Buddha Makeover, Part 1

After 13 years, it was time to give Buddha and the corner of the garden a major makeover. 

The plantings in this area experienced several changes over the years. A couple of ferns behind Buddha, two Astilbe and Bottle-Rockets on either side, and some small Mouse-Ear Hosta had defined the corner for most of the time. There had also been a good amount of Black Mexican Stone in front and surrounding Buddha.

A couple years ago I removed the stones after the Mouse-Ear Hosta had failed to return. I then allowed moss to cover the area. The soil around the statue contributed to the discoloration of the statute, requiring that I take Buddha out of the corner and give him a serious cleaning with a power washer. 

I was able to make good use of the moss by transplanting it to the curved edge where the Hosta had been located. First I removed a lot of the weed fabric that had been inhibiting the the ability of the plants to grow. This edge had also become unsightly, especially during the non-summer period after the Hosta had been cut back. Once opened up, I then filled the gaps with the moss.

Following the power wash, Buddha looks brand new and has an almost gleaming white shine. In actuality, its made of cast cement, very heavy, but it also able to handle a power wash.

I then cleared out the corner and prepped it for the addition of new plants.

I will now start the process of seeking out new plants to help Buddha return to his status as the garden patron who helps ensure the continued beauty of the garden.

An Old Friend Returns

I was surprised to discover that a small Tree Frog has once again occupied the Moshi Post Lantern. I usually don't notice the frog's arrival until later in the summer, but we have been getting a lot of rain this spring, so perhaps the moisture has contributed to his willingness to venture out and re-introduce himself.

It always amazes me to see his ability to so seamlessly blend in with the granite lantern. This time I was also rewarded with its incredible croaking, which was magnified by the open interior of the lantern.

Both beautiful and entertaining, this Tree Frog is a welcome guest sure to bring great joy during the coming months.

Gone, But Not Forgotten

As April winds down, the garden is full of small bursts of color from the early blooming plants.

Often, these plants bloom when the garden is still in a state of cleanup. These plants are often small and unnoticed, especially later in the summer after other plants draw more attention. However, they are the best source of early spring color and beauty.

This Lungwart (Pulmonaria 'High Contrast') has been in the garden since 2014 and has reliably filled a small niche within the stones along the north edge of the Zen garden. The blooms last a couple of weeks and add some much needed color to the garden, especially in the early spring when the garden seems bare.

A small Epimedium grandiflorum ('Spring Wedding') has also occupied a small niche within the rocks. The blooms arrive very early and only last a short time before they disappear. However, the delicate bloom of white and pink is a wonderful sight to behold. This plant has been a reliable as a rock-gap filler and continues to bring joy to the early spring garden viewing experience.

Throughout the garden there are a number of Heartleaf Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla "Jack Frost'). Planted as early as 2012, I have been able to take cuttings and spread new plants into small gaps throughout the garden, Many times new plants emerge on their own and I simply transplant them to more appropriate locations. The beautiful deep blue flowers add much needed interest to the early spring garden. The foliage also continues to grow and expand throughout the summer. The differentiated white and green leaves are one of my favorites. Another added benefit is that slugs don't like to eat them - the texture is to "scratchy" for them.

Soon the garden will transition into the summer and these lovely flowers will be gone, but knowing they will return next season always leaves me with excited anticipation for the arrive of yet another spring season. They may be gone, but they will not be forgotten.

The Immortal Flame

As early spring sets in, the First Flame Maple "Iseli Introduction" (Acer x pseudosieboldianum) in the viewing garden has begun it's transformation with a burst of crimson red.

As one of the first dramatic transformation of the season, the First Flame symbolically represents the beginning of a new garden season, one that I am hopeful will result in changes and new beginnings elsewhere in the garden. 

As I begin to review my plans for this season, I am taking some time to appreciate the beauty the First Flame offers.

Soon it will continue its own transformation with dramatic color changes as summer approaches.

The Naked Truth

The Dwarf Maples in the garden are only just starting to show sings of buds announcing the long awaited arrival of spring.

I have spent many years pruning these Maples and treating them more like outdoor bonsai. During the summer months visitors to the garden do not always see the intricate features of the pruning. 

The Viridis Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Viridis’) in the Zen garden was planted back in 2009 when the garden was first built. 

The one in the Dragon's Spine dates to 2010. 

Both would have been much larger if left unattended, but I have diligently kept them under control via frequent pruning. As a result, they are not only beautiful in the summer, but throughout the year as each season highlights different features of each tree. 

Soon they will be covered by a canopy that will hide the beauty which lies beneath as a new season of transformation begins.

Survivor

This spring has been unlike previous season changes. March was much warmer, more like April, while April is turning out to be more like March. In addition, I've noticed that the Clumping Bamboo (Fargesia rufa) throughout the garden is surviving what was a fairly mild winter, at least in terms of snow fall.

Normally the harsh cold and heavy snow loads results in the existing shoots dying off and needing to be cut back in the spring. Doing so always makes way for new shoots to emerge and eventually take the places of the older shoots.

It has been many years since I have seen the bamboo make it through the winter intact, but intact it remains. 

The one exception is the long bamboo edge along the stroll garden (not pictured). This area has an issue unrelated to the winter (maybe critters, poor soil, too much sun, etc.). I'm not sure what it is, but will need to investigate as the summer arrives.

In the meantime, the bamboo elsewhere is thriving and is enhancing the appearance of the garden early. 

I am hopeful that new shoots will also emerge as summer arrives and help add to the fullness of the bamboo. 

Only time will tell, but meanwhile I will enjoy the early start.

Changing Colors

Changed the red color, 

Fallen on the tofu, 

The leaf of the light crimson maple.

- Matsuo Basho

The peak of autumn has arrived and the colors of the garden are once again changing. Having finished my last few projects, the time to start the fall cleanup has arrived. However, one last opportunity to relax and take in the beauty of nature cannot be resisted. Enjoy!

Fall Flowers

Last August I planted a Chocolate White Snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum 'Chocolate' (Ageratina altissima) in the border along the Stroll Garden.

I waited all year to see it bloom. Now that we are in mid October, fall is upon us, and the blooms are looking fantastic.

The plant is doing a good job of filling in the space just beneath the Crabapple tree, but also looks great with the changing colors of the nearby Spirea.

I was surprised at how late the blooms arrived. More surprising was that there were still bees around to take advantage of the flowing.

Overall, I am please with this plant. It really adds some fall interest to the garden.

The Dragon Reborn

After finishing the new fence-screen in the Dragon Spine, it was time to replant the bed.

Initially I moved existing plants around, especially two large Astilbe which I moved back towards the fence posts. 

I am going to keep taller plants in the rear and lower plants in the front.

I've decided that I am going to fill the bed, especially in front of the Maple, with a variety of Hosta (Abiqua Drinking Gourd and some cuttings elsewhere from the garden), Heuchera ('Southern Comfort,' 'Timeless Night,' 'Caramel,' 'Sweet Tea'), and Brunnera ('Jack Frost,' SilverHeart'). 

As the forest behind the fence grows, the garden has increasingly become more shady, hence the need to move towards more shade tolerant plants.

I was able to acquire a significant amount of discounted plants from a nearby nursery that holds an annual "red wagon sale" (cram as much into a wagon for only $60). 

I picked up two loads (including a new Dwarf Maple and four Astilbe to be used elsewhere).

I attempted to plant pairs of plants, but I also want these to all grow in a way that eventually looks more natural. 

I was unable to get the type of Hosta I would like, so I am leaving some spaces open so that in the spring I will be able to add a few more variety. 

It may take a few years, but the plan is to just let them all grow and compete for space, at which point I will make some adjustments.

After adding a new layer of mulch (12 bags!), the bed is finally starting to look nice. 

The existing shrubs and trees look great with the black bamboo and cedar screen as back drops.

Even the small lantern/rock area received a new Heuchera Hybrid ('Southern Comfort'). 

In time, I think it will continue to improve. In the meantime, the entire garden, as seen from the second floor, looks awesome!

The Dragon Spine has now officially become a separate garden room of Songni Yuan, and its wonderful.