Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Outdoor Wednesday...I'm getting there...

It's cooled off in my neck of the woods....we're back in the 80's here, and for this time of the year, that's pleasant! I headed out to the front to try and get some work done to the area next to the new wall. That wall is 45 feet long and there's quite a bit of space to work with...

First thing is some nice earthy compost....I know, I have mine from a bag, but compost is compost...if it's the organic stuff. I just don't have the room for a compost pile...I live in the burbs after all...
A trip to Lowe's proved to be good. I got a few perennials and some annuals to fill in. Right now the object is to get some plants in there. I'll seed and transplant some more perennials from the back yard when the weather is more accommodating...



Rudebeckia is a wonderful perennial. It will bloom for quite a while here still.



Pink sedum. This is a favorite. It's drought tolerant, which is great here...after all...it is dry here most of the time.




I planted a lavender here in front of this ugly cable box. In no time at all it will block that box. I filled in down there with some Moss Rose (portulaca) and zinnias. The Moss Rose will act as a ground cover and by the time the zinnias die off the lavender should be much bigger.





Here's some of the area that is finished...I moved a big Autumn Sage over and picked up a quart size one as well for near the lavender. I also added Armeria. They are all drought tolerant, attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. I filled in the area with some blue salvia, which is an annual but can live a couple years if it's happy . I moved the ornamental garlic a few feet. It seems to be doing OK there. It was too close to the sprinkler anyway. I have another area to finish up today. I have a few loads of dirt to put in where I dug up some plants and moved things around...I moved them to sort of spread them out. For some reason, even though I added compost...I need the extra dirt. The guys that built the wall saved all the good dirt and piled it in my back yard, so I have lots. I would like to add another tree out here too, but I really would like another Japanese maple, and I love the coral bark one, but I think it needs afternoon shade...I do get a lot of shade there, but not where I really want to put the tree. I'm thinking of a multi trunk white crepe myrtle...anyone know how big those get?
Well...the yard won't get done if I sit at the computer all day....have a great day and remember to visit all the other wonderful sites at Susan's Outdoor Wednesday today!






15 comments:

Jeannie B. said...

Hi, I do love your wall. And your gate too! It is alot of work to move and re bed but fun too. Will check back when you are all done. I see you sew. Me too!

jlshall said...

You have a lot of beautiful flowers there. I always admire anyone who can keep a garden alive - I have trouble with just the one or two plants on our balcony! My thumbs are definitely not green!

Have a great (Outdoor) Wednesday!
~ Joy @ Joysweb

Chookyblue...... said...

the fence looks wonderful and much easier to maintain then the hedge...........

Kris said...

Look great !! But you can't be in the 80's today. We are cooking again here where I live!!

Vintagesouthernlife said...

I like your wall... and the flowers look great. Red sedum is one of my favorites. It thrives well on neglect and little water and that is usually what it gets at my house :)

Sharing with Sherri said...

I think our cool spell could be over here for a while, I'm also here in Cali (Northern). Your flowers all look great! I love crepe myrtles and japanese maples too! I have no idea about the Myrtles size, but sure you can google it.

Stay cool!
Sherri:)

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I am envious of your being able to plant new flowers at this time of the year. Our growing season is almost over as it usually begins to get very cool in late September and we have frost in October.
I think Crepe Myrtles can get very large but it takes many years for that to happen as they grow like trees do.

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

You are sure motivated and accomplishing much! Looking good!

iheartsunnydays said...

Great flower choices - love them all, especially the rudebeckia, I have not seen that one before. (I think your grandchild Lola is beautiful too!)

Anonymous said...

By the looks of your garden flag, I gather you had a nice breeze to work by.

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

Everything is looking great ! Wonderful pics .I will be glad when we are in the 80's, maybe next week .
Blessings,
~Myrna

Ebie said...

What a great transformation. Love your choices of blooms but the ground cover is just so gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

Oh your garden will be so beautiful! Great choice of flowers too!

Eden said...

I love all your flowers and you have a beautiful garden too. Great photos.

Beth said...

It's fun to start fresh in a virgin space and create something new and personal!