Before and After: The North Side

I used to avoid it altogether.  There was no good reason to go around the corner to see the north side yard.  We were focused on other projects and not much would grow here anyway, or so I thought.

March 2010

Then a trench for electrical service to the new detached garage/workshop became the unlikely spark for progress.

December 2010

Construction completed, rocks were used to form a raised bed, and a much needed gravel path was added from the gate to the deck. 

March 4, 2011

Filled with top soil and compost, the bed was ready to plant.
 

March 24, 2011

and then the best part....

April 2011

These plants were shared with me by fellow gardeners!  Yes, this bed was filled by the generosity of local gardeners.
 

June 2011

The plants grew well all summer, shaded from the relentless sun by the house

July 2011

Just a little morning and afternoon sun was all they needed this year

August 2011

Now instead of rushing through, I almost always linger here amazed at the sight of all this blooming in a year of record heat and drought.

Today

A few weeks ago the wind blew some of the plants over the walkway and I'm even enjoying that part.

Many of these plants I wouldn't have selected from a nursery this early on since I'm more focused on structure.  Those gorgeous yellow blooms are Forsythia Sage (Salvia Madrensis), a large shade loving, fall bloomer that is perfect here.  Other plants include Monarda 'Raspberry Wine', Walker's Low Nepeta, Red Salvia microphylla, and Shrimp Plant 'Fruit Cocktail' (Justicia brandegeana).  Some are commonly shared plants like pigeonberry, cannas, red spider lily, ruellia.  The blue potato bush (Lychianthes rantonnetii) arrived as a small rooted cutting and is now overgrowing the space and it really needs more sun.

 

Even though this was meant to be a holding space, the north side turned out to be the best spot in this year of drought and heat.  Over the winter additional beds will be built and these plants divided or transplanted in the spring.  Weeping yaupon or another tall plant will be added for some height against the house.  The old fence will be replaced soon too.

This area could change a lot next year, but I'll still have the pictures of this amazing little garden with all its promise

So thank you my San Antonio gardening friends.  These plants have flourished just like the friendships they represent.