The first area is the collection of pots on the gravel area outside my back door. This is how it looked at the end of August:
And here it is at the end of September:
The other area is really 2 areas, one behind the other. They are the bare spaces where we removed all the Vinca major. One is at the eastern end of my front garden:
It has a honeysuckle on an arch at the far end and 2 roses, 'Mr Lincoln' to the left of the tree stump and the Delbard rose 'Henri Matisse' which is just a few short sticks to the left of the hose. The clump of green spikes is Iris unguicularis. The rest is a blank, dirty canvas. I want this spot to peak in late summer, as most of the front garden flowers in spring. I think I'm going to go for a low tapestry effect and jewel colours, but I haven't worked out the details yet. It gets half sun in summer, which seems to be enough for these roses.
The other area in need of help is just behind this one and consists of a path with concrete steps and a narrow garden bed behind them. This is the path to my front door, and it has been through several incarnations, but I've never been really happy with it. The air conditioner doesn't help.
You can see there's still Vinca under the steps, but it is going! I want to hide the steps from the front and also hide the air conditioner. I want a climbing rose on the wall. Apart from that, I'm open to suggestions. This area only gets morning sun in summer, and none at all directly behind the steps. I'd be grateful for any ideas.
So my first End of Month View is a bit depressing, but it is spring and anything is possible.
I think this is what an EOMV is all about - planning and reviewing... and good luck with the vinca, I keep thinking I've got all of mine out and then - bang, it's back...
ReplyDeleteI spend so much time trying to rid my front garden of vinca. One day I might succeed! Hope you manage to get yours under control.
ReplyDeleteThe pots -- easy: add more!
ReplyDeleteThe dirt patch -- not too hard: for a low tapestry of jewel colors you can do rudbeckias and a low mat of himalayan fleeceflower (persicaria affinis) and maybe ajuga chocolate chip for another low grower, and annuals for late season color (zinnias, sages) and maybe a boxwood to anchor the cottage type jumble. The deep green of box is a jewel color too. But there are so many choices, you can pick what you like for that spot. Post updates!
The steps -- difficult. Need more pictures to judge the depth of the space, do you have room for a large shrub to hide the stairs?
I do love problem solving in the garden. I can't wait to see what you do.
OK, this is just silly, but when I read your blog, I always do mental reversals -- I think "it's spring there, not fall". Or "the shady side is her south wall, not north".
ReplyDeleteSo when you said the rose was to the left of the hose I looked to the right of the photo, making the mental thought "her left is my right."
Hmmmph. I should not be left unattended at my computer.
Great first EOMV post, it will be good to look back on next year to see the changes. Strange as we enter our Autumn you are entering your Spring,I look forward to reading your journey into Summer.
ReplyDeleteGreat first EOMV post, it will be good to look back on next year to see the changes. Strange as we enter our Autumn you are entering your Spring,I look forward to reading your journey into Summer.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for joining in, hope you feel braver now. Are those steps yours? Could you make them appear softer, maybe a trellis to hide the gap under them, or some sort of handrail?
ReplyDeleteI think this is a prefect EOMV post, as you will be able to look back in months to come and see the transformation so easily as you gradually plant and tweak and develop your ideas. Thanks for sharing from the beginning, I look forward to seeing how things progress.
ReplyDeleteBeangenie and Papaver - thanks for commenting! But please can't I just stay in my fantsy world where the Vinca is gone forever?
ReplyDeleteLaurrie - thanks for the ideas. Yes, there is room for a shrub in front of the steps, but it's a difficult spot. It only gets a little morning sun, the soil is heavy and alkaline because it is next to the concrete footings of the house. It also dries out in summer because there is a lot of tree competition. Even a Viburnum tinus has failed here, and I thought they were foolproof. Any suggestions appreciated. And I think you should definitely be let near a computer, because you always leave good comments and you gave me a gigle this morning!
Hurtlingtowards60 - thanks for commenting and for the encouragement.
Helen - yes, the ugly steps are mine. They were here when we bought the house. A trellis and a handrail are good ideas, thanks.
Janet - thank you and I hope the progress will be worth watching!
Well, someone's been a busy bee! Good job pulling all that Vinca! And I like your steps. I think they look very cool....I've never seen poured concrete like that. Ours are all poured with a flat bottom that sits on the ground. Is that type more common down under?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mollie! To be honest, my son dug out most of the Vinca - he likes using a mattock. My steps are cool? I must say that's a thought that has never ocurred to me. I don't know how common it is. I think it's just the cheapest way because you use less concrete. But now that you've asked the question, I'll be looking at everyone's steps to check!
ReplyDeleteOh I love before and afters... looking forward to the after. I agree that those steps need to be softened with some foliage. Hmmmm... but what? Let me think on this.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn - I'd love some help, so please keep thinking!
ReplyDelete