The secret's out...

So I have mentioned my secret garden but not really explained it or shown it, that is because for the most part it doesn't exist. When we first bought the house there was a large area in the back of the yard that was divided from the rest by large pine trees. We never really went back there and instead focused on the closer areas and forgot about this area.  Year two we decided to reclaim the space, we had my amazing girlfriend's family over, and they cut one of the trees down and a bush that was tree sized due to neglect, and ... realized the whole area was FULL of Poison IVY! and no measly little vines, these were thick woody hairy vines climbing up 20 ft or more in to the trees and covering the ground... YIKES! we went in to attacking mode  and managed to make a slight dent.... the next year we kept at it and got it to a semi-usable state, and got the gift of inspiration...

awesome swing!

 This awesome swing was a present from a friend of mine and as soon as it was in place I knew I wanted this area to be a retreat from the real world! We made a few plans, planted some rose of sharons (also free from a friend) and dug a small fire pit.   I put a small dining table back there, a small wooden end table (both free) and moved a Hosta or two... We bought and planted some English ivy to hide the fence and hung some bird feeders... but it is still basically an empty area. Guests don't like going back there since the poison ivy is still here and there and though easy enough to avoid if you are careful (it is only at the tree line, not back by the swing) it is still intimidating.   The neighbors have a not so pretty junk pile that is visible from the one side,  and it is a trek from the house. All of this matters not to me.  I see the potential, I see the wonderful escape this area will be one day.  I see the fence covered, (just read about reed fencing and would love to cover it with that!), the sides fenced. I see the peach tree we plan on planting, and the flowers, I see peaceful morning spent in seclusion, sipping coffee and listening to the, not yet in existence, pond fountain, the fires we will have and the naps on the swing. To me part of gardening is imagination, faith, and the belief that with time and hard work all dreams can grow.   So when I mention the secret garden, don't ask what it is,  instead imagine what it can be, because that is how my secret garden grows.