Weathered cedar shingles, gables, climbing roses and wisteria cascading on a courtyard arbor are hallmarks of coastal charm…perfect for the traditional style of this Shore Drive home.

Invasive goutweed on three neighboring properties had made its way into the lawn and the foundation garden bed along the front of the house. The extent of the goutweed was such that the existing plants and soil needed to be removed.

Four generations were home while this project was underway…children, grandchildren and grandmother too. Pandemic aside, it was the perfect time to make happy memories for this family…neighbours and community too!

“Something unusual happened in my community this spring. For the first time, thousands of crocuses covered the front lawn of a home in Bedford. Hundreds of garden spotters flocked to see this remarkable sight. There was a steady stream of people oohing and aahing and snapping photos”.

Emily, Editor, Scotia Gardener

Spring, 2021 Newsletter of the Nova Scotia Association of Garden Clubs

The existing trellises were broken from the weight of the existing climbing roses…and removed.

Amy’s design included the construction of a custom, cedar trellis to extend up both sides and across the top of a feature exterior wall. Over time, the trellis will age to match the cedar shingles.

Rose ‘New Dawn’ is considered by many to be one of the best repeat blooming climbing roses. Abundant clusters of shell pink 3-inch (yes, 3 inch!) blooms have a long flowering time from early summer to fall when red rosehips offer fall color. We like its sweetly fragrant semi-double blooms and glossy foliage.

We removed the existing dark pink, traditional rose as part of excavating the goutweed in the bed and replaced it with this old time favorite that has won many prestigious awards.

The trellis was installed as part of a classic garden design that includes boxwood, hydrangea and “New Dawn” rose. Once those roses put on growth and blossoms…this will be another traffic stopper!

Jess and Erika use a measuring tape and power drills to create holes, install bone meal and then plant each and every bulb.

3200 crocus bulbs. It was dark when the crew finished for the day.

But, look what happened! Well worth the effort.

We are often asked about mowing and maintenance of the crocus meadow.

After the blooms fade, the foliage is left standing to feed the bulbs for a few weeks before mowing. This is a picture of the lawn after the first mowing on May 27.

Crocus bulbs are long-lasting and produce daughter bulbs overtime for many years of spring joy.

The garden renovation included pruning mature rhododendrons and a cherry tree. The shady area here was refreshed with Japanese forest grass, mountain laurel, blue and white vinca, evergreen azaleas, Wedding Gown hydrangea and gorgeous Percy Wiseman rhododendrons. This is a garden we will enjoy watching as it fills in.

The courtyard and shed garden beds were updated with Blue Moon wisteria, pink peony, lavender and more classic boxwood and hydrangeas to bring cohesion and harmony across the garden.