Traditional Home
Last year I shared my wish to create a secret garden. Before you admire the photo above and think it’s mine, I should say it isn’t — that image is a beautiful example for inspiration. My own secret garden is still a work in progress; below you can see how it looked last year before I planted more. Many projects at my house are unfinished, including this one, but I’m enjoying the process.
Despite not having finished it, I did plant a few things last year and made steady progress. I haven’t done much this season beyond starting to pull weeds, but I was delighted to find that the vines, roses and hydrangeas I planted last year returned — a happy surprise that nothing died.
My grandmother had a remarkable garden. Even though she lived in a nearly below-ground apartment, she carved out a charming, hilly flower bed at the edge of the parking lot. It was a difficult, shady slope where most would have said planting was impossible, yet she created something that flourished for years. That memory likely planted the seed for my own desire to cultivate a garden.
My secret garden plans
Once, I lived in a 1920s house that already had an established cottage garden. Each summer I’d cut roses and mixed blooms from the beds, imagining the woman who originally planted them and how much joy her choices provided to future homeowners. Those generous plantings became a legacy of beauty and small daily pleasures.
My current yard started out as a typical suburban plot with no character to speak of, so it’s up to me to introduce charm and life. I picture a small but abundant space, full of flowers I can cut and enjoy. Even though the area is tiny and my time is limited, I dream of a cozy spot to stop and smell the roses — a place I’d happily invite you to for tea. Building it may take years, but that slow development is part of the pleasure. If we move before it’s finished, someone else will inherit a head start.
I discovered the secret cottage garden featured on Traditional Home and couldn’t resist sharing it. The images there capture a wonderfully charming potting shed and lush beds that are deeply inspiring. I adore the little garden house and can easily imagine spending peaceful afternoons pottering among the plants.
On a related gardening note: remember when I mentioned planting my first vegetable patch? I did, and we recently harvested our first lettuce — a tasty addition to our BBQ burgers. The lettuce grew in whiskey barrels, and that small success makes me eager to share more updates as the garden progresses. Little wins like this are encouraging and keep me motivated to continue developing the secret garden.
Are you planting or tending flower or vegetable gardens this year?