Spring Blooms
Phase 2 of My Japanese Garden
In Middle Tennessee, the month of May generally marks the time to go full steam ahead on any outdoor gardening projects. My Japanese garden, Komorebi, has been in hibernation since last November. Around that time, some plants were moved back in the house, while others were prepped for the winter cold.
Last month, we had another huge flood from torrential rains that washed out our driveway and half of my garden. These waters displaced mounds of rocks and sediment onto the main walkway and several plants. I have spent much of the last month repairing the damage and deepening the newer trench we put in along the outer border of my garden to redirect flood water in the future.
With much of those repairs mostly done, I can proceed with Phase 2 of my garden plans that will be carried out through the summer.
Here are some of the new additions:
A New Footbridge
The addition of the trench mentioned above means that I need a safe and easy way to enter my garden. A couple of weeks ago, I spent an afternoon fussing with power tools and cussing a whole lot in an effort to build a small footbridge to get across this gully. I was in fact successful in my efforts. Here’s a photo of the finished bridge which has since been installed as the new Komorebi portal.
New Trees
There are two new trees being added to the small family of little trees that are already growing, The first is a weeping mulberry tree. I have always loved the shapes and silhouette of weeping trees and have wanted one that bore fruit. This small tree has both of these qualities, and I cannot wait to see it blossom in the years to come.
The other tree is a corkscrew willow I got from a friend. Its wispy, curvy leaves create the kind of texture that I want in my garden. For now, it will live in a large pot, but I may eventually plant it along the trench. (It will grow much taller than the other trees in Komorebi.)
More Plants with Textures (instead of color)
Evergreen Juniper plants and a couple varieties of ferns are being added to the mix. The absence of big, bold colors in my garden means that I get to go crazy with textures and shapes. It has been a fun creative challenge subtracting color from the mix and narrowing my focus.
More Stones and Wood Elements
I am gathering lots of stones from the forest I live in and our creek. I will be using them to shape more walkways and borders for plants. Chunks cut from fallen trees will be used as seating and pedestals for potted plants. Twisty sections of driftwood will mark entry points and act as sculptural pieces.
A Birdbath and other Water Features
I have installed the first of maybe two or three stone birdbaths that will live in the garden. My mom has one in her garden that I have seen birds actually use, and this has inspired me to have one too.
In the back section of my garden, there is a small shaded pool of water that is bordered by stones and fed by our natural spring. I’ll be making a path to that area and planting ferns around it, as well as adding some seating.
Lastly, one of the centerpieces of my garden is a dogwood tree under which I have grounded my main seating area. Last year, to my disappointment, this tree did not bloom, but this year, she is alive and in full force. Sitting under her blooming canopy is a daily act of self-care that gives me great joy.
As you can see, my garden continues to grow in many ways. I have enjoyed mucking about in it every day. It is a work of art I did not know I was capable of shaping. Komorebi also gives me the chance to connect with nature on a daily basis. I always feel better when I spend time among trees and plants.
Gardening is a way of life, and I am happy to have found it.