St Francis' Garden

Garden Rooms at Havenwood

Editor’s Note: In honor of St Francis’ feast day on October 4th, I thought it would be nice to have another look at the garden I made here at Havenwood five years ago in his honor. It has become one of my favorite quiet spots in the garden, even thought it sits at the end of our driveway near the road. The hedging, clematis and woodland perennials around the mosaic have created a wonderfully reflective spot in the midst of the busyness of life.

A contemplation garden

One of my favorite things to do in my garden for a quick ten minutes at the end of a long day, or sometimes in the middle of it, is to sit quietly and stare about me and take it all in. I prefer a nice level place to sit and a few plants around me. Immersion in plants is always a good thing in my mind, and being able to sit and enjoy it is wonderful.

Where?

A little spot at the bottom end of our Woodland garden, not far from the driveway and with the road just behind, was the perfect place to put a hidden seating area. This was mostly because of the large Mountain Laurel shrub (Kalmia latifolia) that was already fully grown near that spot which gave it some shelter. With a bit of hedging, three trellis and some plants, it made an off-the-way spot to rest in the shade on a warm day.

White Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus) and white variegated Hosta around St Francis' garden

Why St Francis?