I noticed that it's been about a month since I posted that big mud hole that was our backyard and I am encouraged by the improvements. The most noticeable one is the fence (yea!). The dogs are really loving the freedom that they now have to run and I think it's been great exercise for them. They've never looked so fit and trim. Also - I'm happy about the grass that's coming in. When we noticed that it was good grass back there we decided against hydroseeding and just thought we'd take a chance. I'm excited to see it coming in so nicely. Last week we supplemented the grass with some seed and it loved all the rain that Eduard brought us.
Today I did this:
Phew - in 100 degree heat I about had a heart attack tilling, and digging, and weeding, but I'm anxious to get it going. This is about 2/3 of the way through what I did today. I tilled and weeded a bit more before calling it quits. I like the edging stuff I found. It's Smart Edge composite edging and was pretty easy to work with. I like that it's made of recycled materials but be careful with this stuff - it breaks apart relatively easily. It comes all rolled up and you have to let it 'rest' open for at least an hour, and when you are unrolling it, you can bend and break it. I'm speaking from experience. I may rework the side. I can't decide if when it has plants in there, you won't notice that it's kind of straight or if it should be curvier.Anyway, I'm looking forward to building it up and actually getting some basic plants in there. With it being August already I'm not really sure what I can plant yet but I'd like to put some Agapanthus for sure - I love those....and I'm not sure what else. Lots of perennials. I'm open to suggestions...
3 comments:
Jill, it looks great! I'm sure Sam and Daisy appreciate that huge backyard. Looks to me like a swimming pool would be perfect back there... you've definitely got room for it!
That's some interesting sounding edging. You've done the hard part, now comes the fun! Deciding what to put in it. I love agapanthus!! I have just a couple...and I think I'd love to have a bunch more. I think that's a great choice. How much direct sun do you think your new bed will get?
I know you really don't want crepe myrtles... but I have to say... I've noticed some awfully pretty purple ones around here lately!
We would LOVE a swimming pool. Mark and I talk about it so we're saving our pennies but $30,000 is a lot of pennies. The builder had that in mind too - he told us that he purposely situated the house as far left as possible so that pool trucks could drive back there.
The bed is going to get a great deal of sun...it's on the south side of the house and not much provides shade. Until I get some trees growing that'll be my challenge. The side of the bed does get afternoon shade as the sun is setting.
Ok - I'm reconsidering a crepe myrtle. I was thinking the corner edge of the bed would be a nice place for a small ornamental tree like maybe a tulip tree or a crepe myrtle....
What do you think about the side? I was half way away from a heat stroke when I put that in and am now thinking it needs to be curvier. Do you think once plants are in there it'll be less noticeable or do you think I should redo that part?
I think the edging looks fine. I think your decision maybe depends on whether you want a "tailored" look or if you want a more "informal" look?? And, besides, you can always add another "border" bed later next to this one to make it more "the shape" you want... once you've lived with it for awhile.
Agapanthus to me looks pretty well behaved/tailored...so, if you go that route... I don't think I'd change the bed shape unless, every time you walk by it, you think "I should have..."...
As for companion plants... hummm. Maybe something contrasty in color... like "silver"... maybe dusty miller? It stays pretty shapely if you deadhead.. and it survives the winters up here... or lamb's ear? But it will spread if it's happy with it's location...and it isn't really "tailored"... but a neat groundcover, especially if you keep the flowers off.. or maybe you need some iris? Or more "stalky" flowers like spider lily/lycoris... and don't forget a "foundation" bush... like maybe nandina... or loropetalum (if you do get some shade)... so many choices!! You're going to have fun!`
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