accessorizing the back terrace
Hopefully your eye is not drawn to all the electrical stuff on the back wall.
Two new planters and one elderly frog now grace my back terrace. This composition was badly needed to screen out the the transformer and irrigation boxes. Bear in mind that the Inland sea oats in the bigger planter will eventually grow taller and flesh out the space more gracefully. Right now they look a bit stumpy and ragged. The shorter container is planted with variegated hostas. Both plants are perennials. Because these two cast concrete containers sit on a non-permeable surface, they were not draining. So I had to elevate them with plant dollies that were strong enough to withstand the containers’ massive weight. Aesthetically, it’s not the best looking option, but I had no other choice. I found the elderly frog, who in a former life spouted water in some English garden, through Antique Swan on 1st Dibs. To see a close-up view and to admire his warty patina, click on the link below.
Tags: 1st Dibs > Antique Swan > Inland sea oats > variegated hostas
what’s blooming now
I chose to photograph the terrace from the front to show all of the new elements. Unfortunately doing so also captured my neighbor’s “collection”. Eventually the antique rose bushes along the fence will grow larger and help screen out that view.
My Lindheimer’s muhly suddenly bloomed while I was away in Newport during the first two weeks of October. I wasn’t expecting this kind of show so late in the season. Boy, what a surprise! And what a wonderful frame for my new teak bench and cast stone planter. I’ve planted a Squid Agave in this planter, because it’s a perennial that can endure full sun all day, intense summer heat, and dry conditions.
my little hideaway
The oak tree has fully leafed out, and it was the perfect time to take this photo. I am in the process of finishing a newly designed website which will include this blog, and this photo was needed for the landscape section. Keep in mind that what you see in the photo is an ongoing work in progress and some items are still missing. I am currently looking for a very large pot to place on the brick terrace in front of all the electrical boxes, and of course, I intend to plant something in it. I just don’t know what until I have the pot. And we’re waiting on the zexmenia to become available, which will be planted against the foundation under the screen porch. Expect the new site to be up and running by the end of next week, but before then I will post photos of my just completed front garden.
here we go again!
Yes, everything looks very tiny in this image. But if you click on it you’ll get a much larger version of Michael Parkey’s construction document.
My front garden is about to get a makeover. Today I’m showing you the changes and additions to the existing layout, and tomorrow, I’ll show you what plants have been specified.
It’s been ten years since the initial design was implemented, and because of the increasing shade from tree canopies and the recent years of weather extremes, a lot of the original perennials have fizzled. For some time now, the basic structure has been looking sparse and rather dilapidated, and I was increasingly having to rely on seasonal annuals in greater quantities to make up for the loss of the original plantings. This became way too labor intensive for me, and I wanted my life back.
Both of the major planting beds will be expanded. This additional depth will now allow us to introduce larger plants that can provide a fun mix of varied heights, colors, moundings, and textures, while at the same time reducing the amount of grass lawn.
Note: When I say “us”, I mean my landscape architect Michael Parkey and me.
the big reveal!
This view is looking southwest towards the alley.
My dream has finally come true. Thank you Michael Parkey and Hadden Landscaping for the best looking backyard ever! Today the copper path lights are being installed, so you will not see them in this post’s photos. Don’t worry, I will be doing a photoshoot of them sometime in the near future. Except for the front gates, everything has been completed and is now ready for drive by viewings, and don’t be surprised if you spy me on my back screen porch sipping a cocktail and enjoying the view.
Note: You can click on each photo for a much larger version.
Tags: Aspidistra > Black and Blue Sage > Blue Mist Flower > Bubba > Chinese Wild Ginger > Coral Bark Japanese Maple > Culinary Sage > Fire Witch Dianthus > Greek Oregano > Hadden Landscaping > Hill’s Hardy Rosemary > Lace Fence > Lindheimer Muhly > Mexican Feather Grass > Michael Parkey > Mondo Grass > Oakleaf Hydrangea > Pink Skullcap > Powis castle artemisia > Purple Oxalis > Sea Oats > Texas Betony > Texas Gold Columbine > Texas Lilac Vitex > Walker’s Low Catnip > White Gaura > Wood Fern > Yellow Yucca > Zexmenia