The swamp is always just a little damp,it receives less, sun and is protected from the wind and the worse of winter temperatures. I was able to maintain blooming flowers in this area year round. The area surrounded by the rocks is a small pond. The local birds and cats enjoyed their secret watering hole. The pink flowers are from large five year old clumps of calla lilies.
The back yard had to be terraced. The slope up to the fence was barely walkable. I also wanted a forest area to provide shade to the kitchen. The lawn had to be large enough to play backgammon on. It was, barely.
The forest atmosphere is created by planting Mountain Ash trees close together. At the southern end of their range they are a small tree and allow this close planting. The red hiding behind the tree is an ornamental water pump. It is the start of a small dry stream bed that meanders through the forest to a hidden pond complete with goldfish. Toads and turtles use the pond for a swimming pool on hot days.