Gearing Up
May 30, 2016
The unofficial beginning of Summer is here. First up on this Memorial Day, and most importantly, fly your flag in honor of those lost. Then on to an early start. In my case it was a stop at the nursery for a little inspiration and a bit of immediate gratification until the bigger projects are complete. As long as you’re staying in town, and the weather is finally cooperating, you might as well get to it.
With so much color and texture available in trees and shrubs I can never figure out what all the excitement is about with annuals. Inspiration around every turn and not a geranium or Impatiens in sight.
I’ve never been a fan of Barberry, but this particular variety ( Sunjoy Gold Pillar) has appeal with its upright habit, bright color and tolerance to cold. Boxwood hedge replacement? Could be.
The sculptural quality of these stag horn ferns will be a welcome green addition to the porch. One may stay potted, the other mounted for hanging. Some artichoke thistle also made the cut to fill some vintage concrete saucer planters. Pics to follow once they get going.
A cocktail is definitely in order after a good day of running, hauling and yard work. So, while you’re firing up the grill you might want to sip on my Blueberry Bourbon Cocktail. Light, refreshing and a dose of antioxidants to boot. Grab a glass and muddle 8-10 fresh mint leaves in an ounce of home-made blueberry syrup. Add 2 oz. Bourbon and a handful of ice, give it a quick stir and top it off with a splash of Vernors Original Ginger Soda. You’re welcome.
Photos: gp
Early Holiday…Late Start
May 17, 2015
It seems early this year…the Memorial Day weekend. Particularly when I have yet to knock a dent in my Spring punch list of gardening projects. Really, it’s a “to-do” list as I have no changes planned, only a review to see who had the strength to survive, who lost the fight and a little annual manicure and mulch. Hopefully the extra day will help me put things in good order as we unofficially kick off Summer.
Top to bottom:
Before anything else, honor the fallen by displaying the flag.
It looks like that boxwood hedge could use a crisp edge.
This gift of water hyacinth will grace my interior until they take up Summer residence outdoors.
The varied colors and textures of the Blue Dune Grass, Lysimachia ” Goldilocks” and large lobed non- blooming Lambsear compliment the Pines and Birch on site perfectly. Photos: gp
I’d like to add this black Mondo Grass to some large modern concrete saucers at the entry, but the jury is still out on whether or not they can really handle the harsh zone 5 winters. Photo: Better Homes and Gardens
Planting it modern
May 16, 2012
Spring clean up is done and now it’s time for the finishing touch. But, if your gardening aesthetic leans toward the modern you might find fewer choices. Whether you are lucky enough to possess some vintage cement garden bowls or if you make some inspired new selections like these from Terrain, the next step is determining what to fill them with. My best advice is simplicity. The blue Dune grasses are perennial and add just enough color and interest for my taste all year round without having to resort to the “Coney Island” assault of those annual flats each spring( really, mixed groupings of Impatiens, Geraniums and Marigolds…ugh). Massing one type of product in each container magnifies their effect. The more subtle grasses, the bright chartreuse of Sweet Potato vine or Lysimachia or, if you are ” annual inclined” , masses of the same flowering plant in a single color (even masses of white Wave petunias) can work a modern theme. Memorial Day is approaching, better get on this.
http://www.shopterrain.com/garden-containers/
simplequietmodern 