The side yard hillside was nothing but clay around the platform steps. This spring, soil was amended with peat, sand, gypsum, and organic materials. Several plants were planted with a "Get something planted to fill up the space" Plan. Transplants, volunteers, seedlings, and plants from the plant swap were added, along with a tomato plant or two. In horror, I watched each heavy rain wash more things down the hill. I spent the spring and summer tending to the plants, getting them rooted and established. Now, the side yard has grown into what I envisioned, so I could attend to the "last steps" construction project.
The biggest surprise were the Castor Bean (ricinus communis) [11.9.2008] plants now at 8-feet tall (2.5m) and still growing. They loved this new location and filled in beyond expectations to form a full mini jungle. They create a living visual barrier that cuts down the view into the back yard from the front, providing privacy and framing the entrance to the back yard.
Other residents of the side yard:
- Mexican Zinnias
- Geranium
- Nasturtiums
- Spiderwort
- Canna
- Nicotianna
- Cosmos
- Coreopsis
- Amaranthus
- Bunny Tails
For The Record: Heavy clay soil Gypsum, humus, sand, peat soil amendments Full sun Garden Calendar: Blooming: nicotiana, cosmos, canna, castor, basil, cleome, zinnia, calendula Harvested: 1 pepper, 2 tomatoes, 2 cucumber |
I love garden art and the way you have shown it, it is my biggest passion.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI just visited your lovely blog on gardening & plants. It is truly very nice to see all your beautiful flowers - especially the sunflower & zinnia and my most favourite - the chocolate Cosmos.
Love your deck design - its so beautiful.
those leaves of the castor plant are beautiful, I might just have to plant some next year. Thank you for showing us.
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