not the kind with a mattress, I have that one figured out. I have a big square bed on the north west side of my house, it is about 8' x 8'. It gets plenty of afternoon sun. It is a terrible mess right now. There is a pillar, not centred, but about 3 feet from the northwest corner of the bed. Between the pillar and the same corner is a weeping carregana, which will stay. The east and south sides of the square are against, respectively, my house and my front step. In the south east third are 3 daylilies (tall variety), one Bleeding Heart, 2 japanese peonies (there were three but one seems to have died) and a bunch of awkwardly placed bearded Irises. There are other plants, most of which are going to be sacrificed, for one reason or another, but I would like to keep the ones I listed.
I plan to dig out all the "bad" plants and amend the soil, which is obviously poor. I have bought some "Perrenial Mix" and plan to use that with some extra peat moss since the bed is so dry. I haven't a clue what to do next. Any ideas at all would be appreciated!
I would post a picture, but the front of my house is very unique and I can't think of an angle that wouldn't tip off Artsy...
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and actually, I have a little disco ball hanging from my rear view mirror! You have remembered my house correctly... I am flattered.
Thanks. I hope you didn't think I was refering to your interior as being a Disco but I remember you once mentioned the house was built in the 70's, just wanted to clarify this.
Happy gardening... look at my "Sorry front flower bed" post when you have time. I have to run too... still in my pjs and the painter is coming to paint my garden doors any moment!
Dreamer: I don't mind the smell, I grew up with them , we had so many around the house. Black-eyed Susan is a plant, I have to look into, somehow I thought they would really grow very tall and not suitable for containers. Well, I better check the garden, it rained last night, so no watering needed. We have almost all the plants out, keep my fingers crossed!
don't you find marigold smells bad? I have never used any, but only for that reason. You are right, "Disco" marigolds would be perfect with my house!
I had the same pretty orange pansies in a pot last year and I love alyssum for the smell. I was considering Black-eyed Susans.
Funny you mentioned those colours, it's exactly what I wanted this summer (getting a little tired of pink!). Blue/white and orange. Orange is a bit of a challenge. I put together an arrangement with orange violas (Pansies) and alyssum in a blue planter (see pic). Unfortunately the violas will not last and I have to find something else. Tagetes (Marigold) come in orange shades, there is one called "Disco Orange", apparently they started to grow them in the 70's (explains the name!)- Would go nicely with your style of house-. Like Chico said, Nasturtium has lots of orange in it, we actually made one moss-baskets with them, it's an experience, we'll see how it turns out.
nastertiums come in orange, look great with round leaves and trailing.
I am thinking of white with maybe some blue lobelia and something orange. Any ideas for the something orange?
Have to check that out.
BC
I saw white today at Costco, full basket $10.97 cascading type.
Dreamer: The ones we use are from the cascading varieties (hanging pelargoniums), we had mostly pink,dark lilac and red I have not seen any white. I might not be a good source for you, regarding flower beds, most of the plants go in the moss baskets and the leftover I stick randomly in the ground but once I'll see your pick, I'll get a better idea. ( would you believe my family, is calling me again , so much for time at the computer!!)
I have been thinking of your ivy geraniums ... do they come in white? What colours do they come in? I think there will be lots of those flowers in my many pots this summer. It might help distract people from the sad condition of the beds!
My mother used to make us read the dictionary all the time. All credit for my vocabulary goes to her, and my occupation, which of course I cannot reveal!
Dreamer... "muster up" love that word.
I know I am going to regret this, and not just because Artsy will find my house (I am not afraid of Artsy)... but I will re-install my photo program and take a picture. Then I will find some liquor in the house to muster up the courage to post it.
Dreamer I have a hard time too visualizing your flower bed.
I can share my time between you two! Please, pretty please post a picture! I really need a visual. I am serious, I can't go by the description thing as well. Is it possible?
what do I know? You should see my flower beds!
You just need to buy a nice bench or two adirondak chairs... maybe ones that are unfinished so you can do a creative paint job (Aqua?)... find a source for white glazed ceramic pots in a mulititude of sizes, which you should fill with Ivy Geraniums, and then DONT FORGET TO WATER!
Trying to steal my thunder. Wait your turn Missus! ;)