That’s what I feel like I’ve done. Dipped my big toe into the water. I’m not sure what this bed will look like when I’m done and it’s approaching maturity. (That’s because I didn’t make a plan for it!) I swore that I would, but even though I design for other people, I rarely take the time to do it in my own gardens.
So, I’ve made a nice list of possible plants and have been nursery-hopping for 2 days. Today I found a nice dwarf variety of Abelias so I will be returning the 5 other abelias that I bought just yesterday at two different stores!
Thus far, my collection includes a Japanese Yew (Maki), and Anachoncha Orchid Tree, some trailing lantana, some prostrate rosemary, some cuphea, some variegated hostas, an umbrella plant, (Cyperus alternifolius) and a new discovery, Mickaela Euonymus. It’s variegated, low and compact and trailing, very unlike the traditional Euonymus I’m used to seeing around town. I’m excited about having found something new and fresh — I hope it doesn’t die!
Tomorrow I plan to head to The Great Outdoors and Barton Springs Nursery for a few specimen plants and whatever strikes my fancy.
That’s a big bed to plant. I hope you enjoy your new Anacacho orchid tree as much as I do mine. The white-gray trunk is so pretty all year, as well as the little cloven-hoof leaves, and the spring flowers are beautiful.
I was at Barton Springs Nursery a few days ago and picked up the Ruby grass I’ve seen Kris blog about at Blithewold. If you don’t know it, take a look and you’ll have to have some.
What an interesting collecion of plants, Diane – since hummingbirds love Abelia, you’re also putting some habitat back.
The Euonymus sure is new – just patented in 2005. The descriptions sound as if it’s a beauty, and it will be interesting if this plant can do as well in Austin as it has in Europe.
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
I saw some Ruby grass at the Natural Gardener yesterday and my neighbor bought two of them! They are lovely – so delicate. I think I might put some smaller grasses in though – just for some little tufts scattered about. I keep moving the plants to add space so they won’t be crowded when they are full grown…
I know the birds will like the abelia, but they really loved the open space in my giant oleander and primrose jasmine. We have woods on the other side of the driveway, so they’ll be fine and I just planted another primrose jasmine over there to create a border. I’m hopeful about the Eunoymos – it is in a more sheltered space – not quite such hot sun — cross your fingers!
I like your plant list. It will be great to watch your new bed grow. I desperately want an Anacacho Orchid Tree, but am afraid to plant it before the pool is put in.
It was a pleasure to meet you yesterday at Shady Grove. Good luck with your pretty new plants!
I think it’s funny that you don’t plan your own gardens, since that’s what you do for others–I would have pictured you drawing everything out on paper, getting it just right before turning the first spadeful of dirt! Love your blog!
I know – it’s like the shoemaker’s children have no shoes! I did make a detailed possible plant list before I went nursery-hopping though — so I had a bit of an idea in my head! That’s better than I do some days!
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