Lately I’ve been looking back at all the pictures I took over 2009 like in my last post (the picture of rudbeckias.) Soon I’ll be talking about seeds and getting ready in earnest for 2010 gardening but I find that glancing back at the previous year’s pictures helps to guide me when it comes to the seed catalogs.
I stumbled across this picture of our front sidewalk garden area. Actually the shot was taken from the sidewalk and across the garden toward the side yard but it gives a good impression of what it looks like in May.
The irises are blooming under the pear tree while the salvia is lining the sidewalk in purple flower stalks. The salvia is spaced out with other plants in between but the perspective of this picture makes it seem like it is one big mass planting (which might just give me some ideas!). Draping the edges of the sidewalk is ‘Silver Mound’ Artemisia which I love when the weather is right. Too much rain and it mats, flops, droops and opens up. A good trimming is definitely called for in the spring. The hardwood cuttings that are left over will be propagated to make more artemisia. I would like the whole sidewalk to have that soft, fluffy, silver foliage lining it – if the weather is right. The Russian sage isn’t blooming yet in this picture but looks strong and healthy.
Looking at this picture for just a few minutes gave me several ideas on how to improve it. The sidewalk garden is just one area in need of revamping this year. Do you have any gardens you intend to redesign in 2010?
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It's lovely, Dave — isn't it nice that in the cold of winter, we can pull up these beautiful shots and dream? You're right — it will seem like only a very short time before we're talking about starting seeds and redesigning beds again. 🙂
Wonderful, Dave! Looking through the older photos from warmer times is what gets me through the winter. Even before blogging, files were made and perused daily of garden shots. The pictures are better quality now, but the mind returning to blooms and green is like a vacation from the cold and grey. Stay warm!
Frances
I will probably have to re-do the front flower bed, the sewer line is getting repaired/replaced. I should have dug up the daffodils when the ground wasn't frozen. My plan is to keep it simple for new buyers.
Dear Dave .. that is a pretty picture ! .. but how true is it that we know there is always room for tweeking ? You have reminded me to add to my l"must do list" .. moving the Caradonna salvia out into the SUN areas .. my back garden is becoming more shade every year so those poor sun lovers need to be moved !
Thanks for the reminder ? LOL
Joy
Lovely! What type of salvia is that? Yes, I have several of my 8'x8' boxes to redesign and new beds to create. I do hope I get it all done this year!
I'm looking hard at what looks good once frost hits it — like the massed salvias. One plan is another mass of lantana montevidensis beyond the present masses, maybe others. Funny how these sparks of inspiration come to you while listening to a Sunday Sermon, Father Forgive me.
What a great photo. This time of the year I want to redo all my flower beds!!
I look like that stand of Salvia
Thanks Nancy,
I'm not sure what I would do without those images! The Canadian air is hanging out down here. Please take it back!
Frances,
To me images seem like the best way to keep records of the previous year's garden. It's also why blogging is VERY useful!
Janet,
That sounds like a good deal of work. Is it a large bed?
Joy,
I like 'Caradonna'! In fact I like it better than 'May Night' but I might be in the minority. A sunny spot either way is a must!
Jean,
The close ones are 'Caradonna' made from cuttings. There are some 'East Friesland' salvias in the back of the photo though.
Nell,
Uh oh! Better say a few extra prayers tonight. 😉 The lantana mass sounds very cool.
Darla,
Very true here too! I just want to get outside to do something.
Hi Dave, the area they are digging up isn't that large, but it is front and center of the yard…and near a Japanese Maple that I hope doesn't get damaged.
Very nice lay-out, Dave. ;)The salvias seem to frame your garden. Although the sidewalk garden is already attractive, I think it will be one special attraction once you improve on it. My wife and I need a lot of planning for our garden this year. But I'm just happy that we're having great blooms this Winter season.
Love salvias – they "go" with everything in a sunny garden.
Cameron
We just moved in to our new to us home with an established garden on 3 acres. No one has lived here or cared for anything for 2 years so we are redoing almost everything. It is amazing to see what will survive with little care and there are survivors. Your blog is inspiring some of my ideas for this yard.
Thanks!