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Friday, July 27, 2012

Garden Bloggers' Foliage Day - July 2012

Potted red Japanese maple (Acer) on our back steps, which are becoming nicely clothed in ivy. This was one of the first turf areas to be planted with ground cover.
Potted red Japanese maple (Acer) on our back steps, which are becoming nicely clothed in ivy. This was one of the first turf areas to be planted with ground cover.
I am joining in very late with a foliage post this July. Here are a few green scenes from Gilmore Gardens, which are truly carrying the garden until the fall flowers begin.


Boston ferns are very welcome, as well as the ivy and sedum in the tiny area behind the porch. You can just see the Driveway garden by the sidewalk to the right.
Boston ferns are very welcome, as well as the ivy and sedum in the tiny area behind the porch. You can just see the Driveway garden by the sidewalk to the right.
Dwarf miscanthus grass, Miscanthus 'Dixieland', is definitely the favorite of the additions I made to the Driveway Garden last year.
Dwarf miscanthus grass, Miscanthus 'Dixieland', is definitely the favorite of the additions I made to the Driveway Garden last year.
The Front Woodland, which is actually our curb strip, is looking very well in spite of the limited rain this year. The daylilies have received their chop for the year and are very slowly regrowing.
The Front Woodland, which is actually our curb strip, is looking very well in spite of the limited rain this year. The daylilies have received their chop for the year and are very slowly regrowing.
Variegated Liriope lightens this area.
Variegated Liriope lightens this area.
The curb strip on the other side is filling out quite nicely with its turf replacement plant, Sedum 'Acre'. It still needs to be weeded a bit more, but it was even more full of dandelions when it was just patchy turf. The grey mounds are the catmint, Nepeta 'Walker's Low'.
The curb strip on the other side is filling out quite nicely with its turf replacement plant, Sedum 'Acre'. It still needs to be weeded a bit more, but it was even more full of dandelions when it was just patchy turf. The grey mounds are the catmint, Nepeta 'Walker's Low'.
For more foliage, visit Christina for GBFD and Pam for Foliage Follow-up!
Foliage is the key to gardening that lasts the test of the seasons.

11 comments:

  1. Isn't that woodland curb strip pretty! I really like how you designed that. And while I don't know 'Dixieland', I'm a big fan of variegated miscanthus too. I have 'Cosmopolitan' in my garden.

    I'd love to feature your lawnless curb strip on my Lawn Alternatives FB page -- it's a great example to follow. Would it be OK with you if I used a couple of photos from this post, with a link to your site? No worries if you'd rather not! :-)

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    1. Sure, Pam. That would be great. Glad that you like it! Both of the curbs have gotten some attention in our area... such a daring feat of gardening apparently.

      Here is the thinner curb strip in flower in April: click here

      And the Front woodland strip has a succession on flower starting in March: click here

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    2. Thank you, Julie! I posted three photos here -- https://www.facebook.com/lawnalternatives -- and included links to two of your posts. Thanks for sharing your inspirational example!

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  2. I like your curb strip too. It looks so soft and fluffy and I'm sure there are children that pass by wanting to gleefully run their fingers through it.
    I also noticed you have some moss. I've tried for 3 years to get moss to grow between the rocks in my shade garden. I think it is finally starting to make its move.
    That dwarf miscanthus is a beauty.
    David/:0)

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    1. Moss can be tough to get going if there is a lack of moisture... though it seems to do ok with some dryness once it is established.
      ~Julie

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  3. Julie I really enjoy my visits. Everything is so lush still. My daylilies are actually outperforming themselves this year. Just when I think they are done, they throw out more blooms and with the rain we are just getting, they are even more rejuvenated. If I had a curb strip, I would definitely use yours as a model.

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  4. Thanks for doing a foliage post, I didn't manage one this month, pressure of work and a garden too hot to venture into except after dark! I love the way you've designed your curb strip, an inspiration to everyone. In a small garden the whole lawn area could be planted in this way. Christina

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  5. I love the curb strip with the Sedum--what a great idea! I'm trying to think of more ways to replace grass with other plants. This is a great example!

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  6. Lovely foliage post which proves just how important foliage is at this time of year. What a super little Miscanthus your Dixieland is and your Liriope contrasts so well with its dark background.

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  7. Someday you should get to Garden Walk Buffalo. There are at least one hundred gardens that converted the Hell strip in the front of their homes. I am amazed each year at the sight of block after block of this gardening. Your garden would fit right in here. In my neighborhood it would be daring too. The neighbor's are not especially fond of my generously planted front yard.

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    1. That sounds amazing, Donna! I see that I just missed it this year! Maybe next year I will see you there?
      ~Julie

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