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Front Yard Gardens
Newsletter Fall 1998/Spring 1999 page 1 By: Nancy Conroy Back to the web version I would like to sing the praises of the front yard gardener. Most gardeners in our area indulge their passion in their back yards, choosing to feature in their front yards a green lawn, a tree or two, several shrubs and perhaps some annuals. However, there are some gardeners who display their gardening efforts in their front yards for all of us to appreciate, and I'd like to tell you about some of these wonderful front yard gardens I pass by each year. These are just examples - I'm sure you have your own favourites. These wonderful gardens have not been professionally landscaped; each of the gardens I enjoy has the personal stamp of the resident gardener on them.The first garden, at 995 Bronson Street, is one you may not even call a front yard garden. Every year the gardener carefully nurtures a handful of dahlia bulbs. Planted in the spring in good soil in front of the southwest porch between two white hydrangeas, they are lovingly tended until they come into bloom in midsummer. These large, healthy plants produce the most beautiful, huge bronze blossoms imaginable, giving the passerby a gorgeous display that lasts several weeks.
I drive out of my way to see the garden at 418 Lisgar Street. Layer upon layer of perennials and bulbs have been strategically planted to supply continuous blooms from early spring to late fall. One highlight is the garden's glorious cherry red poppies. This garden should be viewed at least three or four times during the gardening season to appreciate all its different moods.
The next two gardens are located across from each other on Parkdale Avenue, just south of Holland. One is a raised garden, and I mean raised - it is almost waist high with a small, winding and welcoming path to the front door. It too is intensively planted, but its look changes depending upon the annuals that this gardener decides to use. Last year, several nasturtiums grew to an enormous size and nearly overtook the whole bed in their enthusiasm. A couple of tough old lilacs that lean precariously over the bed add a nice finishing touch.
The other garden across the street has a penchant for tall plants. By the end of August, this small front garden is full of plants that are almost as tall as I am, such as canna lilies and dahlias. Two large, carved stones provide an interesting structural touch.
My last example is the front yard garden at 423 Holland. It was created almost overnight through careful planning, hard work and large quantities of good soil. It is very much a cottage style garden, featuring sage, blue flax, peonies, hardy geraniums, and columbines. This garden is so inspiring that the neighbour at 421 Holland put in an equally lovely garden the next year.
Now there are some disadvantages to front yard gardening. The first is a lack of privacy, especially if you live on a busy street as I do. My gardening outfits leave a lot to be desired; however, comfort takes precedence over attractiveness. Also, I don't want to be the cause of a car accident. Some positions we get into as gardeners are best left to the backyard! In addition, front yards are not as quiet as back yards, a major factor for those of us who seek peace and solitude in our gardens. Finally, front yard gardeners must contend with friendly and sometimes overly chatty neighbours who may distract us from the work at hand.
Front yard gardeners are truly a special breed. They sacrifice their privacy and their solitude in producing front yard gardens that all of us can enjoy. They certainly have inspired me to begin work on a front yard garden. Perhaps you too will be motivated to join the ranks of these very special gardeners. And, if you're already a front yard gardener, then hats off to you and thank you for the pleasure you provide us!
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