side patio project

I think for the next 5 years, almost all of my garden posts will start off with the phrase “I’m working on…”

So, I’m working on this side patio area located next to one of the basement doors. I think at one point the basement was intended for living space. There are 2 dry wells, plus several plumbing hookups in the basement. We’re keeping it as a basement area for now, using it for our gym and storage. The side patio area is adjacent to a room that we designated a workshop for my husband combined with a crafting area.

The area remains shaded thanks to a river birch next to this area. Remember the bed with the nandina, etc. that we cleaned out? The patio is on the other side of the brick wall. The other plus for this area is the privacy provided by the evergreens on the left. At the back of the bed by the windows are Inkberry (Ilex glabra). I cut them back this spring to see if we could get more even growth on the stems.

About 2 weeks ago, my husband cut down the pine tree that was this stump. It was scraggly looking given the crowded conditions and lack of light.

As you can see here, the 2 evergreens were impacted by the pine tree being too close to them. With some room to grow, they may recover.

This left me a nice little spot to plant. I’m thinking about putting in a few tall ferns, bleeding heart, and heuchera. On top of the wall, I’ll do a splash of annuals in pots. I may do a tall pot or 2 on the patio, along with a set of Adirondack chairs and a small table.