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.