Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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The Secret Garden

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We had our morning coffee in the Secret Garden. It may be the loveliest time of the year in this space. Although, when the wild roses bloom, I may take that back.

We can take credit for some things: adding the cinder block edging, clearing out the little area that leads to the crabapple tree, adding stepping stones there and at the entrance to the garden, as well as up the little hill to the back forty, adding the chairs and table, adding vintage pots filled with plants, and, last year, lugging rocks to form a rock garden.

But the wild phlox, the wild mint, the wild roses and mustard, the tiny little flowers called fleabane, all of which fill in the spaces, spring out of gravel and grow between the rocks – they make the space magical.

It’s very natural back there, not at all manicured or precise. I love it so much.

For a long time – many years – after we moved here, the area in back of the kitchen was just a wet space at the bottom of a hill. We ignored it. The change began when I added steps up the little hill and then, one day when Don was away, lugged many heavy old cinder blocks from the woods to this space and created a dividing line between the wild growth and the grass. Suddenly, it was becoming a purposeful space. And then the rest followed. Don put in all the stepping stones. He cleared out some of the undergrowth. He was a bit overzealous and suddenly we had a lot of bare dirt, which made me unhappy. Hence, his atonement; his idea for a rock garden, which ended up being the perfect solution.

I’m having a grateful day. Grateful for this little bit of property that is somewhat wild, for our woods, and our huge expanse of lawn, for our gardens and our flower-filled porch, for our trees, for the wild turkey that walked by the front porch this morning, for the wee groundhog who dined on our grass yesterday, for the birds and the baby birds.

We created much of this on a tiny budget, often for no cost at all, using materials we found on the property.

This place has become my dream-of-decades come true.

I never will take it for granted.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Comments

  1. Lovely photos. And nice to hear so much heartfelt appreciation for what you have.

  2. This is all just beautiful—the green space, the wildflowers, the photography, and your feelings about all of it. You are rightfully grateful and so are we. Thank you, on this beautiful May morning.

  3. How is your rain barrel working out? I’ve always wanted one but have been hesitant because of the cost vs reduced rainfall due to climate change. Would love to hear about your experience.
    Thanks,
    Betsy

    • The rain barrels are very convenient. We found a used one on Craigslist and a neighbor gave us one with a broken spigot. You can usually find a cheap barrel on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace. There’s a you tube video on how to install a spigot on a barrel that has a tiny top opening. We bought the spigot on Amazon. Just be sure you get the right one.

    • Ours is fine but we’re planning on getting a new one.

      Our situation is a bit different. We had the downspout cut so that water from the gutter didn’t get too close to the house as this is an area that gets all the runoff from the back forty already. We then bought the rain barrel. We wanted to direct the water away from the house, so we have a hose attached which runs to the wooded area on the far side of the Secret Garden.

      We don’t use it for watering, but we might do that when we upgrade the barrel.

      But our rain barrel has not been impacted by reduced rainfall. It fills up very quickly, so I don’t think you’d be wasting your money.

      Stay safe, Betsy.

  4. your home (inside and out), the photos, your words and the feelings behind them … all beautiful!

    gratitude is a helpful, peaceful thing to feel, a good way to live. thanks for the reminder.

    happy wednesday.

    kathy in iowa

  5. Good Day,

    This a beautiful garden area. It makes me smile and feel relaxed just looking at it.

    Well Done and Take Care,
    Kaye
    Park City, UT

  7. Grateful indeed. It is simply lovely and I can see why it is an ideal spot to start your morning. I can practical smell the woodsy fragrances and perhaps those flowers, too. A little haven.

  9. Your secret garden is lovely. The perfect place to while away a summer day, and count your blessings.

    Enjoy your day! ;)

  10. Claudia — I agree with all the comments — it does seem like/looks like a magical space — you/Don are indeed blessed and talented — never forget your blessings, but always enjoy them. stay safe, healthy. thanks for sharing these lovely pics

  11. Claudia, I love your blog, your cottage, and property. I’ve only written you once before I believe. I’m originally from New Paltz but have been in NC for over 30 years. Though I love NC, I do miss the Hudson Valley – one of the most beautiful parts of the country! Thank you for sharing.
    Dena

    • It sure is beautiful! But I know NC is, too.

      Thank you, Dena.

      Stay safe and thank you for commenting!

  12. Your yard is absolutely beautiful!! It makes me just want to sit out there all day!
    You have done a wonderful job! Enjoy!!

  14. It is a blessing to be grateful for what we have and what we love. It is a gift to be able to create beauty with what we find. You and Don have done both. Lovely post.

  15. Much to be pleased about – so lovely.
    Thank you for sharing all of these photos. I can only repeat what others have already written. Beautiful.
    XO

  16. I spy a Honda Pilot beyond the water barrel – may it take you on many adventures in our beautiful Hudson Valley.

    Best of luck,
    Anne

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