Summer Garden Contest entry #20 by Marla Schalow

Welcome to week 4 of our Summer Garden Contest--a "fun run for gardeners," as described by one reader. Last month we asked you to tell us about your garden, and we received many beautiful photos and stories about creative gardens around town.

Marla Schalow's garden is entry #20 to our Summer Garden Contest. Click below this story in the "More Info" section to check out previous entries.

Schalow writes:

"My landlord allows tenants to do anything they want with their little patio space.  I took the opportunity to create a little slice of heaven.  My garden consists of lots of flowers, herbs and I have a couple of tomato plants too. 

"Although small, my little herb/flower garden is my sanctuary.  I love to smell the wonderful scents of lavender, petunias, mint, and rosemary, especially after it rains.  It's the perfect place to gather with friends and family, a wonderful de-stresser after a long day at work (I love to get my hands in that dirt!), and a very calming place.  Most importantly, it has become an oasis for birds, toads, bees, neighborhood cats, and the occasional squirrel, raccoon, skunk and deer!  And, this year, I'm delighted to see that the honeybees have returned and have been very busy with the lavender! 

"Currently, in my garden I have daffodils, tulips, irises, petunias, sunflowers, daisies, chocolate mint, catnip, catgrass, lots of wildflowers, mums, lavender, basil, oregano, sage, thyme, tomato plants and lots of clearance-rack flowers that I bring back to health!  I hope you will consider my garden for your contest.  Thanks so much!"

Like Schalow's garden? Keep watching this space daily to see more beautiful entries to our Summer Garden Contest.

After we've showcased all the gardens that were submitted, we'll post a poll and let you vote on your favorite. The garden with the most votes at the close of the poll will be featured in an upcoming story in the print edition of AnnArbor.com.