what do you see here?

3 years ago

This is my new backyard at my new build house. Lots of granite outcropping where the blasting stopped...beautiful woods behind. I have had some landscaping done and have 9 David Austin roses planted in front of the boulders. As it is only 8 weeks out from planting they look skimpy so I know patience will payoff while they fill out over the next few years. My question is what to do with the weedy area up on top? My husband will weed whack so that’s a start....I plan to rake out the large stuff and then see how it looks. In hindsight I wish I had some work done on cleaning it up BEFORE the planting and sod but oh well! Hindsight is 20/20! So what do you see for this area and were the roses a good idea?

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Comments (14)

Jj J
3 years ago
Wow, there is so much rich potential here! Sure wish I had that wonderful granite in my sloping yard. What ideas might you mine out of these pics?
callirhoe123
3 years ago
Where are you located? How much sun does the area get? Wonderful potential for a rock garden. Lucky you!
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PRO
Yardvaark
3 years ago
It's not going to look good to plant tall things in front of the slope that cover it. Plant low, spreading, or mat-forming plants on the face and at the base. (The exception of the one-time or occasional "exclamation point" plant might be OK.) But first, clean up the slope as much as possible. You could do this with laying down a wide strip of fabric and wash the soil onto it with a forceful hose.
plf12652
Original Author
3 years ago
Yes, Yardvaark, I was thinking to lay down a tarp and use a jet spray from my hose to clean up the dirt on the slope and up top. Do you think the roses will look fine once they fill out....or should they be moved? I am in southern Maine, zone 5b. This area faces west and gets afternoon sun. I was thinking maybe some heath? Or at least some hens and chicks sedum.
PRO
Yardvaark
3 years ago
I think the roses will end up being too big for being in front of the wall. They'd be better up top, in front of the trees.
Embothrium
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Large flowered roses are too horticultural looking to have a natural rock garden as a back drop.

I was thinking to lay down a tarp and use a jet spray from my hose to clean up the dirt on the slope and up top

If you are talking about removing soil from a natural rock formation do consider that it may have taken thousands of years for that soil to form. And that it is likely to be better for growing anything you might want to plant on or among the rocks later than a purchased soil product.

A visit to this place could result in ideas and inspiration. I saw a presentation on it here in my area and it seemed to be quite something:

https://www.mainegardens.org/
PRO
Yardvaark
3 years ago
I was suggesting to clean soil away from the rock to let the rock better show ... not adding soil back in for planting. Just accept what soil remains in fissures and plant those, so as not to cover too much rock.
plf12652
Original Author
3 years ago
I have been to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens many times and it is just fabulous....if you are ever in Maine a visit is a must! Good point about the soil on the rock, something I hadn’t considered. I will post pictures as I work on it.......
plf12652
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you all!
Christopher CNC
3 years ago
Your granite outcroppings are the perfect conditions for one of the latest trends in gardening. They are called Crevice gardens. Basically small blooming drought tolerant and alpine plants that grow naturally in these conditions. https://www.bing.com/search?q=crevice+gardens&cvid=a4839b57d7614c779ad28df12c1fdb95&FORM=ANAB01&PC=U531
plf12652
Original Author
3 years ago
Now that is inspiring, Christopher C Nc! Many thanks!
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
3 years ago
Haha, I didn't know the mass of self sown plants all over my paved garden was one of the latest trends with an official name😉

plf you have an enviable natural rock garden there. Exploit it. Much better than trying to turn it into something it isn’t. What natives grow in similar conditions in your area? It looks quite shady. There must be some native ferns which would love it there. And there already seems to be an attractive fresh green grass. Is it well behaved?
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Dig Doug's Designs
3 years ago
ideas:
plf12652
Original Author
3 years ago
There is a good stand of ferns already established up top on the left side. I would like to encourage them to fill in, if possible. Can I collect the fern spores and sow them by hand? The area gets nice sun by 11 am or so and shade takes over around 4. Dig Doug, your rendering is beautiful.....great idea!

what do you see here?

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Jj J

callirhoe123

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