Hello ~
We made it: spring at last! After a long, cold winter, this gardener is elated to see signs of spring – from the return of the songbirds to the earliest daffodils blooming cheerfully. I welcome the warmth of the sunshine melting the last patches of snow. Winter be gone!

As if this lovely first weekend of spring wasn’t enough, I’m thrilled to report that our garden is featured in the April 2014 issue of Southern Living! Many thanks to Southern Living for making this spring even more special. I am so grateful for their continued support – check out my topiaries here, here and here. Also, read about our shop here.Garden Editor Rebecca Bull Reed sensitively captured the spirit and soul of our garden. That’s because Rebecca is an accomplished and enthusiastic horticulturalist who thoroughly understands the challenges and rewards of gardening. And you know the adage “a photo is worth a thousand words,” well, photographer Helen Norman’s brilliant photos are beyond words. Helen can make even a dreaded dandelion look like the jewel of the garden – she’s that good, and her passion for her craft shows. Thank you, Rebecca and Helen!

The article is presented as five separate sections with design ideas, informative tips and plant recommendations for a tone-on-tone garden. Enjoy these beautiful photos taken by Helen throughout spring and summer of 2013.

 An early spring shot with fresh new growth on the English boxwood balls and low yew hedge behind. The four urns are planted with white pansies.

 Two views of the front lawn showing the eight freshly sheared European hornbeams anchoring each end of the garden. Tom does an amazing job of shaping these 16 trees!
 A better look at the chartreuse yew hedge which will darken to a deep green, becoming a dramatic backdrop for the white roses.
 From the front loggia, a view of the birdbath surrounded by more English box and white alliums.
 The same parterre as viewed from the small courtyard.
 Two stunning portraits by Helen Norman – these are among my favorites!!
 During summer, I replace the pansies in the urns with petunias. The Annabelle hydrangeas are especially beautiful in June.
 This is the white border garden on the north side of the house. In spring, the azaleas and alliums look so fresh with their white blooms.
  In summer, this white border is at its peak with a showstopping display of white daisies, hydrangeas, irises, lilies and phlox.
 ABOVE: Long after the flowers fade, I keep the allium seed pods around for texture, height and drama. BELOW: Asiatic lilies are both pretty and fragrant.
 ABOVE: David phlox is a prolific blooming perennial.
 Looking down the white border. This intimate garden is adorned with some of my favorite ornaments such as the cloches, sundial and obelisk.
  A second flush of blooms from clematis Miss Bateman.
 Tucked among dusty millers and phlox is a simple granite sundial. In an all white garden, foliage is especially important. Combine silvery, gray and variegated foliage for texture and interest.
 The fuzzy gray foliage of Lamb’s ears (above) and variegated lamium (below) are must-haves in the white garden.
 There are many more photos which I’m saving for another post. I hope you’ll pick up the April 2014 Southern Living issue!
Happy planting!!
Loi