I've not posted much about my bird bath bed because it's not something I'm proud of. I just threw a bunch of plants in it as I obtained them. I didn't bother to modify the soil at all and therefore have a terrible drainage problem. Also, when I started the bed I didn't realize how rain water was going to drain off my yard. It seems to congregate on top and all around this bed. So, hence these lovely pictures.
As you can see drainage is so important to beautiful flowers. Needless to say this is very disappointing but not unexpected. Now I do have some plants in this bed that don't mind wet feet such as Acorus, my perennial hibiscus, a couple of black elephant ears and one other water plant that I do not know the name of. But for the rest I am thinking about digging out(that is if any live) and maybe changing this bed into a dry(or wet) rock bed and not planting anything else in it. I don't know, maybe a fall project?
12 comments:
I would definitely take advantage of the situation & put some wet loving plants in there. What an opportunity to experiment with new things.
A rock bed, wet or dry, sounds very interesting. Looking forward to seeing that, if that's the way you decide to go.
PGL-I do enjoy experimenting with flower beds and designs. I have all these ideas in my head but sometimes they get lost in there. Or, I realize I don't have the energy like I use to.
flydragon-Something has to be done to that area or my plants will continue to die as is. I'll figure it out as I go along.
That sounds like a great opportunity for a fall project. A rock bed is always so cool.
DP-I think rock beds are really a nice addition. Not sure what type of design. Guess I'll figure that out as I go along.
Susie, that's what gardening is all about-experimenting. Like PLG, I would take advantage of the wet and plant water loving ones there. Take out the ones that aren't doing so well, and then this winter search for 'bog' type plants on the Internet. Next spring you willbe all set to put your new wetlands bed in order. Oh, and have fun with it!
Beckie-what a great idea to search for "bog type plants" on the internet. I never thought about that. Thanks!!!
I love cattails and elephant ears and bamboo, not the invasive kind though. They are all growing really well in my wet spots.
Eve-I haven't thought about cattails in a long time. They remind me of my childhood. My popa use to cut them for us when we would be driving around out in the country.
Boy are there some beautiful moisture loving plants to choose from...sighing and wishing we had more rain
and could grow them here! Cardinal flower is one! Have fun experimenting.
Gail
Thanks for stopping by and for your encouraging comments. You may just teach this hopeless gardener a thing or two about planting! I am pretty hopeless in this area. A potted plant fell off my deck rail during a gusty day. A friend and I were sitting on the deck when it happened. My husband came walking by as my friend commented on the fallen plant. He quipped, "It didn't fall, it jumped! Plants always come here to die!" Oh so sad but true!
Wish I could give you some of our rain Gail. I just walked around in my yard and it squished with every step. Cardinal flower is a beautiful plant. I love that striking red.
Sandy-I'm sorry to hear about your plant "jumping". I'm not sure you would want to take planting lessons from me if you took a good look at this post. Those pitiful things don't stand a chance.
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