Opinions wanted for Meditation Walk

 I'm a firm believer in usenet, especially for opinions. This concerns US
zone 6-7, the western suburbs of Philadelphia, PA.

Three years ago, we moved from a small twin with a 20-foot front yard out to
Paradise. We now have a little over half an acre, with some interesting
features inherited from the previous owners. Coming into our third summer
here, I have an overwhelming urge to remake the landscape, but I admit to
having a black thumb. Last year, I planted about 100 bulbs in my new
"garden" along the back edge of the property, and only succeeded in feeding
the deer and rabbits.

Overview at http://www.tfrog93.com/garden/garden1.htm . While I really wanted
a "photography garden" back there, I think I've given up on that idea. Now I
have a week off, and I'm working on a Meditation Walk.

Again, the previous owners had installed a gravel walk from the garage
around to the rear patio, planting primarily pines, with a Japanese maple
and a flowering dogwood as accents. Because of major construction last
summer, the Meditation Walk had to be redone (see:
http://www.tfrog93.com/garden/walk.htm , a page I just put up). To my mind,
there was far too much pine back there, so I've decided to plant at least
four rhododendrons along the walk, which I think will be a nice mix and a
nice "feel".

Along the walk, amongst the pine needles and between the rhodos, I'd like to
have a few sprays of color (perennials?). We have hostas all over the place,
that can be transplanted here, but I'd like some more - and different -
color, ideally from Spring through late Summer.

What kinds of plants can I put into this environment that will produce
colorful blooms at different times of the season? Mostly shade, only partial
sun in late morning, early afternoon. Again, my "focus" is on photography,
over and above the natural visual beauty...

Thanks for your advice, all!

dwight

 

 I'd add Black Bamboo, Umbrella Pines and Japanese red tinged ferns.  
While at it some Hellebores, Sweet Woodruff, Japanese hollies too.
Some water sculpture with fish would add movement. I'd add some large
rocks for stillness. Wind chimes.  



Books

A Japanese touch for your garden.

ISBN 0-87011-391-7

The Art of Setting Stones

ISBN 1-880656-70-1

Space & Illusion   In the Japanese Garden

ISBN  0-8348-1522-2


 DVD

Shaolin Soccer  with Stephen Chow


Music


Stone Garden   6:17  Quiet Fire    Zen Moods for the Spa Experience

Water Garden   7:51  Jalan-Jalan Bali  

Chinese Bamboo Flute - Japanese- Daha (higuchi Taizan)   4:40  Wood
Flute     Meditative          

Ambiance

  Have a party with friends and family to start the work.


 Have fun and think of it as a life long endeavor !

  Bill

--
Garden in shade zone 5 S Jersey USA

 


Idleness and contemplation in all stages, beginning with the
planning......spend idle time in the area before you ever start and let
your mind do it's thing...as Bill says, let it develop and grow as you
to develop and grow.  Contemplation, not completion is the goal.....

Charlie

 <Charlie> wrote in message

That's kind of why I refer to it as a Meditation Walk. I've been meditating
on it for three years. Simply by relocating the path, I've opened up all
sorts of possibilities.

But you're right. The rhododendrons are a must. I'll start there, then sit,
look, and think some more before I decide on the next step. I'm trying to
picture what it will be ten years from now.

But, come next Spring, I'd still like to see colors other than green and
brown.

:()

 wrote:



You will. :-)  Contemplating the area at different times of the day can
really be helpful......very early morning and dusk, the in-between
times, are often revealing.  Soft light and shadows.....

Sometimes appropriate music and appropriate, according to your taste,
brain lube are helpful in clearing away the haze from your vision....

Try and visualize the seasonal aspects........this will look great in
July, but what about dead of winter, which has it's own beauty and
requires elements that fit.....

You are going to have fun, and it sounds as though you are starting
well.  Keep us updated, both here and on your webpages.


Nice!  I love going places such as this and cutting and pasting images
into my imagination, taking away feelings and such.


Let the sweat begin! :-)

Care
Charlie