Last week, we inquired about the progress of your gardens, and wow, the comment section exploded in the most delightful way! Naturally, we felt it was essential to craft a post that highlights these beautiful green havens. Today, 10 readers are showcasing their gardens…
Lauren (two photos, above), residing in Roland, Iowa, shares, “I’m thrilled to embark on my second year of cultivating dahlias in the garden my grandfather cherished for years. Last year, I planted around 70 tubers, and it was an enchanting experience. I harvested them all in the fall, split them up, and kept them in my old basement, hoping for the best all winter. Miraculously, most of them made it! In the next two weeks, I’m planning to plant an additional 100—175 total. Fingers crossed for me!”
“A friend gifted me seeds from her father’s farm in Sicily, but she couldn’t recall what they were. I was overjoyed to plant a mystery seed. I initially thought it was a zucchini. Yet, as it grew, my ‘zucchini plant’ morphed into a giant vine with enormous cinderella pumpkins! We dubbed it ‘The Year of The Pumpkin.’” — Naudia, Nyack, New York
“We maintain a backyard garden, but I also indulge in front yard gardening for sheer vanity. I live on a busy street and revel in the admiration. My husband teases me for lounging on the porch to receive compliments from passersby. However, I feign humility and say things like, ‘Thank you! I’m just having fun and experimenting!’ Meanwhile, I’m diving into research on the finest soil in a book titled Soil, haha.” — Sharon, Guilford, Connecticut
“We’ve attempted gardening with our three-year-old and five-year-old, which is amusing and yields very little. One day, my son insisted on planting the seeds from his apple lunch, and sure enough, a green shoot emerged. I was moved to tears, and my son shrugged, clearly nonchalant about it, as if to say, yeah, seeds grow, mom. We keep it on our table as a whimsical reminder. Our three-year-old contributed a *special* wood chip.” — Hannah, North Shore, Massachusetts
“A couple of years ago, I bought four small rosemary pots at the supermarket and planted them by my front door. They’ve grown into enormous, magnificent plants. Each time I brush past them, they emit the most delightful aroma and are adorned with blue flowers in the spring. In English tradition, rosemary at your entrance offers protection. £4 well invested!” — Hannah, Wiltshire, England
“I planted a climbing rose bush while battling postpartum depression and never regretted it. Since then, I’ve gradually built a garden that mirrors my style and values. The earth is incredibly generous to us, and I strive to give back by nurturing the wildlife in my little urban plot. I’ve learned a great deal about sustainable gardening, improving the clay soil prevalent in Nashville, and the immense energy involved in producing a single leaf. It’s now my sanctuary.” — Gabby, Nashville, Tennessee
“This is my quaint terrace garden. When we purchased the house, it was mostly weeds. Over time, we’ve replaced them with stones, created large flowerbeds, added plenty of pots, and even bought a trampoline for our very energetic six-year-old. This photo was snapped on an unusually warm April day, so we set up a sprinkler under the trampoline, just like they do in Bluey.” — Helen, Bristol, England
“It’s still early for planting in Chicagoland, but last year we designated a portion of our front lawn to create a pollinator garden. I enjoy watching all the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The kids and I utilize a plant-identifying app to discover which new plants are sprouting, and it’s incredibly thrilling!” — Jessica, Homewood, Illinois
“We lost our home of 17 years in the Eaton fire this January. Altadena has always been such a stunning town with remarkable gardens and yards. Yesterday, when I met with the army, I noticed my irises blooming. A sign of hope.” — Jennifer, Altadena, California
“I adore gardening, but finding time for it is a luxury as a newly full-time single mom. Yesterday evening, my child had some Roblox time and set up near me so we could both enjoy our activities simultaneously!” — Merrill, Tacoma, Washington
P.S. Readers share joyous moments and their amazing tattoos.
**10 Gardeners Highlight Their Gorgeous Outdoor Areas**
Gardening transcends a mere pastime—it serves as a means of self-expression, a soothing retreat, and for many, a way to bond with nature and the community. Worldwide, gardeners are transforming their outdoor venues into breathtaking sanctuaries that showcase their creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment. From lush cottage retreats to sleek modern designs, here are 10 gardeners who have created stunning outdoor areas worthy of celebration.
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### 1. **Emma Thompson – Enchanting English Cottage in Sussex, UK**
Emma’s garden embodies the essence of an idyllic English cottage. Tucked away in the undulating hills of Sussex, her garden boasts meandering stone paths, abundant flower beds, and a vibrant mix of delphiniums, foxgloves, and roses. She incorporates vintage garden furnishings and upcycled antiques to enrich the romantic ambiance of her setting.
**Signature Feature:** A pergola draped in roses that forms the focal point of her garden.
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### 2. **Carlos Rivera – Exotic Retreat in Miami, Florida**
Carlos has metamorphosed his suburban backyard into a thriving tropical paradise. Featuring towering banana trees, vibrant hibiscus, and a koi pond, his garden serves as a sanctuary for wildlife and relaxation alike. He opts for native and drought-resistant plants to promote sustainability in the Florida climate.
**Signature Feature:** A bamboo gazebo surrounded by flourishing orchids and bromeliads.
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### 3. **Akiko Tanaka – Serene Zen Garden in Kyoto, Japan**
Akiko’s minimalist Zen garden exemplifies tranquility. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese aesthetics, her outdoor area comprises raked gravel, thoughtfully arranged stones, and a compact koi pond. Bonsai trees and moss-adorned lanterns enhance the peaceful atmosphere.
**Signature Feature:** A hand-carved stone water basin (tsukubai) utilized in traditional tea ceremonies.
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### 4. **Liam O’Connor – Urban Rooftop Oasis in New York City**
Liam has transformed his apartment rooftop into a green escape in the midst of the concrete urban landscape. Raised beds brimming with herbs, vegetables, and flowers appealing to pollinators render his space both attractive and practical. Solar-powered lights and vertical planters optimize the limited area.
**Signature Feature:** A living wall of succulents and herbs that serves as an artistic installation.
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### 5. **Priya Desai – Eco-Friendly Garden in Bangalore, India**
Priya’s garden exemplifies environmentally conscious gardening. Utilizing permaculture techniques, she cultivates organic vegetables, composts kitchen scraps, and collects rainwater. Her garden is not only productive but also alive with marigolds, tulsi, and local shrubs.
**Signature Feature:** A DIY vertical composting system that nourishes her garden beds.
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### 6. **George and Martha Jenkins – Wildlife-Friendly Haven in Oregon, USA**
This retired couple has established a certified wildlife sanctuary in their backyard. Native flora, birdhouses, and a modest pond attract bees, butterflies, and birds throughout the year. Their garden showcases how landscaping can bolster local ecosystems.
**Signature Feature:** A wildflower meadow that shifts its hues with the seasons.
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### 7. **Sofia Martinez – Sunlit Mediterranean Courtyard in Seville, Spain**
Sofia’s courtyard garden is a sun-drenched haven. Terracotta pots filled with lavender, rosemary, and citrus trees line the tiled terrace. A central fountain and wrought-iron furniture complete the quintessential Andalusian atmosphere.
**Signature Feature:** A tiled mosaic wall that pays homage to the region’s Moorish culture.
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### 8. **Tomoko and Kenji Saito – Balcony Garden in Tokyo, Japan**
Living in a high-rise didn’t deter this couple from building a green sanctuary. Their balcony garden features vertical planters, hanging baskets, and compact fruit trees. They employ hydroponics to cultivate leafy greens and herbs year-round.
**Signature Feature:** A retractable shading system that shelters delicate plants from harsh sunlight.
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### 9. **Nora Williams – Prairie Garden in Kansas, USA**
Nora’s garden draws inspiration from the natural allure of the American prairie. Using native grasses like little bluestem and switchgrass alongside wildflowers such as coneflowers and black-eyed Susans, she has achieved a low-maintenance, drought-resistant landscape.
**Signature Feature:** A winding gravel path that invites exploration through the tall grasses.
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### 10. **Jean-Luc Moreau – Elegant French Garden in Provence, France**
Jean-Luc’s garden pays homage to the splendor of traditional French landscaping. Symmetrically arranged boxwood hedges, graveled pathways, and a central fountain evoke a sense of structure and refinement. Lavender borders and climbing roses provide fragrance and vibrancy.
**Signature Feature:** A parterre garden showcasing intricate geometric patterns.
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### Conclusion
These 10 gardeners illustrate that beauty in gardening exists in myriad forms—be it a compact balcony in Tokyo or an expansive prairie in Kansas.
