This spring I am embarking on some major adjustments to plants and soil. Every year the wood lot behind the garden grows taller resulting in less light and more shade. As a result, I am switching out and replacing plants that will be more shade tolerant.
In addition, the soil in many of the small rocky areas along both sides of the Zen garden need to be replenished. As I place new plants and move older ones, I am taking the time to dig new holes and switch out the soil with new soil mixed with fertilizer.
I've also learned that the Hosta do not do well long term in these tight spaces and need to be dug up and split after a couple of years. Doing so will allow the smaller cutting to thrive and allow the extra cutting to be used elsewhere. Wherever possible, I am also trying to enlarge the location by readjusting the stones to make the planting spot larger.
So far I have added at least nine varieties of new plants and moved five. I am sure the work will continue, but it will help invigorate the garden as summer approaches. Below are the new additions:
Patriot Hosta
Captain Kirk Painted Hosta
Wide Brim Plantain Lily Hosta
Shadowland Autum Frost Hosta
Bridal Veil Astilbe
Two Montgomery's Late Red Astilbe were added along the fence line.
Two different Foxgloves were planted to test slug tolerance and shade in the Zen garden
Digitalis purpurea Foxy Foxglove
A Carillion Foxglove (Digitalis grandiflora 'Carillion') was added near a Forest Grass (since removed to make way for an Astilbe).
In addition to these new plants, I also spit, moved, or re-soiled the following plants:
A Shade Fanfare Plantain Lily (Hosta 'Shade Fanfare') from 2014.
Jurassic Park Hosta
With some luck, all these additions and adjustments will result in a healthier garden.
