Saturday, March 12, 2005

The Shade Garden: Plantings and Plans

So far, two beds have gone in for the shade area, but the scope of the project really started to creep past that particular spot. (sorry, that's all that IT Project Management crap coming out) Anyway, let's talk some more about the plans for the area. As I've mentioned before, a crushed gravel path is slated to be the primary hardscape for the area using bender board for the edging. This will help difine the area and also enhance the beds by providing contrast and flow for the eye. Now that one side of the future path is installed, I'm working my way back from the front yard along the north side of the walkway, creating more planting areas.




As you can see from the first two pictures, I've got this stump in the middle of things. At one point I was trying to figure out how to get that thing out of there, but my plans now include it. I've begun digging out sod from the front and will work my around the stump and all along the north side of the path (along the fence) to the gate. Notice that big evergreen hedge that overhangs my fence line? That my friends is the biggest challenge for my lush green zone. You see, the trees, which are leylandi cyprus, the fastest growing genetic mutant of an evergreen, sucks water from the ground as well as shelter the soil below from rain fall. This is called dry shade. It's tough, because the soil has become so dry that it almost repels water now. Believe it or not, soil can and will do that if left long enough without moisture.

So one of the solutions for that area and one I'm eager to install, is a bog garden. (no, not blog...BOG) I promise to devote an entire post to that one, as it will involve a lot of elements. The point is to create an artificially wet area with pond liner and soil etc. More to come on that, so stay tuned.

Lastly for this post, I've installed a few plants that I've had since last year and some that I've moved from other areas of the yard. At the front, by the stump I've planted Euonymous "Dwarf Burning Bush" to someday fill in like a hedge of sorts. this will eventually create some sort of flow towards the path that will terminate there at the edge. These shrubs turn the brightest red in fall..thus the burning bush name. In the last picture, I've planted a vine maple for some vertical height and some fall color. At it's feet is an unknown azalea, Cranesbill or Hardy Geranium, some Hardy Orchids with a bit of gound cover whose name escapes me at the moment sweet something or other...SWEET WOODRUFF...man I hate mental blockage. Lastly, there is the Bleeding Heart that Nick wanted as well. This is a great shade plant and it too likes soil that is evenly moist and looks great in groups. We'll need to acquire more of these as well as a host of other plants. As I said, these were orphans from last year and some stragglers that came with me last year from my house in Portland. Now that I'm back at the nursery, there will be more to come. Okay, that's all for now.