So... I claimed my area of the yard when I moved into the house. Then I claimed some more. And now... just a little bit more. It was mandatory! Really! I was spending too much time mowing around individual items (again). And some things that I really like need more sun. So... this is it. No more. Really! Extended flower bed. ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )
Playing with flowers is so much more rewarding than cutting grass (don't tell my hens that--they love fresh clippings in their coop). When I laid out our backyard flower beds I made sure they were easy to mow around, then they grew, and grew . . .. Cheryl, whatever you plant there is sure to thrive and be gorgeous. We will demand pictures!
Many years ago we were only going to have the one big bed at the back of the garden. Now there are more flower beds than lawn and I have a large pond too with plants all around it. Ian can't complain though as mowing the grass takes him hardly any time at all these days.
Cheryl that is going to be beautiful when it's planted and blooming. Whatchagonna plant in there? Yep, only paths in our yards too but they are mulch so we don't even have those to mow.
Here's the same area from last fall. Back of fence 2013 ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden ) Hopefully the Clematis on that front trellis will come back. And I have seeds to replant the Hyancinth Bean Vine on the old umbrella. The little palm survived the winter. I put in a few onion starts the other day and plan on putting in my spicy bell peppers (if they ever get big enough to transplant) and maybe a tomato plant. And then whatever flowers I run across that need total sun (like the Luna Hibiscus). I'm going to force myself to NOT plant anything right next to the fence and keep it a walkway so I can access the flower bed on the other side for weeding. I'm thinking of adding more hanging pots on this side of the fence. And right around the bird bath/fountain is where the water runs through after heavy rains and will also just stay soaked. So I don't think I can plant anything there. Perhaps maybe a big container of some sort? Can you tell I've been giving this some thought?
Looking good Cheryl! I really like how you have incorporated several small planting areas into one bed. Looks like so much easier maintenance. Please show pics as the planting progresses!
It seems that Cheryl's grass is doomed. After all what would be your preference, a flower or a blade of grass? A hoe, shovel and cultivator are cheaper than a lawnmower. There are very few places that are bastions of the green. A golf course….Hmmmm…..Liberty County Golf Club……..Naaaaa. A public building……new location for Liberty City Hall………Naaaaa. A grass airport……Perish the thought. Nope, the grass is doomed, the flowers have declared victory. O.K Cheryl, put a for sale sign on the lawnmower and get your brothers to tear out the lawn. The sign out front should say Cheryl's Botanical Gardens. Soon you will be world famous, thousands will want to visit…………Zzzzzzz. Zzzzzzzz. Zzzzzzz……..Oh was I dreaming? I had the weirdest dream….I was in a long line waiting to buy a ticket to a garden, the admission price was a lawnmower part and a Dragon was trying to sell me a blade of grass as a souvenir . Boy am I glad I woke up. Jerry P.S. Spring had better get here quick!!
looks good. I have some similar areas where, I keep asking myself - why is there grass here - and why do I have to keep mowing it. that stone border looks very good - and I bet it will be a joy each time you don't have to mow around those individual plants for sure.
Thanks everyone! It's fun to have a total sunny spot to plant shop for. And don't get me wrong, I enjoy mowing. But I shouldn't have to kill myself doing it. The grass in that area really grows thick, I'd be worn out after just a few minutes of pushing the mower through it. Jerry... you crack me up! Let's see, we just bought a brand new riding mower last fall. There's at least 1 acre that has to be mowed every week and then rest has to be done with a tractor. (And then there's the a few places where I have to push mow). So there will always be some grass around here (and I just love the new mower). If I keep adding flower beds, I may have to quit my job to tend to them all. I think I have reached my limit. Funny you should mention the "Botanical Gardens"... that's what my cousin calls it! And that dream of yours.... I can't decide if it's funny or scarey!
