Hello GPODers! While most gardens can certainly be described as “special,” this space gives that adjective even more meaning. Today we’ll be looking at the memorial garden that John Svinos created for his late father in New Jersey:
My garden is a memorial to my late father. He was an avid gardener as was his brother and father before him. They came from the small Greek island of Kos where they were in charge of the gardens.
Many of my plants are my dad’s and came from the island. Including the jasmine, fig and lime trees that are native to the island, as well as the hydrangeas and banana trees that were originally from my dad’s garden and brought to me.
The pool deck is the perfect place for a summer container garden. Since the climate in Greece is only slightly different than New Jersey, I’m sure John takes extra care in arranging these precious plants indoors when winter blows through the Mid-Atlantic.
I absolutely love how John has incorporated so much interesting garden art into his father’s memorial garden. Instead of creating a dark and depressing space, he has created something that is full of life and joy. With the wind chimes chiming in the breeze, it seems like the perfect place to soak in the beautiful memories.
This bright pink large leaf hydrangea loves its spot by the pool. While many gardeners are eager to plant their hydrangeas in the ground as soon as possible, my varieties will thrive in pots for many years.
Southern Magnolia (MagnoliaAreas 6–10) are the star of the show, perfectly framed by a garden canopy that looks like it’s surrounded by string lights. It’s great to see this space lit up at night!
John’s fruit trees interspersed with potted annuals by the pool give his New Jersey garden a tropical touch.
Close up of a beautiful jasmine flower, I believe this is ‘Grand Duke of Tuscany’ jasmine (Jasmine sambac ‘Grand Duke of Tuscany’Regions 9–12).
Finally, John’s wonderful fig tree. While figs may conjure up images of the cliffs of Greece or the rolling hills of Italy, these edible plants are relatively cold-hardy with the right wintering techniques and can be grown in soil in most parts of the United States. The northernmost states can still have their fair share of figs by growing a dwarf variety in a container like John’s other fruit tree above.
Thank you John for sharing your garden with us! What a beautiful place to remember such a special and influential person.
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