soaphouse's Blog
soaphouse's posts about: moss
May 1, 2008 | 6:17 PM PST
Tags: Allium , moss , siberian iris , crossvine , better boy , petunia , lantana , callbrachoa
I spent so much time over the fall and winter working on projects that I forgot that most of spring involves chores and maintenance, while taking time out to enjoy all the happenings in the garden. Over the last week or so I have picked up a few sweet potato vines to plop around areas of my garden that are sparse on plants. The vines grow like crazy and smother all the weeds...making my life a lot easier during the growing season. I put one variegated in the front bed by the street, one in the small berm with the elephant ears by the sidewalk to the front door, and 2 in the new berm with the coral bark maple. I also picked up 3 of the green to put in the area where we took out the tree this winter and I am working on adding plants to. The weeds are already getting feisty in there, so I am anxious for the vine to do its thing. I also got the yard mowed again and weedeated back by the creek. Doing this does seem to be helping the moss along. It is looking especially good on one portion of the bank:
Also, the ferns that I added a few weeks back are looking good and have some nice new growth. And, there are some wonderful little wild ferns popping up here and there.
I am pleased to report that the veggie beds are looking great. Seems like new seedlings pop up every day. The most action is happening in the corn bed and the tomato bed. We even have some baby better boys already growing!
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I am a bit concerned that not much seems to be happening in the flower bed that I put all the seeds out in by the back porch. I am hoping it is due to the fact that it is not raised like the veggie beds...so the soil may just need to heat up a bit more.
Also, the globe master allium bulbs are starting to bloom. They do look rather puny and are only about 2 inches across. They are said to get 2-3 feet tall and are supposed to be 5 inches or more in diameter. Maybe they will get there, or maybe I will have to wait until the next growing season:
But, other things are looking great!
The double knockouts are knockin me out:
The front porch bed is alive with new growth:
The siberian iris are blooming:
The mystery climbing rose and yellow irises are blooming:
The crossvine? is looking great! ( I can never seem to remember if thats what this is really called)
Finall
y, today...my girl and I went to pick out a few annuals to put in the pot by the front door. I have a little miscanthus division in there, but it won't look like much until next year, so I wanted something to fill in this planter for the summer. I got 1 orange lantana, 1 Pink Vein Shock Wave Petunia and 1 Callbrachoa Cabaret Purple. Hopefully they will fill in nicely :)
Jan 21, 2008 | 4:41 PM PST
Tags: azalea , shade garden , astilbe , japanese painted fern , moss
I just finished reading my fine Gardening design ideas issue, for shade gardens. Fabulous! I am so inspired to tackle the beautification of the azalea bed! I can't wait to add japanese forest grass, painted fern, astilbes, and lots of other shade goodies! There was also a fabulous article on moss and I think I can implement those ideas around the creek. FUN! Can't wait to get started :)
