A cool summer morning with the sounds of birds chirping overhead. They are giving me what for because they think I am disturbing their space.
This morning, while enjoying my coffee and taking in the yard scene from the deck, a decision was made . . . Re-do the flower bed that calls home along the South side of the house. I have been threatening to do this for some time and the calling has finally hit home.
Normally, this is a job for a different season, but it has become clear that the once flourishing bed needs sprucing up. The plants that grow there are all perennials and they have become sparse and motley looking.
I am of the gardening opinion that if a plant wants to live in my flowerbeds, it has to be able to survive without much pampering. Mother Nature is the guiding force, and I supply only what might be needed (water) if there is a prolonged period of drought. Which doesn’t happen too often.
The new plan will encompass native plants. Plants that are O.K. living in the dry, hot location found in the sun all day, side of the house. Greenery and colour that can survive the short growing season and occasional harsh winters. The term sometimes used for this style of gardening is xeriscape.
Some of the plants and bulbs will be moved, given away and tossed. Some will be intermingled with the new look. They get to stay because of sentimental value, I like the look of them, they make me smile and they have survived a few decades of life in this location. They deserve to stay.
This morning, while enjoying my coffee and taking in the yard scene from the deck, a decision was made . . . Re-do the flower bed that calls home along the South side of the house. I have been threatening to do this for some time and the calling has finally hit home.
Normally, this is a job for a different season, but it has become clear that the once flourishing bed needs sprucing up. The plants that grow there are all perennials and they have become sparse and motley looking.
I am of the gardening opinion that if a plant wants to live in my flowerbeds, it has to be able to survive without much pampering. Mother Nature is the guiding force, and I supply only what might be needed (water) if there is a prolonged period of drought. Which doesn’t happen too often.
The new plan will encompass native plants. Plants that are O.K. living in the dry, hot location found in the sun all day, side of the house. Greenery and colour that can survive the short growing season and occasional harsh winters. The term sometimes used for this style of gardening is xeriscape.
Some of the plants and bulbs will be moved, given away and tossed. Some will be intermingled with the new look. They get to stay because of sentimental value, I like the look of them, they make me smile and they have survived a few decades of life in this location. They deserve to stay.
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This will not be a hap-hazard process.
I have my reading material in hand - Native Plants for the Short Season Yard by Canadian Author Lyndon Penner. He just happens to shop local from one of the Dames on the Range members, Arden Nering owner of Wild About Flowers. |
So the transition begins. I’ll keep you posted on the progress as I dig, rearrange and plant.
What are your thoughts on a dry-bed (xeriscape) gardening?
What are your thoughts on a dry-bed (xeriscape) gardening?
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