New kid on the block

We added another new plant to the front garden recently! We are getting closer and closer to finishing up the front beds. We started last spring on this part of the garden with this.

After we moved the taxuses, we were left with this.

Last summer, we added retaining walls. I should note that this was a test of marriage....: ) All joking aside, it was quite a job, taking several days during a heat wave and required lots of Advil and cold beverages at the end of the day.

They were having a tree sale a few weekends ago at the garden center, so I went to take a look. We ended up with a new little tree.


Here is my husband with our little helpers. They just love to help out.

We decided on a dogwood tree. I had been thinking about a Heritage river birch, but it would have gotten really big. They steered me to this dogwood (Cornus florida).

It's taken me some time to come to an understanding about my front beds.....I tend to think I need plants that can take a lot of sun. We live in a fairly new-construction neighborhood, so there aren't a ton of big trees yet.


But....our house faces dead east. So, once the sun passes the side of the house, it's shady the rest of the day in my front garden beds. Since this tree is on the northeast corner, something that would take some shade was necessary. I was back last weekend buying some annuals and they were recommending impatiens to me. Impatiens!??! I tend to think those are for people with heavy shade. So, I'll give them (and the dogwood) a try.

All that's left to add--of the shrubs and perennials--are the shrubs under the window. I'll work on those with my coupons that I have to use.

I'm looking forward to seeing this little guy grow.