Nov 15, 2008

Partarre Additions for this Winter


This detail shows parterre additions planned for this winter. The dashed lines to the right of the oval path is the new kitchen garden design for vegetables and herbs. The dashed lines inside the oval path is the flower garden.

Nov 11, 2008

Gulf Fritillary


We still have Gulf Fritillary butterflies even though the temperature is dipping to the high 30's at night. I fear I may have shortened the life of a few of them when I pulled up the passion vines last week. In the future, wait for frost to do this.

False Solomon's Seal


Fall color.

Helebores


The helebores put on a lot of new green growth right now.

Toad Lilly


The toad lillies have done well in several deep shade locations and make a very intricate pruple spotted flower about 1" across. Bloom in mid October to mid November.

Petanque court


Mexican Tarragon


The mexican tarragon makes a rich golden bloom in the late fall.

Violas


Shelagh added these purple and pale yellow violas to the rock garden.

Lavender Lantanna and Peruvian Petunia


This Lavender Lantanna is a good color combination with the Peruvian Petunia. And the Petunia has spread here so it's a good choice for this area.

Violas under Aucuba


Orange Violas under Aucuba.

Allysum


White allysum is persistent in several areas in the garden. It's difficult to determine what the winning factor is.

Babtisia


Babtisia from front corner was moved here. Tap root was damaged, prospects are hopefull. The red stump was a Cherry Laurel.

Garden pest


Bulbs, pansies, boxes


Shelagh planed all the bulbs and pansies in November. Boxes were pruned as well in november.

Pruned shrubs in October


The akebia and spirea shrubs were pruned in the vase shape in October and the ground mulched with paper and pine straw.

White Iris experiment


The over crowded white iris from the front lawn were planted here in the verge. This area is deeply mulched from the stump grinder activity after the huge oak was removed. I've been watering it steadily and adding fertilizer, but the heavy mulch may be too well drained or too nitrogen deficient to sustain the iris. I'll add more fertilizer today before the rains come tomorrow.

White Mums


These white mums are very striking here. They have to get pruned in summer to keep them compact and increase flowering, and shrubs are pruned back to provide more light, in order for the mums to bloom well.

North bed, front lawn


Yellow and orange violas replaced the over crowded white iris. Dusty miller on the right may be too shaded here.

Shamrock in their prime again


I'm dividing even more shamrock. It's best in fall and spring, easy to plant pea sized tubers go dormant in summer.

Corner bed gets redone


The plan includes a Black Knight buddelia in the center, purple mums, lavender lantana, flowering kale, lavender snapdragon...