Kathleen's Hudson Garden

Kathleen’s garden in Hudson, Wisconsin, is described as the most beautiful it has ever been. The article shows a summer peak view of her backyard, packed with color from one end to the other.

Border Design

A container of SunPatiens (Impatiens hybrids, annual) anchors the edge of the patio, while sedums (Sedum cvs., Zones 3-9) spill from hanging baskets above. Cannas (Canna cvs., Zones 7-11), coleus (Coleus scutellarioides, annual), marigolds (Tagetes cvs., annual), portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora cvs., annual), and purple fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus ‘Rubrum’, Zones 9-11) fill the border. Tiered containers add even more planting space, and bronze garden lights echo the color of the fence and other metal accents.

Plant Palette

Kathleen carries the same materials and plant palette throughout the backyard. Hostas (Hosta cvs., Zones 3-9) are planted beside the house, where whimsical rust-colored metal ornaments sit among the rocks and repeat the dark tones of the fence and light fixtures. Across the lawn, a tomato (Solanum lycopersicum, annual) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus, annual) are worked right into the fence-line planting alongside the ornamentals.

Outdoor Features

A small firepit creates a natural gathering spot in the middle of the lawn, and a hot tub is also visible. A stepping-stone pathway leads from the lawn to the patio, where another densely planted border comes into view. Daylilies (Hemerocallis cvs., Zones 3-9) and cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus, annual) are among the summer flowers in bloom here, while tall wetland vegetation and mature trees beyond the fence create a striking natural backdrop.

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Flowering Highlights

The border is packed with summer flowers, including cosmos, bachelor’s buttons (Centaurea cyanus, annual), daylilies, portulaca, marigolds, salvia (Salvia cvs., Zones 4-11), hostas, and snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus, annual). Rising above all that color is a bird-shaped living sculpture that immediately caught my eye. I’d love to know how Kathleen created and maintains it! A bright blue bench offers a place to sit and take it all in while providing a striking contrast to the surrounding flowers.

Fine Gardening reports that Kathleen feels her garden is the most beautiful it has ever been, and the photos make a strong case for it. The backyard’s design, plant selection, and attention to detail combine to create a vibrant, inviting space that showcases the best of summer gardening in Hudson, Wisconsin.