New Bonsai

We have had so much rain this May it has been almost impossible to do any gardening. Today the rain was so heavy that there was no working even with a raincoat on. Undeterred, I chose to work on transforming some damaged plants from the past into fake bonsai. To do so, I moved all my tools, dirt, and containers under the gazebo where I could stay out of the rain. It also allowed me to sit when needed and clip away.

In total, I created four new fake bonsai (note these are considered fake because I have not cutback the roots or modified the soil medium):

Autumn Moon Maple (Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon')

This Maple was bought back in 2022, and was damaged over the winter from a critter munching at its bark. Since then I have over wintered it in a secure raised bed and transplanted it each year into a new container. This year it recovered well and is now in a more appropriate, but temporary, ceramic pot. I intend to keep him small as time goes on.

Rheingold Arborvitae

Three two plants were created from remnants of two different plants that did not do well over several past winters. Last year I put them in containers and clipped away, but this year they have finally taken on some more unusual shapes. This time around I added some bonsai wire to try and shape them permanently. It will be interesting to see how well they do. Note: these are still planted in soil and I will remove them and over winter them again in an outdoor raised bed, the same as last year. Because I am not clipping back the entire root ball, and using basic soil instead of bonsai medium, I do not consider them official "bonsai."

Little Heath Pieris (Pieris japonica 'Little Heath')

Purchased in 2022, this plant resided near the East gate Cypress but failed to receive enough sunlight before I accidentally stepped on it and almost killed it. It has resided in a container ever since and more recently over wintered in a raised bed. last year I added some bonsai wire to see if I could shape it. This year its looking better, so a new larger bonsai pot was purchased to give it a new home for the season.

All of these plants looks pretty good and because I keep the root ball large and overwinter them outdoors, they will hopefully survive a bit longer. I find when I try to maintain indoor bonsai over winter I tend to kill them from neglect. perhaps this process will continue to work. On the other hand, I am sure I will step on future plants as well.

Bamboozled

For the second year in a row I am struggling with the Clumping Bamboo (Fargesia rufa) bed along the stroll garden. Each year the number of new shoots diminishes and the bed is failing to replace existing bamboo or bamboo that had to be cut back due to harsh winters. This last winter was particularly harsh with almost all of the bamboo throughout the garden having to be cut back.

I am not confident that the bamboo in the stroll garden will return to its once full and lush state.

Summer 2020 - lush and full

The bamboo used to do a good job of hiding the cinderblock foundation. That is no longer the case. So, it was time for its removal and replacement. 

Removing the bamboo was a difficult task given the length of the bed and the degree to which the bamboo roots are intertwined throughout the bed. A small hand saw was therefore necessary to remove all of the plantings.

I want to conceal the cinderblock foundation, but the bed is an odd curved shape - wide at the ends and narrow in the center due to the curve. As a result, I have to consider a replacement that can fit and grow into the narrowest portion of the bed. I decided upon Reblooming Mountain Hydrangea. This shrub is a dwarf Hydrangea that will only grow 2-3' wide/tall. 

The triangular areas at then ends accommodates additional plantings, including a Magical Garnet - Hydrangea (Macrophylla 'Kolmgarip') in the corner near the gate. Last year, I planted a Variegated Dwarf Cardinal Shrub (Weigela florida "variegated Nana'), in this same spot only to see its root ball eaten over the winter by a critter.

It will be separated by a  Sun King Japanese Spikenard (Araliia cordata 'Sun King') from the other Hydrangea, and an additional Sun king will mark the opposite end of the Hydrangea bed. 

I then added two Dwarf Weigela ('Verweig') shurbs at both ends of the stroll garden bed, one near the gate and the other near the Kasuga-dōrō style lamp at the entrance of the stroll garden. 

Together, these shrubs will help anchor the end points of the stroll garden bed. 

I also planted a  Frostkiss Penny's Pink Helleborus (Lenten Rose) at the base of the lantern.

An Astilbe Chinensis 'Purple Candles' Chinese Astilbe was also added just behind the large Bowling Ball Arborvitae to help fill in the space at the end of the bed (not pictured).

Overall, I am happy with the change and new look. I will have to keep an eye on the hydrangea growth over time.

Great Wall of Grass

For the second year in a row the Variegated Japanese Forest Grass along the fence line in the stroll garden came under assault from rabbits. They like to eat the grass shoots when they first emerge and are apparently yummy.

I knew this would be an issue, but I was so busy with other projects this spring I ignored the problem. The fact is that I was too lazy to create a system to stop this last fall.

So, with some left-over piping from an old DIY vegetable garden bed frame system, I created a series of three long "boxes" that I covered with anti-critter mesh by using small plastic zip ties.

These can be easily lifted off for maintenance or when I want the grasses to be exposed for public viewing days. 

They can also be stored in the garage attic without having to disassemble them, making them useful for future application.

I also purchased new replacement grasses and intend too install them soon to help fill in the gaps or completely replace the overly damaged plants.

With this system in place I may solve the problem for future years.

Seuss on the Loose

Unfortunately, the Coral Bark Japanese Maple I planted near the gazebo back in 2022 didn't survive the winter without serious damage to its main trunk. 

2023

As a result, it has lost some of its tree like qualities.

Combined with its poor growth last year, most likely due to insufficient sunlight, the tree had to be removed. I transplanted it to a large container and am trying to see if I can rehabilitate it over time by placing the container/tree in a more sun filled location.

In the meantime, I needed to locate a replacement. Originally, the purpose of planting a tall straight plant in this location was to break up the view of the large metal column of the gazebo. However, shortly after planting the tree I also had to move the garden bell to the same location. The small bed became a bit crowded.

I searched for an alternative plant to fill the space that would not overcrowd the location. By chance I came across a Cypress Golden Mop PomPom at a Lowes. It was relatively affordable, not too tall, but not too short, and should be easy to maintain.

It adds a lot of interest to the location with a very "Dr. Seuss" sort of appearance.

It also takes one's eyes away from the metal post, and doesn't interfere with the bell post.

Hopefully it will adjust to the light with early morning and afternoon exposure. Only time will tell.

Shed Side Plantings

I've finally finished with the landscaping along the pathway in the Dragon's Spine and the bed along the side of the newly renovated garden shed.

After removing a large 12+ year old boxwood that had grown too large, I decided to plant a Pink Azalea (Azalea 'Blaauw's Pink') along the fence line. 

I also planted a Bartzella Itoh Peony (Peonia (Intersectonal hybrid) x 'Bartzella' adjacent to the Azalea. 

These two plants should fill in the large space left open from then now absent boxwood. 

The Pink Azalea proved very vibrant in the early spring. The overall garden is dominated by 50 shades of green, so having such a bright color was a marked difference. The Peony hasn't flowered yet, but I am hoping it produces a nice large yellow flower. 

On either side of the back vegetable garden gate I had to replace two grasses that had resided in this location for 10+ years. One never returned, and the other was looking sad - two more victims of a rough dry winter. I replaced them with two matching grasses that will help frame the gate. 

The height of each should help block the view of the "nursery" behind the shed (formally called the Junk Yard).

Along the shed I planted a variety of "left over" plants last fall. Some Cora Bells, two Boxwoods, a Forest Grass, and a very small Purple Gem Rhododendron (just left of the rain chain pit), all of which survived the winter. 

This spring I added a Spirea (Spirea J. "Little Princess") next to the boxwood centered under the faux window.

Additionally, I planted some red Stonecrop ("Voodoo' Sedum spurium) to the bed. I am hoping to fill in the odd triangular space created by the new walkway with a bed of this red sedum.

I also decided to add a small mini-fence made of some left over bamboo and black twine from other projects. I found that I was constantly stepping into the space, so the little fence should help keep me on the path.

I also reworked the front of the shed a bit, by using just one of the Deutschland False Spirea (Astilbe x arendsii 'Deutschland') that had originally been planted (the second one had to be removed when the rain chain basin was installed. The remaining Astilbe was centered under the window, while the Threadleaf Coriopsis was moved to the spot just before the shed door.

That should complete the transformation of the beds at this end of the garden. 

Now its time to wait and see how things grow and mature.

Replacement - Rejuvenation

After many years of residing in the small island within the stroll garden, the My Monet Dwarf Weigela (Weigela florida 'Verweig') had suffered too much stress and needed replacing.

A combination of declining growth and rabbit attacks, it was too far gone to survive. The soil in this location was also mostly sand and needed some amending.

After replacing it with a new full sized plant I was surprised by the difference - I probably should have replaced it a few years back, but I was wedded to the idea that it was one of the more longterm plantings in the garden from 2014.

Now it looks terrific. With some regular fertilizer and care, this new plant should thrive for a while. 

To make sure it does, I am keeping it surrounded with some DIY fencing

When the plant is better established and the garden is open to the public, I can remove the fencing for better viewing.

A Different Twist

Since 2012 a large Clumping Bamboo (Fargesia rufa) resided by the end of the bed near the rear door of the garage. It was often sheltered from extreme weather and as a result returned each year with a full clump of old and new shoots. 

2024

Unfortunately, the dry weather in March and April took its toll and this bamboo, like much of the bamboo elsewhere in the garden, did not survive. 

2025

As a result, I had to remove the dead roots with a hand saw and make room for additional plantings. 

This location within the bed was rather large and I was worried about finding a replacement that could fill such a wide gap without growing into the walkway. I opted for two plants.

The first was a Golden Dwarf Hinoki Cypres (Chamaecyparis obtusa "nana Lutea') which will grow slowly to about 4' high x 3' wide. 

With only 3-5' of growth per year I think I can manage  to keep it under control. It likes sun, but can tolerate partial shade, so this location should work fine. I've always liked these type of Cypress trees, and the fact that this is a dwarf helped make my decision to give it a try. I considered getting two and using them as anchors at each end of the bed, but costs dictated that only one would be purchased. 

Next to the Cypress I decided to plant a Summer Crush Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bialmacfive'). This shrub should only grow to about 36" in width and height. 

It will also add some color interest to the garden. 

It can tolerate partial shade, so the location should prove ok. 

Hopefully these two plants will grow large enough to help hide the foundation block behind each. It will take some time, but I am hopeful. 

I also decided to plant a Ghost painted Fren (Athyrium x 'Ghost') in the far back corner behind the Cypress. 

This too should help to hide the foundation block. In time, I can move it as needed if the Cypress gets too large.

Broken Heart - Mended

The Secret Heart Island bed needed some attention this year. The Panicum Virgatum 'Ruby Ribbons' grass plant that had occupied this area since before 2022 had thinned out and showed sings of distress. 

'Ruby Ribbons' (at right) 2022

Rabbits had been munching away at this plant for some time, so it was time to find a replacement. 

This time I opted for Flame Grass Miscanthus sinensis "Purpurascens.' This grass can grow up to 4-5' and 1-2' wide. I am hoping it fills in the area and compliments the First Flame Maple "Iseli Introduction" (Acer x pseudosieboldianum) nearby. I did rework the edging to help contain it to a more round shape rather than the large ova of the previous configuration. 

I also added a small Hosta to the corner that remained after the edging rework. It is a plant that had been damaged and rescued from elsewhere in the garden. The maple and grass should provide shade for the Hosta to thrive in this sunny location.

In time the grass should turn an orange then red-ish color, while mid-late summer should produce some magenta flower wands with white plumes. I'm hoping it proves interesting - only time will tell. 

While I wait, I constructed a critter-fence to keep rabbits away and covered the Hosta with a critter cage cover to ensure they survive the spring.

A Bucket of Savings

The annual addition to the red ceramic pots at the edge of the Zen Garden in the courtyard will consist of two Paul's Glory Hosta (Hosta x 'Paul's Glory'). As usual, I transplanted these Hosta into large containers that reside in the ceramic pots. Doing so will give the roots some room to expand as the plants grow.

I have had a lot of luck with this process over the past few years. Using Hosta allows me to then transplant the plants in the fall into the gardens as needed. It is a better investment that annuals with pretty flowers which can cost a lot for a plant large enough for these pots. Additionally, slugs destroy such flowing plants. The "rubbery" nature of these Hosta will help deter the slugs. I also have to contend with rabbits that eat Hosta in the early spring. Next year, these two plants can act as backup fillers if needed and since they are being reused, reduce my overall garden costs.

I also added a Halcyon Hosta (Hosta x tardiana 'Halcyon') to the large contemporary red ceramic pot I purchased back in 2014. 

The color contrast looks good and transplanting it to a larger internal container will help its roots expand. In the fall, I will then find a spot to over winter it/transplant it into the ground for use next year.

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.