The time is ripe.
To rip out all the stupid plants by the fence. We are going to have this barely standing 3' fence replaced. Ok, some plants got a stay. For now.
A view from the bottom of the path. According to the fence bid, this stretch is 77' long. 
It's a sign to make some changes when a rando pot of succulents stuck in the bed looks fresher than anything around it.
I removed a "who knows" rose that's been there forever. Some of these plants I put in 13-14 years ago, when I was new to this zone. The rose 'Brass Band' is staying, for now. An excellent performer, I'll have to see if I can work it in?
And, a plant I lost track of *from Martin Grantham via Ivan. I don't know what it is, Telanthophora uspantanensis. This was in a little clear cup when it was brought over from Berkeley. It had to be placed on the fainting couch, didn't deal with the transition to the hot. Seems ok now! Martin is growing these in Eureka and they have withstood 15° winter, completely skewering the advice I've read online.
I was going to ask about the weather. Seems like a lot of work for this time of year, especially if it's still hot. But if it's cooling off, maybe it's the perfect time.
ReplyDeleteI don't do anything outside (except water) when it hits around triple digit mark. But yesterday was great @ 90 - and I was partially shaded. That makes a big difference!
DeleteYou are taking on a lot more, but I’m sure that it will be worth it.
ReplyDeleteJust getting it cleaned out felt like an improvement :)
DeleteLook at you go! So much fun ahead. Will you stain the new fence dark like in the back garden? Hope you'll share what the plant from David is, if you find out. It's so fresh and green...
ReplyDeleteAfter getting some bids, I'm thinking about repairing the fence (and YES staining it black!) myself. I was mistaken, I corrected ... The plant is actually from Martin Grantham - Ivan brought it over when he & David visited. Ivan works with Martin. It is Telanthophora uspantanensis and has withstood some cold temps over the winter so I think I need to worry more about the sun on it. ?
DeleteSeems everyone I know (well plant people) knows Martin Grantham. I do not! Telanthophora uspantanensis is completely foreign to me.
DeleteI haven't met him either, but am thrilled to try out this crazy "daisy". I like the elongated leaves.
DeleteRegular editing of a garden is a fundamental task, even if it can be as painful as it is cathartic. Kudos to you for tackling the project in that heat. I tackled some unplanned pruning earlier this week when it was only in the low 90s and I nearly melted. Annie's was great about providing plants to experiment despite the losses incurred along the way.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Kris. I was in part shade, and that really helped. I'm willing to take chances on unique things, especially if they come in a 4" container!
DeleteWhat a great project. This is a big space. I look forward to seeing how you transform it.
ReplyDeleteI've not been hit with inspiration on this area yet? I'm struggling, but in the meantime I can get it cleaned up. Adding some topsoil, maybe changing the pathway will help with a creative spark.
DeleteHa... oh dear, I am still laughing at "little tombstones from plants long forgotten." I will never look at a plant label the same. ;-)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the next group of photos.
Ha ha ha! I laughed too - when it popped in my head. In reality, I probably read it somewhere?
DeleteGoodness! For a second I thought all the stones were a massive potato harvest. Those plants that need the fainting couch don't usually make it very long in my yard. Some seem to make a big wilty fuss every year though. Drama queens!
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