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We got our two skimmias planted last week, and we went to the nursery and found a nice, knowledgeable person who helped us select a yellow twig dogwood for the last major unfilled spot in our back yard. We hope to have it planted late next week.
I have a small backyard surrounded with planting beds and a long retaining wall, as well as wood fencing. We also have a narrow bed along our our long back porch. You would think that it would not be that hard to whip that tiny area into shape, but it has taken us 5 years to get this far. We kept a few plants at first, but we have gradually gotten rid of most what was there when we moved in. We kept two plants total, when all was said and done. We've planted maybe three things that we had to remove and replace. A few things have worked out well. The hollies we planted look totally happy and those were good early choices. Other things, including a beautiful Japanese maple, died disappointing deaths.
I also made some mistakes. I planted daylilies too close to each other, and last year I dug up, threw out, and replanted the ones I wanted to keep. So, we've been working and revising every year.
Every spring my yard has looked better.
Every spring the outside is what I work on. Then I get to relax a little when hot weather hits. But I really love having beautiful plants surrounding my home.
Whew - yesterday, and this took me HOURS - I power washed the brick retainer wall at the back of our yard, as well as the landscaping blocks that make up the terraces. It's a good thing I haven't planted anything out there yet - the plants would have been washed away! I was FILTHY - I couldn't even come indoors without washing myself off with the water hose! I had dirt in my hair, in my eyes, all over my face, my arms, my legs, inside my shoes - it was crazy! But I have to admit, that it was also sort of fun and WOW the difference is amazing.
So...my project over the next two weeks is going to be planting some hydrangeas, hostas, foxtail ferns, and something shorter, not sure what yet, in those terraced beds, which get a lot of shade for most of the day and only filtered light for the late afternoon hours.
I know that's not really an interior decorating project but it's what I'm working on now - and since these beds will be very visible from our living room and kitchen, they're an important part of the overall decor. I love the view into our verdant, cool, green backyard. It even LOOKS cool in the summer, though it's not - LOL.
Whew - yesterday, and this took me HOURS - I power washed the brick retainer wall at the back of our yard, as well as the landscaping blocks that make up the terraces. It's a good thing I haven't planted anything out there yet - the plants would have been washed away! I was FILTHY - I couldn't even come indoors without washing myself off with the water hose! I had dirt in my hair, in my eyes, all over my face, my arms, my legs, inside my shoes - it was crazy! But I have to admit, that it was also sort of fun and WOW the difference is amazing.
So...my project over the next two weeks is going to be planting some hydrangeas, hostas, foxtail ferns, and something shorter, not sure what yet, in those terraced beds, which get a lot of shade for most of the day and only filtered light for the late afternoon hours.
I know that's not really an interior decorating project but it's what I'm working on now - and since these beds will be very visible from our living room and kitchen, they're an important part of the overall decor. I love the view into our verdant, cool, green backyard. It even LOOKS cool in the summer, though it's not - LOL.
Ajuga is a good sun/part shade ground cover that gives color all year. One of my favorites for all contained border areas. Dead heading will give an excellent second bloom. I used to set my mower on the highest setting and mow most of it. Works great, but the blade really needs to be sharp.
Two pictures combined. This is Bronze Beauty.
Mahoghany
Bronze Beauty
Chocolate Chip
Ajuga can be invasive so you either want it in a contained area or spend some time trimming around the edges. It is easily controlled with an edger or some scissors.
Location: Finally the house is done and we are in Port St. Lucie!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KathrynAragon
Whew - yesterday, and this took me HOURS - I power washed the brick retainer wall at the back of our yard, as well as the landscaping blocks that make up the terraces. It's a good thing I haven't planted anything out there yet - the plants would have been washed away! I was FILTHY - I couldn't even come indoors without washing myself off with the water hose! I had dirt in my hair, in my eyes, all over my face, my arms, my legs, inside my shoes - it was crazy! But I have to admit, that it was also sort of fun and WOW the difference is amazing.
So...my project over the next two weeks is going to be planting some hydrangeas, hostas, foxtail ferns, and something shorter, not sure what yet, in those terraced beds, which get a lot of shade for most of the day and only filtered light for the late afternoon hours.
I know that's not really an interior decorating project but it's what I'm working on now - and since these beds will be very visible from our living room and kitchen, they're an important part of the overall decor. I love the view into our verdant, cool, green backyard. It even LOOKS cool in the summer, though it's not - LOL.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gentlearts
I love power washing!
Me too! There's something that's just so satisfying about making something so incredibly filthy come back to clean and bright.
The blow back is amazingly dirty but, damn, it's kinda fun getting dirty like a little kid again. LOL
Ajuga is a good sun/part shade ground cover that gives color all year. One of my favorites for all contained border areas. Dead heading will give an excellent second bloom. I used to set my mower on the highest setting and mow most of it. Works great, but the blade really needs to be sharp.
Two pictures combined. This is Bronze Beauty.
Mahoghany
Bronze Beauty
Chocolate Chip
Ajuga can be invasive so you either want it in a contained area or spend some time trimming around the edges. It is easily controlled with an edger or some scissors.
Nice photos and ajuga may be a good ground cover for the lowest terrace in the front. Thank you!
I must have started a trend when I powerwashed my fence.
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