarily the home, it's an occupational habit to take note of ALL the land improvements!  I always wonder how the home owners view their handiwork from indoors as well outdoors.  This home, with its wall of windows, I believe, can see it all!  They have no need to worry about privacy, because the eagles, deer, turkeys and heron don't care!  

 I'm a sucker for porches and waterfalls. Oh to have a backyard waterfall.....at this point I'll settle for a small pot with a motor in it, just to hear the gurgling water sound

As always, my photos, nor any thoughts do this garden any justice.  It was a beautiful place and the owners have worked hard to make their own.  I appreciated all of it.