The front landscaping today, October 9th, early this morning.
.jpg)
This year the lantana in the front suffered from a late heat wave and lack of rain in summer. You've heard of early and late frosts damaging plants and seedlings in more "normal" climates and we have those too. In addition we get the extra added bonus of summer heat lasting into fall, as this year. I may have mentioned once or twice that our weather here in south Texas is challenging.
The same view from a year ago, October 9th, 2012.
.jpg)
After losing several plants to the heat of 2011 and finding that even muhly isn't happy in the center island, I replaced grasses with soft-leaf yuccas last year. They are doing well except I did have to replace one in the spring which quit growing. If I find something more interesting that works I can always move these to the back of a border and replace them.
.jpg)
The driveway landscaping this morning. The Salvia greggii is at peak bloom today. The best this area has ever looked. To see where we started go here.
The same view last year. Amazing how much the plants have filled in considering it has been another dry year.
After reviewing my inspiration file I plan to add a few more blue flowering perennials to the color mix next year.
I thought everything looked great last year and it is even better in 2013 thanks to recent rains. Overall I love the way the front landscaping is looking these days.
The plants have been filling in great! The Yuccas do look good there. I'm interested to see what the blue flowers would add.
ReplyDeleteThe third color would be just a bit to add some contrast. I'd like to find something that blooms more often like a salvia.
DeleteDoesn't it feel rewarding when you look back and see how well things have grown since then? Looking good Shirley and Happy Blogoversary!
ReplyDeleteEspecially considering what we started with. Thank you!
DeleteLooking good! I think the addition of blue will make things pop even more. You've done a great job, and I love the big swathes of color.
ReplyDeleteIt's not been easy to stick to a plan out there but I do most of my random planting in the back yard.
DeleteI love your front yard. I appreciate the textures you have used. It's very nice. And of course I love your palm! If I recall, its bismarkia nobilis? A similar look can be achieved here with brahea armata which is quite cold hardy. I have often thought about trying one. But I imagine it would hate our wet winters (but that has not stopped me before!).
ReplyDeleteIt is bismarkia nobilis. I am pushing the zone here so if this doesn't make it, the brahea armata will be on the list although I don't remember seeing one at the nursery. Masari is one I also considered.
DeleteLooking good indeed, like Louis I focused on the palm. Has it grown much since you planted it?
ReplyDeleteThe palm has added three or four fronds but does not seem much bigger. Since it is a large palm that's a bit unusual but it's only been a year or so in the ground and they don't get as large in this climate. I have yet to see another one in town so we'll see how it does over time.
DeleteEverything looks so well put together, Shirley. You have such a wonderful balance btwn your evergreens and perennials. You must be enjoying that Salvia every time you pull into the driveway, eh??!!
ReplyDeleteWe do enjoy pulling into the driveway a lot more as the front has filled in and looked better.
DeleteLooking back really helps to appreciate how far we've come. I've found that I usually take overview photos in July. This post makes me think I should formalize that and keep an ongoing photo record. Here you go, being inspirational yet again...Thanks, Shirley.
ReplyDeleteInspirational is nice to hear, thanks Ricki.
DeleteI have found using the same date and viewpoint has helped me see the garden objectively.
Gotta love Salvia greggii at this time of year. I can't take my eyes or my fingers off of it. Your garden is looking really lovely in fall bloom.
ReplyDeleteIt is striking and many homes in our neighborhood have this combination which I like.
DeleteGood to take time to review and compare
ReplyDeleteI especially like the last photo
Lea
Lea's Menagerie
It is important to keep track so you know there's been progress. Sometimes it doesn't seem like it.
DeleteYour garden is looking great! If you're looking for some blue, a nice pop of fall aster might be the ticket. Mine just exploded into bloom and they look fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea Ally. I have a few asters on the other side of the drive. The color would be great with the gold lantana.
DeleteI love the way you mix the hardscape with these pretty blooms in groups...and the foliage plants give it a flow and airy effect..lovely.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! The plants have really filled in and the gardens look great. I like your combinations of foliage and color...very nice!
ReplyDelete