I am one tired SOB.
Today was my annual “take off from work and do nothing but work in the yard” day. I look forward to it every year but also fear it as well. Being able to focus completely on the task(s) at hand without distraction is fantastic. That rarely happens. Problem is, I never get as much done as I had mapped out before hand.
The day started as soon as my son got on the bus this morning and ended around 5:00 PM. I was extremely proud of myself by remembering to do two things before I got started. I wore long sleeves and pants and applied sunscreen to my face and neck. This type of smart preparation does not happen often. But, like a blockhead, I missed numerous calls from the school nurse and from my wife , for like three hours, indicating my son had a hell of a fall at school and was very upset. He looks like he just completed an MMA fight and I am literally a mile from school so I could have picked him up easily. Dad is officially in the dog house.
Back to the gardening tale. Today was no different than in the past, as I never got as much done as I had hoped to. I did however, spend the evening admiring my work and taking photos to remind myself all that actually DID get done.
I spent the majority of the day on the giant bed that surrounds my driveway. I created this bed two years ago and have struggled to get it right since then. Late last Fall I expanded it even further to envelope an even larger area. I would show you the “before” photos but they were heinous. I mean real real bad. The weed to actual plant ratio was like 10-1. Well my hands are now sandpaper and my glutes are shot but for the most part, it is done.
All, and I mean all weeds were pulled.
Topsoil down in the low spots to avoid pools of water when it rains.
Three inches of mulch down.
Plants were moved, cleaned up and pruned where needed.
It is amazing how much better all the plants looked no longer overwhelmed by weeds. One great example is the Boltonia below.
I even tinkered with hiding the utilities by using a few containers. Jury is still out on this one. What do you think?
I now have a clear path that leads to the backyard but as you can tell, I need to fill in around the step stones since it will take a while for the hollies and boxwoods to fill in. Hmmmm … got something to think about tomorrow.
The plants that were moved around required the shale bar below. Should be called a blister machine.
Well, I am content for the time being but would love one more day like today. All in due time … all in due time.
One last thing or two, the Japanese beetles are migrating in
And I am officially getting rid of my Knockout roses – photos not for the faint of heart
Later my peeps.
ONG
You have already achieve a lot today. The garden look so much neater. Using plants to camouflage the utilities area is a clever idea too. I’m sorry to see your knockout roses being ‘knocked down’ by pests. But never mind, your garden will bloom again.
Looking good everywhere. With a garden that big to look after you will end up with muscles like Arnie!
John, I am amazed at your progress in one day! Your driveway garden is beautiful. I can see why it’s so much to keep up with – you’ve definitely made great choices for this space. I always fill in void spaces and end up relocating a couple years later when the bed matures as I want it. I just extracted a honeysuckle vine for that very purpose. I like a full look, but not a jungle (which is a fine line down here in the tropics).
I really like your idea of containers around the utilities…easily moved if necessary. I say “do it”!
Now for a well deserved rest on Father’s Day…or maybe you’ll be making it up to your family?! Whatever you do, have a great weekend!
I’m sorry about your roses. I had to tear out one that I planted last year, because it was so eaten up with black spot. I have another one that is as well, but it’s nowhere near as bad as this other one was. And I thought it would be easier to rip it out now, rather than later.
I’m sorry to hear about your kid. I try my best to bring a cordless phone outside while I’m gardening for this very reason. Most of the time I forget though.
Your garden looks awesome and weed free! Thats more than I can say for mine right now! I would keep the pots near the utilities, I think it looks great!
Are you sure that no little garden gnomes helped you- that is too much to do for one person in one day! Those roses do look pretty bad, although I have heard such good things about the knock outs… bummer.
High five!
Hi John,
Garden looks really good, clean & manicured….nothing more satisfying to see after a hard day’s work. I love the idea of hiding the utilities. Just a suggestion, years ago I bought those large, wooden/slat tubs and planted an arborvitae in each one. That sat on opposing sides of the entrance into a garden room, sitting under a large Maple tree. I was told they wouldn’t handle being grown in a container but that was l0 years ago and yet they continue to thrive. They were cheap and evergreen for all year coverage. Worked well for me!
Also, I have found using the rose product by Bayer, 3 in 1, food and disease control has stopped all black spot. It’s expensive but works beautifully. Nothing seems to help with the japanese beetles but my knock outs are so large now they don’t seem too bothered by the beetle abuse.
Manicured is the word! Neat. Clean. Pleasant to see. Good job!