|
 We
started converting a portion of the woodland into a garden around
1995. We had no alternative but to plan around the steep slope
that had been converted into terraces by farmers long ago. At the
outset, we decided that the the trees would remain. Small bushes
and shrubs were uprooted and the planting began. Slowly, a pattern
emerged.? There is still many, many years of work left to bring
the garden? around to what we have conceived it to be. A small
arboretum where we will have all the Gingers, Palms, Tree Ferns
and Terrestrial Orchids of our region planted out and
labeled...and growing and flowering in their respective seasons.
As? for the terrestrial Orchids, we will have to limit our
plantings to what will grow in the climate our garden passes
through. The cool growing alpines will not thrive here. There are
pavings to be laid out and hedges to be planted out. However, our
garden will never be the type with manicured lawns and water
fountains because we want to have all the plants in a natural
setting.
The garden has a
complete ecosystem of its own now. Many butterflies, moths, birds,
insects and even a family of foxes make their home within the
garden and in the woodland area. The flowers, berries, fruits
provide food for both resident and visiting birds, animals,
butterflies and other living forms. |
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Since
no pesticides are used there are a lot of bees visiting the
various flowers in bloom to collect pollen and nectar. Of course
it is exasperating when a colony of caterpillars completely
defoliate a hydrangea bush. Inspite of this the hydrangea flowers
probably knowing that it evolved? to play host to this particular
caterpillar.
