|
|
- In the newly cleared planting area (referred to as a "foundation planter" since it's located along the wall's foundation), host Maureen Gilmer notes the great symmetry afforded here by the two large windows (figure A).
- To take advantage of this well-defined space, she and the crew add an elegant stone pedestal (figure B) to the center of the area. Later, this architectural element will provide a beautiful support for a lovely planted basket; at this point, it serves as a visual anchor point for positioning the surrounding plants.
Note: To ensure a pedestal -- or other architectural element -- doesn't tip, always position it on solid, level ground. - Once the pedestal is in place, Gilmer sets to work filling the rest of the area with the plants, starting with the area under the window to the left. Beneath it, Gilmer plants a Pink Delight: Buddleia Davidii (figure C), a pink-blooming beauty that's a great lure for butterflies. (And it also provides a great burst of early summer color!)
Tip: When planting beneath windows, choose plants that will not obstruct the view. Expert Note (Bart O'Brien, horticulturist): There are a number of plants that actually allow you to see the direct association between the plant and its pollinator. Most red-flowered plants are attractive to hummingbirds (figure D), so plants like columbines, scarlet gillias and California fuschias are great choices for those looking to catch a glimpse of a hummingbird or two. - Next to the Pink Delight, Gilmer adds some Purple Fountain Grass: Pennisetum Setaceum 'Rubrum', which will also remain at a modest height so as not to interfere with the view from the window above. In summer and fall, this plant will produce soft, gently-arched blooms (figure E) for added visual interest.
- On either side of the pedestal, Gilmer places Porcupine Grass: Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' to not only accentuate the pedestal itself, but also to frame the two window corners on the opposite sides.
As Gilmer explains, Porcupine Grass is good for two reasons: one, it's a hardy variety that will thrive in most climates; and two, it provides great aesthetic impact with its distinctive horizontal bands. Note: Grasses are the only plant family to have species on every continent. - To fill in the small areas between the porcupine grass and the pedestal itself, Gilmer adds some small, shade-inclined sedges, then accents the area immediately in front of the pedestal with some colorful Sea Breeze Fleabane: Erigeron glaucus 'Sea Breeze' (figure F), which -- perhaps despite appearances -- is a strong, hardy plant.
- In the narrow strip of space on the opposite side of the path, Gilmer addresses the unadorned support posts that run along most of the walkway (figure G). To beautify the supports, Gilmer will plant Pink Anemone Clematis: Clematis montana rubens (figure H) beside each one, training the plants' leafy height around the posts as they grow upward (more on that in the next segment).
Since this cold-hardy plant "likes its roots in the shade, but its leaves in the sun," the rootballs will be planted behind the posts to block some of the incoming sunlight. - Gilmer will also create drifts of big, burly grasses in the prairie style. To do this, she'll use Cabaret Silver Grass: Miscanthus Sinensis 'Cabaret' (figure I), a grass native to Asia (not the prairie region), but very cold-hardy with a variety of other great characteristics as well.
- Along the edge of an existing boulder (figure J), Gilmer will create a grouping of soft rushes (Cape Rush: Chondropetalum tectorum), often found along the riverbanks of the midwest, and finally, she'll extend the prairie look with perennials native to the region: Purple Dome New England Aster: Aster novea-angeliae and Purple Coneflower: Echinacea purpurea (left and right, respectively in figure K).
Note: Since echinacea has become a popular homeopathic remedy in recent years, Gilmer explains that it's now become scarce and should therefore never be dug up where it's growing wild. - With all plants present and accounted for, everything is set for the planting to begin.
Time elapsed: 5.5 hours.
RESOURCES :
Granada Pedestal
Model: PD-45 (GS)
9"W x 24.5" H (model # PD-45)
Campania International
Quakertown, PA 18951
Phone: 215-538-1106
Website: www.campaniainternational.com
GUESTS :
Bart O'Brien
Director of Horticulture, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens
E-mail: bart.obrien@cgu.edu
Website: www.rsabg.org
|
|
|
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
