{"id":4353,"date":"2025-09-08T10:07:36","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T17:07:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wrwofficial.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/08\/wendys-mature-garden-in-pennsylvania-part-1\/"},"modified":"2025-09-08T10:07:39","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T17:07:39","slug":"wendys-mature-garden-in-pennsylvania-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wrwofficial.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/08\/wendys-mature-garden-in-pennsylvania-part-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Wendy’s Mature Garden in Pennsylvania, Part 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Happy Monday, GPODers!<\/p>\n

Today we\u2019re returning to Wayne, Pennsylvania, to Wendy Quereau\u2019s stunning garden. It has been a little while since we\u2019ve gotten an update on Wendy\u2019s diverse designs, but we\u2019ve enjoyed scenes from her beds and borders several times over the years, and there is always something new to admire (check out some of her previous submissions for a refresher: Beauty from Wendy\u2019s Garden<\/a>, Wendy\u2019s Pennsylvania Garden<\/a>, A Garden Full of Favorites<\/a>, Still Gardening<\/a>, and more). She\u2019s back to share how her nearly 50-year-old garden continues to evolve and grow.<\/p>\n

Many of you have seen my garden of 47 years before. There were only a few large deciduous trees here when we started trying to create a pleasure garden from masses of weeds and poison ivy.<\/em><\/p>\n

A mature garden like mine presents its own problems. Namely, some plants need to be replaced from decline, and it is necessary to prune, edit here and there, and then prune some more. On the bright side, I well remember impatiently waiting for all the tiny plants to grow, feeling like it would never fill in. Before you know it, you\u2019re part of a jungle-like atmosphere\u2014especially if self-control in garden centers eludes you.<\/em><\/p>\n

My garden is on one overplanted acre, which contains both sun and shade. Now, in August, my little woodland has gone quiet, and I rely on sun perennials to provide a bit of pizazz to see me through until the blaze of fall color arrives. I always keep low maintenance in mind as I move toward adding shrubs for color and texture to replace the work of perennial and annual flowers.<\/em><\/p>\n

I have help three days a year. That professional work includes spring cleanup, edging and mulching, summer pruning of shrubs and trees, and carting away masses of leaves in the fall. There are far too many leaves to shred and replace back into the beds. Sacrifices which defy cultural recommendations must be made to be able to continue caring for my garden on my own as I approach age 80. Yikes!<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/a>West-facing perennial garden against patio wall: The attempt is to provide interest in all seasons.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"panicle<\/a>\u2018Pinky Winky\u2019 panicle hydrangea<\/a><\/em> (<\/em>Hydrangea paniculata \u2018DVP PINKY\u2019<\/em>, Zones 3\u20139)<\/em> in a frost-free container. It softens the expanse of the bluestone patio floor with little work involved. I cut back all its branches to 12 inches in early March. The shrub is 10 years old with no hardiness issues. Mulch, fertilizer, and keep well-watered. Sun and shade mix here.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"woodland<\/a>This circuitous woodland path shines in April, when drifts of wildflowers are in full bloom. Morphs into a sea of green in summer.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"pink<\/a>This part of my perennial garden is encouraged to intermingle for a less structured appearance. Here, \u2018Bobo\u2019 panicle hydrangea<\/em> (<\/em>H. paniculata \u2018ILVOBO\u2019<\/em>, Zones 3\u20139)<\/em>, pink phlox<\/a>, and anemone<\/a> mix together. Not shown, but another good player in this combo is \u2018 Little Joe\u2019 Joe Pye weed<\/em> (<\/em>Eutrochium dubium \u2018Little Joe\u2019<\/em>, Zones 3\u20139)<\/em>, which stays at 5 feet in height.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"allium<\/a>I\u2019m trying for a riverlike drift of \u2018Millenium\u2019 allium<\/em> (<\/em>Allium<\/a> \u2018Millenium\u2019<\/em>, Zones 5\u20138)<\/em> shown here, combined with the blue-gray of \u2018Helen von Stein\u2019 lambs\u2019 ears<\/em> (<\/em>Stachys<\/a> byzantina \u2018Helen von Stein\u2019<\/em>, Zones 4\u20139),<\/em> and a Globosa blue spruce<\/em> (<\/em>Picea<\/a> pungens \u2018Globosa\u2019<\/em>, Zones 2\u20138)<\/em>. The sword-shaped foliage of iris<\/a> contrasts well with the rounded shape of the allium heads.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"chartreuse<\/a>From a large mushy mass of spring foliage that thankfully disappears, a disappointing lonely single stalk of surprise lily<\/em> (<\/em>Lycoris squamigera, Zones 5\u20139)<\/em> emerges in August. It is indeed a surprise, as it appears in one day and lasts for about 10 days.<\/em><\/p>\n

Wendy shared so many sensational scenes and captivating combinations that I have more photos to share tomorrow. Keep an eye on your inbox so you don\u2019t miss our return to Pennsylvania for installment 2 of Wendy\u2019s garden update.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

We want to see YOUR garden!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Have photos to share? We\u2019d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!<\/p>\n

To submit, send 5\u201310 photos to\u00a0[email\u00a0protected]<\/span><\/a>\u00a0along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We\u2019d love to hear where you are located, how long you\u2019ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.<\/p>\n

Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on\u00a0Facebook,<\/a>\u00a0Instagram,<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0with #FineGardening!<\/p>\n

Do you receive the GPOD by email yet?\u00a0Sign up here<\/a><\/p>\n

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Fine Gardening Recommended Products<\/p>\n

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SHOWA Atlas 370B Nitrile Palm Coating Gloves, Black, Medium (Pack of 12 Pairs)<\/p>\n

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Lightweight and close-fitting for excellent dexterity. Machine washable. Breathable back of hand to reduce perspiration. Designed for easy movement and continuous wear. Ideal for aerospace, assembly, automotive, construction, final fix, gardening, manufacturing, operating machinery, packaging, precision handling, tiling, warehousing.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees<\/p>\n

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.<\/p>\n

The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Doug Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area. \n<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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Spear & Jackson 4930FZ Razorsharp Telescopic Tree Pruner<\/p>\n

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Telescopic tree pruner with SK5 carbon steel blade which stays sharper for longer. Variable length telescopic handle extends up to 92 Inch (2340mm). Lopper for cutting branches up to 1.2″ (30mm). 13 inch (330mm) saw is ideal for cutting thicker branches. Supplied with a long cord and pull-action handle. Part of the Razorsharp Advantage collection, the obvious choice for gardeners who demand and expect precise, powerful performance. “Grow Your Own” Great British Growing 2020 Award Winners.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n