Soooo, let's just say that I am not a gardener.
I have a tendency to plant flowers all willy-nilly-like without putting much thought into how big they will get or when they will bloom. That being said, my little perennial garden is looking better, but still needs so much work. Let me explain.
Here is how it started back in 2011. Yup. All kinds of ugly.
Here's how it looked a few weeks ago.
And after a few weeks of TLC and some trellises for the climbing vines, here's how my little garden is looking now.
It's not terrible but it's no Better Homes and Gardens feature if you know what I'm saying. It's driving me crazy that the clematis is all bushy and climb-y on the right while the climbing hydrangea on the left is taking forever to grow. Don't they know that I really, really, really like symmetry?!?
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| You're cute. But, could you grow a little faster please? |
The plant directly in front of the clematis is way too close to it. I keep having to untangle it from the creeping vines. Next year I'll have to move it over or forward or to a new spot altogether. Also, the two plants at the front center are a little bit scraggly. I'm trying to decide if I should give them another season to establish themselves or replace them right away. Decisions, decisions.
Even though it's not perfect.............this little garden still makes me happy. I mean, look how pretty these flowers were!!! Before the bugs ate them.
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P.S. I'm pretty sure that I should label this post under "Snoozefest".
P. P. S. We were stuck in the house the last few days because of rain. This is Cooper's reaction when I asked him if he wanted to go and splash in some puddles. "WOOHOO!"
Oh Cooper...you always make me smile! Love the before and after of your garden! It is amazing what some sunshine and rain can do! I too get fusterated when my plants won't cooperate with me though!
ReplyDeleteWhy does Cooper look so much older in these pictures? Is he growing instead of the hydrangea? He is turning into such a handsome big boy! I always plant something then need to move it because it grew too big for the spot I put it in or I changed my mind. We had to redo our front garden due to the harsh winter and everything died (I mean everything) and every time my husband would come outside I was moving one of the new plants around again. He just stopped asking why ha ha! Smart man. Your little garden will come together, you will see and it will be beautiful! Kelly
ReplyDeleteYour little patch is coming along nicely. You've designed it in a way that it looks really cute even before the plants make a greater contribution.
ReplyDeleteI also had wires and pipes that distracted from my little outdoor beautification project, too. I painted each one to match its background, and Viola!- they literally disappeared! I dubbed my paint brush 'my invisibility brush'.
Some day you'll have to tell us.... what's behind the mysterious little window?
Mysterious? That made me laugh. It's just our laundry room. :)
DeleteClimbing hydrangea takes FOREVER to get established, but once it does, it will far surpass the clematis in size. Mine is 4 years old, about 4 ft. tall, and I'm still waiting for flowers. Everyone says it's worth the wait. Otherwise, the general rule for perennial gardening is: first year sleeps, second year creeps, third year leaps!! So hang in there a little while longer...
ReplyDeleteAwesome, thanks for the info. You have given me so much hope for that slow-growing plant. :)
DeleteBeware. My climbing hydrangea covers at least a 6 x 8 foot section of a brick wall. They do take awhile, but I think it will far outgrow your space. Looks good though.
ReplyDeleteAnnnnd, at least your hydrangea is growing (and so is cutie Cooper).
ReplyDeleteMy hydrangeas stink.