THE SMALL URBAN GARDEN CHALLENGE

IN THE BEGINNING -- THE BLANK CANVAS

Living and working in the big city I am becoming a master of the small urban garden. The tiny lot above was a big challenge. After the lawn was installed ( the homeowners have a small dog and insisted on it ) it left a bed of about 4 ' deep and 8 feet long for planting.

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Here are the shrubs I chose for this Northern exposure ( from left to right ) : Viburnum Prunifolia ( white flowers in summer ) ; Hinoki Cypress ( Evergreen ) and dwarf Oakleaf hydrangea, all of which look very effective year around. All the Viburnums have a very interesting structure even when not in leaf.

Perennials : Repeat blooming ' Stella'd'oro ' daylilly, ornamental grasses, purple leafed coralbells.

Annuals for long season color , early summer to late Fall : Coleus.

More on small urban gardens to follow.