Beginner Gardening: What are the "rules" when designing your flowerbed?, 3 by Thea17

Thea17 wrote:
Thanks WeeNel, I am actually attempting to grow my own platycodons from seed at the moment. :) I have about forty-something seedlings (pink and white 'Astra') sprouting as we speak. I definitely think growing some annuals to fill the gaps is a great idea.

Regarding the bugs - I've definitely had some encounters just last year. Had some issues with a honeysuckle ('Goldflame') that I was growing. Luckily Mother Nature stepped in when I spotted a huge praying mantis hanging around - I was told that they're usually hanging around when dealing with some pests. I also had some issues with some white aphids (whiteflies?) with an indoor sago palm, and even had some ladybugs hanging around - again, Mother Nature doing her thing? In any event, I have had my fair share of small frustrations. Still willing to give it a go, though. Would love to see bumblebees and hummingbirds bringing my garden to life. I'm sure the cats will also appreciate the view from my front window! :)

I've attached some more photos to this post, and would love to know any further thoughts. So far I have 6 penstemon planted there (they've just turned fully brown over the past couple of weeks - should I cut them back?), alongside three agastache and three white gaura. I also planted two Sonic Bloom weigelas (one pearl, one pink) at the bottom of the slopped side, as my initial thoughts were to plant some large-ish flowering shrubs to fill the space and height in that space. The bed is heavily mulched as I planted 120 pink and white tulip bulbs on the upper level area of the bed, in rows running parallel to the length of the retaining wall. My husband and I also dug up some soil along the path leading to the steps, where I planted alternating Veronica speedwells ('Giles van Hees' and 'Sweet Lullaby').

Please let me know if you have any further thoughts. Thanks again for your input - it's hugely appreciated.

This message was edited Feb 14, 2015 5:04 PM

This message was edited Feb 14, 2015 5:04 PM