Balanced Buddha

For the most part, the changes made to the area surrounding Buddha from last year survived the winter. However, I have noticed a trend with this corner - plantings along the east wall of the fence get much less sunlight than the planting on the north side of the fence. 

I had opted to anchor both sides of Buddha with a mirroring plant.

Summer 2024

This has led to a dilemma. The plants along the east side grow slower and smaller creating a lack of balance. I have seen this in the past but thought it might not drastically impact the Moccachino Astilbe (Astilbe x arendsii 'Moccachino') planted there last year. I was wrong. So, I decided to switch out both astilbe with a new pair. 

I was unable to get the same Moccachino Astilbe and had to replace them with two Nemo Astilbe Astilbe (arensdii 'Nemo') which will produce a slight peachy-pink flower instead of the white that I liked from the Moccachino Astilbe. 

I know that the problem will still exist into next year, but this will allow me to keep the corner looking balanced while I spend the summer contemplating a more long term solution. 

I also opted to remove and relocate the Hillside Black Beauty Bugbane (Cimicfuga ramosa 'Hillside Black Beauty')  in the corner directly behind Buddha. Even though a shade loving plant, it was simply not getting enough sunlight, stunting its growth and preventing any blooming. 

In its place I planted a Variegated Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum'). 

I will have to see how it does over the summer. If this too does not do well, then I may need to rethink the entire corner. In the meantime, it looks as good as last year.

Renewal

Back on March 20, I started the renovation of the sukashigaki, or "see through fence," which separates the courtyard from the backyard and Dragon's Spine area. Today I finally finished the repairs.

I started in March because we had two days of warm weather which allowed me to dig new post holes and stain. However, very quickly, the weather turned cold and throughout April the weather was never good enough for me to continue. Last week I finally took the time to dismantle the small rails and posts of the panels. Originally, I thought I could just re-stain them, but they were in rough condition, so by taking them apart I could sand them down and the re-stain. 

It took at least three days of sanding, and then two days of staining before I could reassemble them and reinstall each panel.

I'm glad I took the time to do so. They look almost like new, even though the pieces are all ten years old. 

I also took the time to spray paint the brown post protectors at the bottom of each new post. 

The green spray paint matches well with the green stain and helps hide the protectors.

With the original copper caps reinstalled, the sukashigaki is complete. 

With luck, the fence won't need another renovation for another ten years.

Catch the Wind

As part of the garden shed redo project, I wanted to add a Japanese style lantern.

Initially, I purchased a wooden lantern, but quickly realized that it would not survive an extended outdoor exposure to weather.

I looked all over the internet for a possible faux lantern made of cast iron, but discovered only antique type lanterns that were overpriced. Real lanterns from Japan were extremely expensive at $300-$400. However, I recently discovered a small cast iron wind chime that looks like a lantern at Sill Sitting Meditation Supply for $89.

Although small, it is appropriately sized for the location under the shed eve.

Additionally, the prospect of lighting an actual lantern at the shed was not likely to happen, hence the suitability of a faux lantern. 

What I like about this wind chine is its appearance, the cast iron material, and the actual chime. The black color also compliments the nearby vegetable garden fence.

The product is imported from Japan, hence it has a degree of authenticity. I love it and it was well worth the price. All I need now is a warm summer day with a bit of wind.