Connie Raines, a hobby gardener and professional interior designer from Georgia, has shared some stunning photos of her garden with us. Her love for plants and flowers blossomed while tending to her small city garden, and she even worked as a “professional gardener” during the 2008 recession when design work was scarce. Currently, she has a beautiful wildflower meadow garden that she started in 2022, which has been a labor of love for the past two years. In addition to the wildflowers, her property also boasts some impressive azaleas.
One of the highlights of Connie’s garden is the Lady Banks rose (Rosa banksiea ‘Lutea’), a vine covered in gorgeous yellow blooms. This particular rose thrives in hot climates and is an early bloomer, making it a stunning addition to any garden. What’s even better is that it is nearly thornless, so it can be safely planted next to a seating area without any concerns for prickly encounters.
Another gem in Connie’s garden is the baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii), an annual plant native to the West Coast. Connie planted these seeds last fall, and they have flourished beautifully in her garden. This delicate flower adds a touch of whimsy and charm to the landscape, making it a favorite among gardeners.
Connie is also incorporating more native plants into her garden, such as the baptisia (Baptisia alba), a perennial known for its long-lasting blooms and durability. While it may take some time for these plants to establish and start flowering heavily, the promise of their beauty for years to come is well worth the wait.
In addition to the stunning flowers in her garden, Connie also grows edible plants like Brussels sprouts and Swiss chard. These cold-tolerant vegetables thrived over the winter and added a practical and delicious element to Connie’s garden.
Overall, Connie’s garden is a testament to her passion for gardening and her keen eye for design. The careful selection of plants, the thoughtful arrangement of flowers, and the dedication to nurturing her garden have resulted in a beautiful and thriving oasis that brings joy and beauty to both Connie and all who have the pleasure of experiencing it.
If you have a garden that you’d like to share, we’d love to see it! Whether it’s a collection of plants you love, a beautiful garden you’ve visited, or simply your own backyard haven, we welcome all submissions. Send your photos along with some information about the plants and where the photos were taken to [email protected] We’d love to hear your gardening stories, successes, failures, and hopes for the future.
And if you’re on social media, don’t forget to tag your photos with #FineGardening on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Sharing your garden with others is a wonderful way to connect with fellow garden enthusiasts and inspire others to cultivate their own green spaces.
The beauty of Connie’s garden is a reminder of the joy and tranquility that nature can bring. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, there’s magic to be found in tending to plants and watching them grow. So roll up your sleeves, put on your gardening gloves, and let the beauty of nature surround you in your own little piece of paradise.
