My japanese Maple bed--a year later!

17 years ago

Some of you may remember this bed---thought you'd like to see how it filled in. I moved one of the hostas--and added some additional heuchera. I also added three Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'--it finally came in at the nursery where I work.

The angles are a little different--sorry about that. I realize the color is very different in these photos--must have been the time of day--or perhaps the difference between print and digital. The earlier photos were taken on film, the current photos with Elder Son's digital camera.

I STILL don't care for the edging on this bed--one of htese days I'm going to pull it out and replace it with low mortared rock edging--to match the wall. That was the original plan--we ran out of money. Oh--and please ignore the ripening daffodil foliage in the bottom picture. Those are coming out as soon as they've finished ripening. Headed for another bed...

last year:

{{gwi:28444}}

This year:

Last year:

{{gwi:24384}}

This year:

{{gwi:28446}}

It's coming along. I'm astounded at how much everything GREW this spring. I expected things to get bigger--but they just took off. I'm not declaring this bed "done"...but I believe it's improving. What do y'all think? You KNOW I can take it!

melanie

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Comments (6)

zzepherdogg
17 years ago
That Is lovely, Realy satisfying to look at. I love the pavers on the open space. I wish I was there right now, with a big cup of coffee....
stevega
17 years ago
Very nice. Soothing.
I especially like the heuchera providing color and unifying the area.
My eye wants to see another item of interest near the lower corner and some more of the trunk of the maple from the coffee drinking side.
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catkim
17 years ago
Looks great! I remember the lengthy deliberation over this plot, and the Divine Miz D's sketch. The heuchera really makes it work, but I agree with stevega, wouldn't it be nice to have one clump of the hakonechloa macra spilling over the bottom edge, contrasting brightly with the dark heuchera. Your long-term plans for the edging will happen after the Boy is done with college (I can *so* relate to that, I have a fence wait-listed).

When I look closely at the photo, I can see the trunk structure of the JM. Perfect spot to enjoy a margarita on a hot summer evening.
inkognito
17 years ago
The maple will need shaping up at a certain point mel. catkims comment about the structure is very important I think. The Heuchera is a stroke of genius. Something to think about while sitting in the dentists waiting room (I hope you are not still smarting over that BTW) is: how about this same combination of plants with the colours reversed, a purple leaved maple with a green heuchera or ladies mantle under it? Let's all go over to melanies for the Next Big Thing.
mjsee
Original Author
17 years ago
oooooo---I LIKE the idea. A Tamukeyama, perhaps--with heuchera lime ricky? hmmmmm.....where to plant them....

I know the JM will need some shaping as it matures--it's only been in the ground for two years. I'm going to get some books and learn about "cloud pruning." I thought it would be best to just leave it be for at least the first three years.

I think Michelle was the person who suggested a purple heuchera--and then I found 'Obsidian.' It's been a great plant in my yard--lush doesn't beging to describe it...and seems to be happier, healthier, and hardier than 'Plum Pudding.'

It IS a great spot for morning coffee. AND an evening margarita. (Or in my case, a Bass ale.)

I'm all done with the dentist for now--currently I'm dealing with endocrinologists. Still don't have a lot of stamina--but my energy is coming back--so I can PLACE plants--and then Elder Son, DH, or The Boy dig the holes. They are good mulchers, as well.

I moved one of the Hakonechloas to the front of the bed late today--it thunderstormed before I got a picture of it. Not certain what I think yet...but my plants are used to "living on the end of a shovel."

melanie
tibs
17 years ago
Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'Is a wonderful plant. It will make a lovely wataerful down you slanted bed. I think you are going to have to move it back from the edge in a few years or it will be spilling over into the drive more than you want. Mine has spread quite nicely, and after about 10 years I have been splitting it and placing it other places. I would plant it under a maroon JM if you picked one with large leaves (i.e., not threadleaf) rather than Lime Rickey H. But then I am such a sucker for H.M

I have tried the cloud pruning on my JM and I am happy to report that it worked (much to my surprise) so much so that a neghbor commented on how good the tree looked, how the branches were layed and she could see thru it. Just made me feel warm and fuzzy.

Please keep posting the annual pictures so we can see the development.

My japanese Maple bed--a year later!

Comments (6)

zzepherdogg

stevega

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My japanese Maple bed--a year later!

Comments (6)

zzepherdogg

stevega

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catkim

inkognito

mjseeOriginal Author

tibs

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