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13-APR-2008 Helen Betts

Oasis in the City
by Helen Betts

Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.

This is my (literally) postage-stamp-size garden, which is hard to photograph well but was spectacular this year, with crocus, daffodils, tulips, azaleas, peonies, hosta, clematis, dogwood and a lily that just bloomed. I don't have a green thumb by any means (in fact I hate gardening but love watching things grow), but have somehow managed to transform this into a nice little spot since we've been back from 15 years overseas (and 15 years of tenant neglect). People have even stopped and commented on it, which makes all the dirt and bugs and constant weed and ivy-ripping out worth it!

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Justin Miller08-Jul-2008 00:59
As an Englishman by birth, I've always had an inate understanding and appreciation for the English garden as a little zen spot in a cluttered life full of seriousness and pomposity - this is a lovely garden spot you've created - a bit of life, and color, and calm, in your concrete jungle city life!
Helen Betts07-Jul-2008 03:34
Thanks, again, for all the comments! Inframan, the peony in the front yard only produced one bloom (brilliant pink); I was so disappointed. But the one in back had about 14 blossoms and was spectacular. Don't know what I did wrong in front:-(...
Guest 05-Jul-2008 16:40
Nice shot of a really beautiful garden Helen; great color and depth perception!
inframan 05-Jul-2008 16:05
ps...and now the peonies must be in bloom. Dark red? :))
inframan 05-Jul-2008 16:02
Such a spectacular garden. Perfectly composed (as garden & shot) & everything in bloom at once. Marvelous job, Helen, on both counts.
Helen Betts29-Jun-2008 16:37
Thanks, Kathy! It's so very tiny but I just love it... and when we returned from Turkey we almost didn't recognize it because the dogwood we planted all those years ago is enormous now. Amazing that I didn't kill it, LOL.http://www.pbase.com/image/99404382 if interested :-).
Guest 29-Jun-2008 13:57
What a perfectly beautiful spot! You've done a nice job with it!