Lots of Fun in The Bury Rd Garden
Submitted by Joan Regan
I have been taking advantage of the lack of rain to do some painting outside. A wrought iron bench I picked up some time ago is now loving her face lift, and three beautiful iron butterfly chairs, a deal I found in Hamilton (funny coincidence – the gal that sold them to me used to live in Tobermory) they’re now purple. Almost hidden in the far corner. Love them and a great view of the garden. Had my morning second cup there on quite a few nice days.
I’m slowly (emphasis on slowly) getting the garden tidied up, and as usual, changing things a bit. Too old now to do too much.
The Devils weed Campanula Rapunculoides (Purple Bell Flower) is back with a vengeance, however I have slowed it down a wee bit by letting it come to flower, then carefully pulling it out with the small roots before it seeds out. All of this Devils Weed goes in a plastic bag in the sun for eternity. I do not compost this weed, as well as Gout weed (but compared to the Purple Bell Flower, Gout Weed is a sweet pansy).
Planting in containers – This way of planting has become even more popular now. No wonder – it is so easy and the results can be so satisfying. I have quite a few plants, mostly Hostas, in containers, however some are quite large so I have come up with a plan that works great. First, in any container good drainage is a must. Holes on the bottom (at least four) and just soil, no fillers, planting right into the container. If the plant is not a big guy, I put him in a smaller pot and plant the potted plant in the container, bringing the soil up to the same height. Using this method, the larger container can be bottom filled – I use a lot of the leaves etc, raked up and dumped in the bottom for filler. Eventually that will break down and also feed the soil. Just no weeds.
With a couple of big guys, I planted the smaller potted up container to one side and left a spot to pop in some annuals for some colour. Wow! So pretty.
All my planters have the same soil – 2/3 soil from the nursery (not the bagged mix) and equal parts homemade compost and mulch, also from the Nursery.
Some of the pot in a pots have endured a couple of winters and all have survived and are thriving. When they out grow their home they will be so easy to move.
I have a Sum & Substance Hosta in a BIG pot – three years now and it is larger then its brother. Caught it singing “na na na na na” at its brother yesterday.
Lots of fun in the garden over here in The Bury Rd Garden. Gotta go, don’t want to miss anything.
Happy Gardening,
Joni
jpregan@amtelecom.net 519 596 2389
