Travel Tips

Since moving to a home in Overland Park, I have had a yard with potential to become a pretty and comfortable place in which to relax. In the spring of 2003, I have given up lots of day-trip time in order to work on the project.

I have been influenced by Xeriscopic landscaping techniques - and try to use, as much as possible, perennials that are either native to the area, or adapt well and require little water and fertilizer. At the same time, I am trying to cut down on the area needing to be mowed, hopefully cutting back on pollution.

When (if?) it is finished, I will add some photos to this travelogue. In the meantime, see some pictures of some of my flowers in this work in progress.

By early May, most of my tulips have given up for the year. These large pink tulips are the last to hang around. Photographed in late afternoon light after I had watered the flower bed. The foliage of a Canadian Select Red Cherry tree (ornamental) provides the background.

I wish I could remember the variety of this striking red dianthus.

Features impatiens, Japanese painted ferns, hostas

This bed sits next to my patio and can be seen from the table as I am eating breakfast or dinner. In late summer it attracts many butterflies.

Varieties seen in this photo include black-eyed susan, gloriosa daisy, coreopsis, gaillardia