After posting on my west garden bed two weeks ago, I've found myself thinking of ways to refine it. This morning I pulled out my garden sketchbook and drew out my ideas. You can see the results above (click to enlarge).
I'm going to have four repetitions of the block of plants. The varying width of the bed and the window well at the north end make the repetitions a bit difficult, but I think it will work out OK.
Each plant block includes salvia, coreopsis, campanula, dwarf dahlia, catmint, dwarf iris and 4 types of daylilies. Spring bulbs will also be planted in a repeating pattern. The photos in this post represent the various colors that will be included.
Adding some needed height will be three climbing english roses. They will bloom in flushes throughout the season. 'Crown Princess Margareta' is shown above with the no-name dwarf dahlia.
The color scheme includes light and deep versions of rosy-pink, rosy-orange, yellow, and blue-violet. Around the window well, the color scheme will continue with groupings of bearded iris in golden yellow and blue-violet.
The blooms start with periwinkle muscari and deep blue-violet hyacinths, then periwinkle catmint and deep blue-violet salvia bloom from late May until frost. Other plants pass in and out of the color scheme. Golden yellow daffodils bloom, then golden iris, then 'Stella d'Oro' daylily, then the coreopsis continues the yellow element through fall. The rosy-pink and rosy-orange blooms from daylilies and dahlias will be welcome when they show up.
When it cools down next month, I'll start the large task of digging everything up, tossing the old lavender shrubs out, then dividing and replanting according to the new design. Someday I'm going to get really sick of transplanting the entire garden each year, but apparently I haven't reached that point yet. I look forward to posting pictures of the results next summer.
I love your color scheme. Very nice --complementary colors are great in my mind. I am very very impressed with your plan. How wonderful to plan.....I plan bones (woody shrubs and small trees...then nature takes over)
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm eyeing my tiny garden with a mind to dig it all up and move it all around when the weather cools. In fact, I have this urge at this time every year. We'll see what happens in 2009. Your plans look beautiful. I love your daylily collection.
ReplyDeleteHi VW~~ Nice design. Unlike me, you're very disciplined. I look forward to the results next summer. Ooh, those daylilies! And the unnamed dahlia is delicious!
ReplyDeleteHello VW !
ReplyDeleteI too have begun a transformation on a few beds .. and hoping to dig an eentirelynew circular bed dedicated to Spring bulbs then perennials to hide the die back foliage.
There is just something so exciting about doing this .. shaking things up .. working on it until it truly does please your eyes and garden soul ?
I am looking forward to seeind how yours comes along : )
Joy
I'm getting ready to do the same thing-redesign a garden bed. I also draw mine out on graph paper. Yours is most neat and professional looking. That catmint is a real keeper in all gardens.
ReplyDeleteI think your plan is awesome! You thought of it all and it shows. Can't wait to see it in progress~
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for the re-design - I'm sure it's going to look fantastic! Make sure you keep us all posted with pics!
ReplyDeleteYou are a good planner! Can't say the same about myself. Often, I do and then think. Your choice of plants is great!
ReplyDeleteIt all is going to be more beautiful. I love the colors complimenting each other. I have started moving and planning more of it this fall than all my just sticking plants in.
ReplyDeleteHey, I have a drawn garden plan to but trust me you would want to see it. No one can read or recognize the drawings but me. LOL
simply beautifully captured shots...lovely!
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of your repeating blocks of planting, and look forward to you posting the "work in progress"
ReplyDeleteK
It must be that time of year~~energy returns with the cooler temperatures and what better time to move plants and add bulbs. I love your choices for the transformed bed and the repeat of blocks of plants and color. VW, you may never tire of transforming your garden! gail
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like it will look gorgeous! I love the colors you'll be using and the thought you've put into bloom time. I laughed at the part about wondering if you'll ever get sick of transplanting the garden. I do the same thing and am already planning on digging up everything around my pond next month. Don't you think half the fun is in the planning? Maybe I should draw up a plan like you did, and save me from just impulsively planting things.
ReplyDeleteYou're not alone: I replant mine all the time, too.
ReplyDeleteAlso dropping by to let you know I got sucked into this garden meme thing and have honored you with a favorite commenters award. Stop by my blog if you want to read flattering things about yourself! Susan