Gardening means more than growing plants. It builds a space of life and art. Tingshu Hu and Philip Zhao won the 2023 Reader Garden Award. They changed their yard into a rich scene of many plants and new ideas. Come and see their garden that shows good gardening at work.
A Journey of Transformation
When Tingshu and Philip moved in, they saw a large lawn. It was a usual choice in neighborhoods. Soon they found the lawn took too much work. In 2016, they chose to change it. They wanted a warm space for their family and pets. They planned a garden full of life.
They had two main plans. One is a crabapple tree that Tingshu loves. The other is a calm fish pond that Philip wished for. These parts led the growth of the garden.
Innovative Gardening Techniques
The garden shows green practices. They mix chicken manure from 30 to 40 birds into the soil. This plan makes the soil rich and stops the use of extra chemicals.
Philip said they move the manure through different bins over time. In this way, they make compost that feeds their crops.
They do more than just compost. Tingshu plants ground covers and new seeds very near to each other. The new plants join the old ones in a neat mix that takes little care.
A Teamwork Partnership
Tingshu works as the lead gardener. Philip builds and plans the structure. They make new projects that add looks and work to the yard. One plan is a shallow fish pond with an aquaponics setup. This pond holds koi fish and grows food like strawberries and tomatoes.
They also built a sun room. In the cold months, they bring the fish inside. They cover the room with glass to keep the sun’s heat in. This idea warms the space and saves energy.
Embracing Biodiversity
Biodiversity sits at the heart of their yard. Many plants grow side by side. This shows in the perennials at the entrance and the hazelnut trees near the peach trees.
They traded a plain lawn for a garden of local, useful plants. This choice saves time and care. Planting many foods, flowers, and ground covers builds a rich and steady scene.
Learning from Each Other
Their work lets them learn and help neighbors. Tingshu and Philip invite other gardeners to see how they work. They share tips on where to place a plant and how to keep the soil strong.
They even use a robot mower to cut the grass and mark the garden beds. They prove you can have a garden that looks good and needs less work. A moment for coffee comes as the robot does its job.
Conclusion
Tingshu and Philip show that hard work and new ideas can change a garden. They use careful care and take smart steps that build a strong yard. Their garden becomes a home for many living things that grow together.
Good job to Tingshu and Philip for winning the 2023 Reader Garden Award. Their garden sends fresh thoughts for the future. With each season, we wait for more good work from their green space.
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