Life was hectic for DB#1 and I, in regards to Mom, in 2021 and 2022. We could no longer keep her in her home with her increasingly demanding care. One day after we didn't come running to her beck and call, she requested to DB#1 to move in to independent living, and on June 24th she moved in. Of course she doesn't remember requesting it. 
The following May, Mom was moved to Assisted Living out of necessity. It started out as minimal care, but her needs have increased to date, and will continue to increase as time goes on. The gardens suffered from neglect. 
I didn't tend to the gardens, not deadheading and removing dead DL leaves, fill the bird baths, or feed the birds for two years. I did get some photos of DL blooms when I could.
Now things are more settled with Mom, and I am back out in the gardens full force. 
First things first, I had to launch a full assault war on Canada Thistle that has colonized on our property, during the past two years. So getting it under control was the first thing on the list. I found that a solution of bleach, water and a drop of dish soap in a spray bottle to be effective in this war. On stream setting and with the nozzle itself in physical contact of each cut weed stalk, I spray liberally for a systemic kill treatment. This way I should not have to dig up the running root that sits pretty far down in the ground. The physical contact of the spray bottle eliminates overspray on neighboring plants, and the solution runs down the stalk itself for good measure. 
It seems to be working. It will take a while to treat all of the colonies in the garden beds, but I'm happy with the results so far! 
I read that mowing on the regular will eventually kill the colonies in the lawn while I'm otherwise occupied. 
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On Thursday (6.10.21), I weeded and got the plantings in to the right of the arbor! Two daylilies are transplants from other areas where they weren't getting enough sun: 'Flycatcher' x 'Heavenly Curls', a cross from a seller on the LA, Kim Klarner, and 'Thumbthing Special'. Those daylilies join these daylilies: 'Helix', 'Dragon Fang', 'Wild and Wonderful', 'Final Touch', and 'Get Jiggy' directly within that garden, and in the adjacent garden: 'Helix', and 'Brazilian Flamingo'. I want to add some sort of a focal point, but that's going to have to wait for another time. The new clematis, that was gifted to me for Mother's Day, this year, is planted directly beside the right arbor panel, and I planted three Lantana amongst the daylilies for instant color. Two of them you can see, but the third is behind a daylily from this angle. There is also a ('Blue Angel' (?)) hosta, Coral Honeysuckle, Niobe Clematis, 'Cheyenne Spirit' Coneflower, and Purple Liatris in that garden. I plan to add a hosta by the front corner of the right and left legs of the arbor, I just have to figure out which cultivar. 
Then the border bricks can be reinstalled, mulch added, and that garden will be done. I'm very pleased with how this area is coming together!!
The new clematis.....
I'm considering hosta 'June' for my DMIL's name. She was a true blessing. 
This hosta can grow in a more sunny spot than other hosta cultivars. (Image courtesy of Green Mountain Hosta )
Before:
After, so far:
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Catching up on the goings on in the gardens.....
On June 5th We shored up the arbor, and I installed the gate and a few fence panels, and I'm pretty happy with the results. Of course there's plenty more to do. 😏
It was really hot out there, so that's all I could get done, but it does check one thing off my to-do list! So this sets up the install for the rest of the fencing to keep Jerkwaad's dog out of the gardens. I will get a few more decorative panels to link to the panels in the photo, a matching gate for between the kennel and the Dinette, and then, unfortunately, chicken wire will finish off the rest of the fencing that will install tight against the back of the living fence, all the way down to the back of the yard and garden.
The nosey neighbor across the street sat in her lawn chair, in her driveway, and watched me work. 
Last week, we chatted with that nosey neighbor and she kept asking over and over why I have the arbor. Uh, because? I don't know what she was fishing for (she's totally self-serving ), but I'm sure I disappointed her with little to no information. 🤷 😏 
The back view of the living fence. Another decorative fence panel will connect to the one by the hosta and terminate at the kennel......
The second gate will install from the closest corner of the Dinette wall to the kennel.......
Front side of the living fence and the back garden.......
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Better photos of the old tree garden after mulching.
(The bricks will eventually get their due attention. )
.....and my teeny tiny veggie garden in the background. 
Hey, being the only person in the family who likes uncooked tomatoes, my veggie garden efforts are on a small scale. (....and I don't do canning, although I might be forced to can this year )
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Yesterday, I finally got the landscape fabric put down in the veggie garden and the veggies planted!! 
The old tree garden is now complete after adding ten plants, 6 lavender, 3 purple liatris divisions (they've got transplant shock going on, right now 
), and the Starry Starry Night hibiscus. The lavender and liatris flower colors will anchor the varied colors of the daylilies, for a sense of consistency. The liatris will lend a vertical element to this garden. All the foliage from these plants will offset the foliage of the daylilies in color and/or texture, not to mention that the hibiscus foliage is really dark! These plants will also extend the blooming season along with some daylilies in this garden. I just love to see purple, pink, and blue colors offset the Fall colors!
So, after 4 years of thinking and rethinking this garden, it has finally come together to my satisfaction!!!
This garden is gonna get two waterings a day for a while, and hopefully mulched next weekend.
Got scapes popping up!!
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