Long time no post, updated garden photos
Hi guys! I have been absent for months, I know. Got busy out in the garden and then it got too hot to garden and I keep running out of money to do all I want to do (don't ya hate when that happens?!) At this point it has gotten to a slow crawl in progress because 1. money and 2. lack of availability of materials like boxwoods and roses.
I am trying my best to stick to only buying the 'bones' of my garden and not buy annuals but it is so so hard! I cave all. the. time.
If you will recall back in the beginning of February I had started mapping out just doing a strip of boxwoods along the edge of my patio, but after seeing a gorgeous picture of a mansions backyard on Houzz I got inspired to replicate the feel on a much, MUCH smaller scale and after getting quotes of a couple grand to have bermuda sod removed by pros (because I really, REALLY didn't wanna do it) I realized I had to do it myself. SO I rented what must have been the most ancient sod cutter in the world from HD and after using it for a few hours with little progress decided I had to scale back my grand plans. A lot. So the hill behind my house and the sides of my fence did not get done. I might try again in the Fall.
Here is what it looked like in the beginning of February:
And then the beginning of March after removing the sod:
April you will notice both sides are not perfectly even, that is because the slope/hill behind the house comes out unevenly and from *most* perspectives it looked best to not cut into the hill on the left side. So the left is a foot less deep then the right. The other issue skewing the left side to be smaller is that the fountain is centered between the four windows but the middle of the walkway is not so I either had to skew the planting beds off from the obviously centered fountain or do what I ended up doing, and cutting the left side short, again.
May(I stopped taking pics of the whole garden, not sure why)Earth Angel in front and to the right, Love Song behind that, two Plum Perfects b the pillar, and then Darcy Brussel and Angel Face):
Skip to this month:
I am slowly trying to trim the boxwoods to the same height and width. The weeping willow in the middle planter got shovel pruned, no matter how much water I gave it it would die down and then come back over and over. I finally got sick of it and replaced it with a little gem magnolia. I was pleasantly surprised that despite building the middle planting area out of scraps of bermuda sod wrapped in landscape fabric I have yet to see a single bit of bermuda pop up in there.
I also did a test between the two sides, on one side I tilled the flip out of it with a giant tiller after sod removal(right), on the other I did not(left). I wanted to see which I would have more straggler bermuda issues with. It turns out the one I didn't till has more stragglers pop up. However, the one I DID till has terrible drainage issues. I lost my first limelight standard to root rot and didn't realize the issue until I pulled it out and it was in a bathtub. I had to build up the area to improve drainage. I think the problem was I didn't till the entire yard, and it is sloped, so once water reaches the end of the tilled area it just stay there. I amend with compost and mulch to all the beds as much as I can but of course time is going to be the real solution for my crappy pottery-making construction-equipment-compacted clay soil.
I want to envelope the whole planting area with boxwoods but I can no longer find good specimens, I have some Lowes gift cards but lately their shipments have been teeny tiny and spindly. No thanks.
The roses are doing okay-ish. When J&P had their big sale I bought four PJPII's and of course kicked myself for not buying more, they seem to be doing the absolute best with the heat and the rain and the insects. I remember when I got them in they were dormant for what felt like weeks and I was mad at myself for buying roses so late in the season but then, out of the blue, they took off. They are in the back of this photo, the rose on the left in the front is Plum Perfect, which has been doing better than most but not a blooming machine. I attribute this to the less than stellar soil conditions.
I may end up yanking everything but PJPII and filling the bed to the brim with them. Earth Angel is lovely when it blooms but thrips, midge, JBs all love it and the blooms seem to blow quickly when they are successful. Love Song is a blackspotted mess. Darcy Brussel steals my heart when she blooms, but she too has terrible BS. I will give them one more season I think and then decide. At my last house my Eden rose bloomed from the get-go, tons of blooms, and I had planted it as a body bag. This time it has plenty of growth but zero blooms, I am blaming my soil for now. It will most likely be replaced with quicksilver though.
That ratchet back hill though. I can't even. It overwhelms me, it is so steep, and not at all even, and I hate the view out of my back window. Ii know what I want to plant there but the sod cutter was too dangerous to use on the slope even sideways and having to live with it all gross and ugly while I kill it with roundup is terrible, using landscape fabric and mulch won't work because the mulch will slide right down the landscape fabric. I got a quote to have a retaining wall put in and they wanted $19k. My husband grumbles when I spend $100 on garden stuff, $19k is just not happening. I planted Leylands at the top because as lovely as the trees are behind my fence, it is completely within the realm of possibility for our development to be extended back there one day and the trees to be gone *sobs uncontrollably*. There is a very lovely old widow lady who lives there and she sold the land our development is on and gave the developer first rights when she passes on to buy the property her house is on, behind me. I want to extend the planting area to just above the base of the slope and put in limelight standard and crape myrtles all the way across.
Comments (22)
Sun2shinie, Arkansas z7a
6 years agoRelated Discussions
Long time, no post!
Comments (12)Thanks for the warm welcome! Tibs - Yes, I'm always happy to see old posters return. I wonder whatever happened to the lady that was a docent at the Los Angeles Zoo? Does anyone remember her? And the lady with all the special needs cats? Karen and Michael - Occasionaly we feel earthquakes here that are centered around Eureka, but it would have to be bigger than 4.9. We have our own earthquakes here, but fortunately, not too often or too strong. Suzy - I could talk all day about stupid hospital politics. Why are the people in charge so "out of it" when it comes to patient care, or the needs of the community? And why the heck are they the ones who earn the big bucks? Of course, that is only my own humble opinion! I do plan to enjoy my time off....I have a whole list of things I want to accomplish before returning to work. Lilo - Yes, I do live along I5. I love your area...so rural and peaceful. One of my co-workers who also lost his job (he's a radiation therapist) just took a job in Ukiah. But housing is so expensive there he's living out of a travel trailer and commuting home to wife and kids on the weekend. By the way, a woman here in town was also in your war bride documentary. It's a small world! Anneliese - Isn't that the truth. Thankfully, it will all be over soon. Andie and mwheel - Thank you! Yes, I've been addicted to GP for years, but don't feel clever enough to join in the conversation. But I'll try! Josh - Give up the quotes? No! I love the quotes!...See MoreHello -long time no post!
Comments (17)Hi Guys! It's good to hear from everyone! Yes - work is going well. I've been with the same client now close to 2 1/12 years. I spent a year and a half doing west coast work in the digital sector and now I'm in INTEL in the DC area - all virtual from Florida with some on site required travel.. Working long, long hours. I'm pooped, to be honest, but too busy to step away for time off. I have had a lot of house remodel projects and now have my kitchen remodel on the list. But, of course, ran into a structural snaffoo, so everything is delayed until that can be sorted. I'm doing a lot of the work myself but hiring out certain things. So, it's going 'slow', but I'm not in a huge hurry anyway. Tom- was wondering if you ever did venture into flowers as you are definitely the Veggie Pro! I always aspire to have veggies like yours and Silvia's - but alas, it's just a goal at this point! This is the worst tomato growing year I've ever had. I think I have a virus in my soil in my pots...maybe that's the culprit? Or, it's white flies.....no telling. Silvia: I always think of your gorgeous veggie garden...it's amazing to say the least! Ladywinger: I thought I saw a new hummingbird in Florida! ;) So, he I have continued to put feeders out when I see the first Hummer. I have gotten more than one Hummer in my yard the last two years. But, that could be a weather fluke. I'm hoping with the addition of Fire Spike and a few more humming bird plants they'll stick around a bit longer. Tom: We "should" see the first Hummer in Sept (perhaps late Aug depending on storm season) as the migration typically begins in September. I always add red and a bit of yellow food coloring. They seem to like that deep red-orange color. They love my Cape Honeysuckle which is a deep orange. I also have been planting Orange Justica -- apparently, it is supposed to bloom in shade....we shall see. I have in both shade and sun. It's an expensive plant ($16.95 at Lowes) so I want to start rooting cuttings once it gets established. My Plumeria branches keep getting broken off by rambunctious baby raccoons, so I've rooted several of the broken limbs and have a small Plumeria farm now! All my citrus trees died except for one--a white Duncan grapefruit, which is on life-support....it will probably be dead next year.... I bought a small Key Lime and Meyer Lemon Hybrid which is in a large pot on the patio. That's how I've been keeping busy these days! Kimberly aka: SaintPFLA...See MoreHey been long time since posting need ideas please
Comments (6)Imatallun, I was thinking along those same lines - get the kids interested early, make them life-long gardeners. Katie, would a children's garden be feasable? Would the local schools be willing to promote "Garden Day" field trips to give kids a chance to actually work in a garden and learn where so much of their food comes from, what composting is and how it works, etc. Could you find a local artist willing to donate drawings for a factual coloring book the zoo could give to Garden Day participants and perhaps sell at the gift shop? Sorry to be so long-winded, guess I spent too many years in advertising. cora...See MorePost Garden Long Shots (photos and slideshows)
Comments (16)Mark - No, I have not planted the ragoon creeper yet. I haven't quite figured out where I want to put it. The other plant that you gave me that produces clusters of blue flowers is sending up a couple more flower stalks. This plant reminds me of a super dwarf Lily-of-the--Nile. Besides, I have been spending a LOT of time working in the vegetable garden. I will post pics of that in the near future. Anna - Thank you very much for the compliments. I do enjoy strong colors too. I find colorful foliage easier to deal with in the hot summer...no deadheading. Actually I have another planted area that I could show you but it's not quite as eye catching. I'll take more pictures soon and post it on this thread. Christine...See MoreLyla Zone 7b/8a
6 years agoHoly cow I had no idea boxwood was so easy to propagate! I just counted, I have 116 of them, and none of them were free, lol, I know what I am doing come cooler temps! I recently installed a drip system to everything so it should be easy to keep them watered.
So humid out my camera lens kept fogging up this morning while I tried to get pics of PJPII:
Earth Angels only bloom at the moment(and I have four EA's!)
Love Song hits me one bloom at a time, never see more than that but she seems steady as she goes.
Earth Angel left side bushes in the front middle and left. The one in the back with all the buds? PJPII, of course. LS giving me one bloom on this side as well. Plum Perfect is on the front right.
Heirloom saves itself from shovel prune every time I start thinking about it. I got it as a sickly looking body bag for $2. He's on the front right. Front left is PP. PJPII is the one in the back with all the buds. Say it with me now, 'OF COURSE!' lol Young Lycidas was also a body bag, but he wasn't cheap, and I was desperate for him. He got shovel pruned when he failed to take off after two months. Fortunately he came from a garden center that guarantees their trees and shrubs. The black diamond crapes on the right had all of their blooms devoured by JBs. In one night. Which is beyond a shame because they are bright white and they are glorious surrounded by dark purple foliage.
modestgoddess z6 OH
6 years ago
Lesley McClave
6 years ago
enchantedrosez5bma
6 years ago
totoro z7b Md
6 years ago
Kristine LeGault 8a pnw
6 years ago
Rosylady (PNW zone 8)
6 years agoenchantedrosez5bma
6 years agoLyla- We could all offer better advice if you at least list your agricultural zone and state since climate conditions have such an impact on roses growth and health.
From almost all our observations here in the rose forum the Kordes roses are a bit slow and don't really hit their stride until about 3 years of age so they really require patience.
I have Kordes Honeymoon and she flowers nicely for a two year old band rose. I live in MA, black spot heaven but some of my Kordes are doing great. Fire Opal flowers almost nonstop in only 5 hours of sun a day in mostly subsoil with just a skim of loam on top. I plant in small holes (it's almost impossible to dig large holes in our rock strewn New England soil) and fill the hole with bagged composted manure or humus. I also sprinkle a generous scoop of mycorrhizal to stimulate root growth. It works extremely well. Honeymoon has had two small flushes this year.
Have you tried any David Austin roses besides Darcy? I have Windermere which flowers well and gets very little to no blackspot and Queen of Sweden which is also very disease resistant. Heritage does well. DA lists disease resistance in his rose descriptions. Darcy is listed as good. Both Windermere and QOS are listed as excellent for disease resistance.
Some Easy Elegance roses do well. I have My Girl a cherry red rose planted in about 4 1/2 hours of sun, crappy soil on the edge of the woods and she is growing like a weed. No black spot at all. Plus she has a nice mild scent, something never mentioned in her description.
Bolero is always in bloom but she does get some black spot but her flowers and scent are exquisite. She's my favorite rose. Julia Child flowers nicely and is disease resistant. Not completely clean but very good.
This year has been awful for fungal disease since it has been wicked muggy but relatively cool so a real test for the roses. We haven't had any JB's but I have rose midge. It seems there's always something to deal with.
Your designs are looking beautiful so far. Have faith. You will find the perfect roses for your lovely garden.
Sharon
Lyla Zone 7b/8a thanked enchantedrosez5bmaKristine LeGault 8a pnw
6 years agoenchantedrosez5bma
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoLyla Zone 7b/8a
6 years agoThanks guys, I am on the edge of 7b/8a just south of Charlotte, NC. This summer has been weird with either tons of dry spells and temps in the 90's or days upon days of rain and temps in the 80s.
The side yard that gets full sun is doing great, the gardenia are going nuts, and they bloomed their little hearts out earlier. It was absolute heaven to sit on the porch and read. They still put off the odd bloom here and there. The Eden here is growing like mad but not a single bloom. I have two, one on the fence on the other side of the yard and the one here. The one on the fence will most likely be replaced with quicksilver, it has black spotted something fierce and I think the lilac color will look better there anyways.Early March
Early April
Early August
This week(eden)
Kristine LeGault 8a pnw
6 years agoenchantedrosez5bma
6 years agoKristine LeGault 8a pnw
6 years agoenchantedrosez5bma
6 years ago
Lilyfinch z9a Murrieta Ca
6 years agoenchantedrosez5bma
6 years agoLilyfinch z9a Murrieta Ca
6 years agoLyla Zone 7b/8a
6 years agoLilyfinch, to be honest I wing it as far as the lines of the beds. I use an edger shovel and eyeball it. I want to be outside right now cleaning up edges and getting rid of sod by the fence but I injured my ankle at crossfit yesterday and I am beyond annoyed with myself. I had tweaked it Monday but Tuesday it felt fine, yesterday I did a bunch of skaters and boom! My ankle told me it was very angry. Sigh. The weather was gorgeous yesterday in the mid seventies so I sat on the porch and daydreamed about the changes I want to make. I REALLY want to find the black and white anemone corms for sale but the only place I can find online that sells them to anyone has been sold out for months on end.
I find the hardest part of gardening to be restraining myself. I ADORE formal English gardens which are so full of boxwoods and single varieties planted in multitudes but then I also want a cutting garden with all kinds of blue-based reds and purples and whites and pinks.The other side of the house by the AC unit has morning sun until noon and then afternoon shade, perfect for my hydrangea obsession. Unfortunately the ac units drain so much water that it floods the bed, I rigged up a hose to pipe it away into the grass but not until I realized how bad it was, AFTER my hydrangea all got terrible blackspot, which is pretty rare on a hydrangea. They are recovering slowly. The five hydrangea here in early April are blushing brides. The Japanese Maple was $5 from Lowe's, it had frost damage from a late frost after things had leafed out so I snatched it up because I adore coral barked Japanese Maples.
I didn't take many pics of this area, I thought I had but I just checked and no such luck. Here is a close-up of one of the blushing bride's from June
And now, they had been so full and covered in blooms but the added water just wrecked them. The rose on the left is about twenty years old, and don't tell anyone, but I kind of hate it. My old co-worker gave it to me because it wasn't happy in her yard, she wasn't sure what variety it is, some sort of David Austin. While it blooms regularly for me, the blooms don't smell like anything and they fall apart within a day, and they are only about an two-three inches wide or less. Meh.
Kristine LeGault 8a pnw
6 years ago
enchantedrosez5bma