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A Fresh Start

comments (4) November 1st, 2010 in gallery
Tall2lip Tall2lip, member
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I had to remove all the plants in this full sun bed due to an infestation of Southern Blight.  I am looking for non-herbaceous plants to replace the perennials that were affected.   I live in Zone 5.  I am hoping to incorporate an interesting rock, sculpture, etc. into the bed.  

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Comments (4)

neimangirl writes: I agree with placing a coupleof red Japanese maples on both ends of the photo. You can also plant some white and red/pink iceberg roses along the fence. Some daylilies in front in different colors would look nice. A small statue or fountain in the center would add some class which is what you were hoping to do. Some small hostas or perennials in front of the daylilies. Hope these suggestions help. Posted: 1:05 pm on September 10th
gardengal4 writes: The picket fence suggests cottagey stuff, but if you don't want herbaceous, how about a rose garden? I can see a layer of shrub roses (easy care as needed, knockouts or similar). Maybe along with some lavender in front. An obelisk in the center with a complementary clematis on it. I'm not sure you will get a good winter interest thing, but the hardscape will help. Posted: 9:53 pm on November 1st
MaggieR writes: There is nothing so thrilling as a blank space! wow...the hard part is editing. Soooo tempting to want to do everything! I think, although I love all of the options that Anne above mentions, I would encourage keeping things a bit lower than the Vanderwolf pine. But definitely find a range of things that give you year long interest. Perhaps a true dwarf mugo pine anchors your corners? A maple, on the far side of the fence, would be a great focal point and has wonderful architectural interest in the winter. I would also look at ilex verticillata for that area as well, or even a red twig dogwood...the low slanting winter sun really makes those berries and branches pop. Carex makes a great edging, and can often be nearly evergreen. Teucrium is another evergreen that can add interest to the edge but still hang on all year. Good luck and have fun! Posted: 10:20 am on November 1st
iowagardencoach writes: Hi Tall2lip,
I'm guessing from your photo that this bed has an east/west orientation? What a wonderful place for a vignette and I'm wondering if a self-contained fountain might hold an interest for you. Campania International has a number of wonderful options of various sizes that might work, should electricity be possible.

You have a lot of options available to you in Zone 5--Japanese maple, tree peony, 'Little Henry' Virginia sweetspire (Itea), 'Carol Mackie' daphne, boxwood, Vanderwolf pine, dwarf white pine shrubs, 'Endless Summer' hydrangea. These plants would offer evergreen options, as well as bloom at various times in the season.

Framing the bed with specimen plants (e.g. Japanese Maple, Vanderwolf pine) and then creating a lower layer with some repetition to create some rhythm in the bed. Just some ideas. There are soooo many shrubs that would look stellar. Oh, just thought of one more, 'Kumson' forsythia--very eary color, interesting leaves, and excellent burgundy purple color.

How exciting! A blank palette to start again!:)
Anne Posted: 9:55 am on November 1st
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