Stoned

Although there is still a lot to do around the new back step porch, I took the time to make some changes to the post island I installed on the edge of the gazebo back in 2022. 

Rather than keep the red planting pot in this location, I decided to place it on the new steps of the porch. However, the cement footing of the post became visible again and I wanted to find a way to hide it from the front view.

Fortunately, I came across a beautiful stone at the local garden center. Its green tint and golden brown streaks were a really nice feature. Its shape also allowed me to plant it into the ground in an upright position. As a result, the post foundation is mostly hidden and one's eyes are drawn to the stone.

I planted the Bonfire (Euphorboia epithymoides 'Bonfire') into the bed, just to the left of the Coral Bark Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Sango kaku/coral bark'). I then transplanted a small Cedum/Stonecrop plant (that was elsewhere on the property) in front of the stone. I liked that it stays low and acts more like a ground cover. 

As a result, it won't grow to high and distract from the beauty of the stone.

This really changed the view of this location. I am very happy with the results.

Filling the Void

With the exception of painting, the new back step porch is complete. I have to put the painting off due to a trip. In the meantime, I am beginning to rethink the space to the left of the porch. I plan to eventually build a rain chain drain with granite in the shape of a square. I still do not know exactly where the chain will terminate, I have to wait until I can set a plumb bob. In the meantime, I set up a brick box just to get an idea of how it might look.

I moved the Forest Grass on the corner away from the fence to give it some room to grow. I also installed a new plastic edging piece to keep a similar curve to what had been there in the past.

I then added two stones I discovered at a local garden center. I really liked the shape and color of the larger stone. I also thought the smaller stone resembled a small mountain, so I placed them close.

I planted a Japanese Painted Fern on the left side, just behind the stones. In time it should fill in that space without overtaking the stones. 

Behind the large stone, I planted a large Hosta Blue Cadet (Funkia, Plantain Lily) I had in the front yard for several years. In 2010, it had been in the garden by the East Gate but had grown too large. Although it had been out front for many years, it never grew well due to the poor conditions of the soil. Bringing it back into the garden should help it thrive. I am certain it will grow larger in time.

In front of the stones I planted two red leaf Coleus annuals. These can get tall, so I may need to move them at some point if they overtake and distract from the stones.

Most of this is temporary until I make final design decisions. I will be adding a stone base eventually and maybe some moss. I still have to decide about what to plant in the back section, but for now, I want to keep it opened up until all the painting is finished.

A Season of Beauty

The Crabapple tree (Mrs. Krabappel) finally presented its blooms, marking the official arrival of spring in the stroll garden.

The blooms this year were more abundant than last year and continued to add to the beauty of the garden.

 

 

 

Adding this tree was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s becoming well established and it’s blooms, I’m hoping, a regular annual transition to Spring.

Blue Blooms

The Heartleaf Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla "Jack Frost') were, once again, one of the first plants to bloom and add some color to the garden this year.

There are numerous plantings of the Heartleaf Brunnera throughout the garden. The slugs leave it alone and the plant loves the shadiness of the garden.

I love the tiny bright blue flowers, and although I wish they would last longer, they are still a joy to see in the early spring.

Stepping Up

After waiting twenty+ years, the back step entryway into the garden is finally getting a make over.

For years, the step consisted of a cement block of stairs that was poured in 1948. 

In 2014 I attempted a "poor man's" face lift. The price of a complete redo was not in the budget at that time, so I did the best I could with the limited budget allotted by my wife for garden spending.

 

Eventually we saved enough to take on a full rebuild of the steps with a small deck, stairs, and snow-load holding solid roof. Unfortunately, finding a contractor who would build it proved to be a daunting task. After two years of searching we finally secured a contractor and work began in mid-April. 

Progress has been fast and the project is getting close to completion. Once the rain stops, I will be able to start painting. However, in the meantime, some serious landscape changes need to be considered.

After removing two large Spirea from either side of the steps, only the left side shrub will return due to the new angled stairs on the right.

There is also going to be a narrow area on the left side (where the ladder sits in the photo above). Once the Spirea is replanted, I will re-work the area with the following: stones, a rain chain from the new gutter, a granite lined square drain area filled with black Mexican stones, a large symbolic stone, a variety of smaller plants, and if I can acquire them from California, some Japanese roof tiles for edging. 

It will be like a mini-zen garden within the Zen garden. This will take most of the summer, so keep an eye out for additional progress posts through out the season.

Spring Beauty

After a couple of days of 90 degree weather, April finally returned to normal with typically rainy weather. In fact, we are entering our second week of near constant rain. However, on the bright side, the plants are enjoying all the rain and sprouting and blooming throughout the garden.

This year, the First Flame Maple "Iseli Introduction" (Acer x pseudosieboldianum) I planted in the viewing garden has exceeded all my expectations for early spring beauty. 

It's bright red leaves make a statement and stand out from the rest of the plants in this part of the garden.

The color also draws one's attention straight to the tree's location near the feature stone and snow lantern. 

As the summer progresses the leaves should fade to a more fall like orange and then turn green near the fall. I am very happy with this tree and it is proving to be a highlight of the garden.