The last time I substantially changed the inside corner near the West Gate was 2019. Once again, it was time for some changes.
The main focal point of this bed, the Boulevard Cypress Oriental Pompon (Chamaecyparis pisifera "Cyano-virdis'), has continued to thin out at the bottom, but grows at the top.
I am amazed that it has lasted this long, but it certainly has changed a great deal since I first acquired it in 2014.
The surrounding plants have not feared so well. The Birch Leaf Spirea (Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor Gold') that was planted in 2019 became very thinned out and grew to tall. It just didn't look like a shrub anymore.
I suspect that it was not getting enough light in that shady corner. I removed it and transplanted it into a more sunny location along the stroll garden where it can reach over an existing spirea.
I replaced it with a Heaven Scent Jacob's ladder (Polemonium 'Heaven Scent').
I suspect light might be a long term issue for this plant as well, but I am willing to give it a try and see how it does. It has a dark green foliage and produces small purple flowers.
The Sun King Japanese Spikenard (Aralia cordata 'SunKing') that was recently planted is doing fine and loves this shady location. However, the Astilbe 'Bridal Veil" False Spirea that was in the back since 2015 was eaten by a critter over the winter, while the Hosta (unknown) in the front was also decimated by a rabbit. Both were replaced with a similar astilbe and hosta.
This fern should do well in this location given the shady nature of the back of the bed.
