boxwood and ivy
Finally! I have been storing 'before' photos for weeks awaiting Vickie Lea Designs, the most wonderful landscape designer, to do her thing with my pots! Vickie Lea prefers more color and has wonderful ideas, but with the colorful beds of impatiens I have going on, I didn't feel the need for more color! The fact is, I have an addiction and it's called boxwood and ivy. Let's break it down, shall we?
Several years ago I got a glimpse of Dan Carithers' patio/garden and I was beyond smitten. This would be my inspiration for the ultimate backyard.... My sister-in-law actually drove me by his home in Atlanta, and we peeked since she knew he was out of town. (It's not as creepy as it sounds... he was doing work for her and she could have been stopping by to chat...) The patio was immaculate and dreamy with boxwood and ivy everywhere! As obsessed as I am with color, I am surprised at my passion for this garden design where the colors are strictly green and white. Now, my yard has much more color than Dan's, but the boxwood and ivy are a definite theme. If I'm in the mood for more color, it's easy to add with pillows, smaller plants/flowers, pottery, and other decorative objects. The boxwood and ivy provide a rich backdrop and set the stage for a gorgeous patio, front porch and garden. Green is my favorite color after all!
I searched through magazines to find images I remember seeing of the coveted boxwoods and ivy belonging to Dan Carithers. I found these images, from Southern Accents, and am almost positive this is his personal garden- it sure looks like the back of his house. Regardless, he is definitely the designer of this garden, and my inspiration will be understood...
Obviously, replicating this look would take years. I have big plans to grow Boston ivy up the fence, but the green layers in this beautiful Atlanta yard have been in the making for decades... such exquisite inspiration.
So finally I have 'after' photos to put with the 'before' photos... plus some additional backyard images so you can see what an amazing landscape designer Vickie Lea is... this backyard was literally grass and a fence just 3 years ago!
Just look at what a difference boxwood and ivy makes!
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After
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After... I love those little white flowers... and a little pop of pink at the top...
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After
We enjoy these gorgeous boxwoods from inside too!
Before (still pretty!)
After
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More...
You may notice the little helicopters from our Maple trees scattered about... a constant battle in May. We are so discouraged by the mess these little monsters create every Spring- our driveway is covered and with the rain, it's a disaster. But come June, the helicopters are gone, and even with the mini Maple tree reminders that spring up everywhere, the mess is forgotten and we are thrilled under the shade those big Maples provide.
Thank you Vickie Lea! Just in time for Memorial weekend!
Hope yours is relaxing...