Some of you might remember that we've been trying to make the north side of the house presentable this year. Well, we're not done yet, but here's what it looks like so far. A couple of years ago I was in despair because the site looked like this: And we're off: The poor plants awaiting their new home: Frame all ready, let's plant: We've used a lot of newspapers, and we needed a big tub to soak them in: Step two, the beginning: Reinforcing equipment: Step one as it is now: And this is about as far as we've gotten on step two: I hope to show a step two all done later this autumn, but please don't hold your breath. Step three is definately for next year.
Step one is definitely a success, and we can hardly wait to see photos of step two! You will have a lovely area made from a disaster--the test of a true gardener (which you obviously are).
Thanks Netty. marlingardner, thanks for the vote of confidence. Since we're haphazard, ramshackle people, the borders will probably in the end reflect our personalities.
Well all I can say is - what a vast improvement Droopy. It's amazing what we gardeners can do with what is, essentially, a bit of waste ground. It's looking good now but I have a feeling it's going to be tremendous once it's all done and dusted. Well done you. :-D
Wow...lookit tha'! You have made some dramatic improvement there, Droopy. Those moss raised beds look supurb. Are the s. moss blocks treated with any sort of preservative? The stabalizing pins look like they mean business. I can see that you have done a serious and professional-looking job with the liner and newspapers and all. The photo presentation with piccies andexplanation really were good and showed the steps and progress very well. Thanks for this great posting.
Eileen, thank you. Of course we're hoping for a lush terraced area with lots of greenery, flowers and elegant grasses, if only the plants will co-operate. Sjoerd, the moss blocks are just moss blocks, all natural and no additives. I'm planting a Jeffersonia dubia in a brick later today, and have a couple of other plants that might enjoy acid, mossy conditions. You're welcome.
That's fantastic! How long do the blocks stay together? What all have you planted so far? Great job! And great post. Can't wait to see it in all it's glory.
I have a waste space too, the whole north side of the backyard. I have never been able to get any ideas for it so it looks like a jungle, now the wheels are turning in my imagination and dadgumit that hurts this early in the morning. Yours is coming along so nicely and will be wonderful when complete. I would like to know what all the plants are too.
Cherylad, I hope they will stay together for at least 20 years, since I can't bear the thought of doing it all again. My only worry is that the walls might tumble over. Then we'll have to do it again, but if so I'll find some sturdier solution. The moss bricks will be very heavy once they're wet through so I hope they won't shift at all during winter. Toni, I'm so sorry for making your imagination hurt. It wasn't on purpose, honest. The plants are Eupatorium, Crambe cordifolia, Cimicifuga racemosa "Atropurpurea", three different colours of Martagon lilies, a drumstick primula, some Phlox, a couple of Trolliuses, Aquilegia, Iris, Astrantia, Brunnera, a couple of Carex, some newly purchased tulips because my husband wanted them, Viola cornuta, Fritillaria, Epimedium, Mertensia, Dianthus, Narcissi, Jeffersonia dubia and I've probably forgotten a few. I've got a couple waiting for me to finish step two, and some that will be moved once I have finished it. Step three will be mainly very invasive short plants. They can fight eachother for space instead of killing more tender neighbours. Also I'm pushing my husband a bit because I want a sphagnum moss turtle full of sempervivums.
