Jay’s Garden in the Mountains

I’m always happy when garden designer Jay Sifford sends in photos. We’ve visited his beautiful garden in Charlotte, North Carolina, a few times (Jay’s Garden in North Carolina, Revisited), and today we’re checking in on his second garden up in the mountains of western North Carolina.

This is year 3 of my Zone 6 North Carolina mountain garden. It has exceeded my expectations, and I had high hopes. I set out to create an immersive, pollinator-friendly, stylized meadow set atop my septic drain field. Artistically, I wanted to craft something that resembled a three-dimensional Monet painting. I’m both proud and humbled to say that I think I’ve accomplished my goals. Happy bird songs create a surround-sound experience, and visually, my painting has come to life.

Clouds of purple geraniums (Geranium ‘Rozanne’, Zones 5–8) back up and contrast perfectly with the yellow blooms of threadleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata, Zones 3–9) in the foreground, while clouds of other blooming plants extend beyond.

Pinky-purple blooms of Stachys officinalis (Zones 4–8) take center stage here. The air clouds of flowers are anchored by sturdy shrubs and the bold foliage of irises.

It is easy to see the inspiration of a Monet painting here in this beautiful garden, with clouds of small flowers painting the view.

The richly planted garden slopes down to a circle of inviting chairs.

The dark color and simple form of the house are a perfect contrast to the airy, delicate feel of the garden.

One last view of this incredible garden shows how the surrounding trees wrap around this romantic meadow planting.

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