May 03 2009
Planting Planning
Since it looks like I’ll be staying here for a while, I’ve decided to try and do something with the backyard and porch. I’m thinking of getting matchstick blinds to put on the sides of the porch. It would make more shade (or I could roll the blinds up if I wanted sun) and it will have the total bonus of shielding the next door dogs and their cement hell from my sight. Also, if the Barkers don’t see the kitties on the porch, there might be less barking.
Theoretically.
I’d like to get something to climb up the trellis, which is also on the Barkers’ side. Extra prettiness, an extra layer between Me and the Barkers. I’m considering orange bougainvillea, because I love it and it doesn’t grow where my sister lives, so she can enjoy it when she’s here. And orange was Frank Sinatra’s favorite color, and it doesn’t get any cooler than Frank. My boss always says, “It’s Frank’s world – we just live in it.”
My next notion was hanging baskets of fuchsias for the front of the porch (facing the lawn), but my sister told me that fuchsias are the Suzy of flowers – showy, pretty, and shade-loving – so they won’t be happy there. But I do want something that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, so any suggestions are welcome. It’s facing east but also has a southern exposure, so there’s sun most of the day.
I’m also considering excavating the flower bed that is bordered with bricks or something and is very overgrown. It’s on the right hand side, next to B’s fence, so there’s a little more shade there. I was thinking of maybe tomatoes and basil, but I’m not sure, so again, I’d love to hear your ideas, either in the comments or at speakallATearthlinkDOTnet.
Finally, I sent a note to my landlords with my rent check this month, asking if they’d consider supplying me with some kind of ground cover for the front lawn. The grass is totally dead and looks like a nervous breakdown. Even if they won’t buy me the plants, I’ll probably end up digging it up. At this point, just mulch would look better, and I can’t bring myself to put another lawn there. They don’t belong in this climate, and I begrudge the water in a potential drought year, even though my actual water usage is only 10% of the bill.
3 Responses to “Planting Planning”
I just planted some “Million Bells” in my garden, and they are pretty awesome and might be ideal for your porch scene. If your porch is sunny, which I am thinking that it is? They come in lots of colors and they cascade beautifully.
I’m glad to hear you’re committing to gardening. I was really unhappy in my house earlier this year and was going to just give up on the garden, when I realized that the state of the garden was actually depressing me, and that it was worth it to invest a little to make my existing space more bearable.
Also, in re: groundcover: corsican mint. It is drought tolerant, smells delicious, minimal maintenance. And will discourage poopers, if that’s a problem.
By all means Suzy, it would be a great idea for you to plant flowers and make your yard a nice place filled with flowers and what not. If anything, it would help to cheer you up and keep you busy pulling weeds and watering plants, great stuff.
Bee Balm is a super flower for butterflies & hummingbirds ( Monarda ) It loves sunshine. I love the reds but it also comes in pink…..
Also, what about Honeysuckle? Great at climbing, loves the sun & the butterflies & hummingbirds love it too.
Just a couple of suggestions… Envy you your climate.
jx