Plant Combinations

To me, greenhouse owner = accomplished gardener. Neophyte that i am, i wouldn't really know what to DO with a greenhouse!

Of course, i can imagine shelving layered with many many pots of little green babies, and that's an adorable notion. And i suppose the babies would get bigger over time, at which point they could toddle over to an outdoor garden bed and grow to enormous size ...

OK, now i want a greenhouse ...

;)

I have a greenhouse, and I wish it was bigger. I love my greenhouse. We got the largest one we could afford at the time, and I thought that it would be plenty big, but I was wrong. I start more and more seeds each year, and I have a large collection of succulents that I have to overwinter inside. So I do wish it were larger. I also wish I had opted for triple wall polycarbonate instead of glass, but I love the look of the English conservatories so much, and this structure is really a part of the overall garden design. So I opted for plain glass and I insulate it in the winter with bubble wrap and 4ml plastic sheeting. That does a fairly good job. I have a small heater set on low all the time during the winter. On Saturday when our temps went up to the high 50's and it was sunny outside, it got up to 87 degrees in the greenhouse! It was so lovely!!

Here's a photo from last summer that shows the greenhouse and pond. You can see that because of the location, it made sense to get one that was as attractive as possible. Hey, maybe what I need is ANOTHER greenhouse that will be more utilitarian!

mauryhill, I agree that it is possilble to break down a large area into smaller, more workable chunks and make great progress that way. Also, here is a good way to do the weeding without breaking your back and improve your soil at the same time:
Get as much very heavy cardboard as you can find. Just start collecting boxes from people, and saving yours, etc. Cover your weed encroached area with the heavy cardboard and wet it down well. Really soak it. Then put about 6-8 inches of landscaping bark on top of that and wet that down as well. Then let it sit for a year. Anne Lovejoy calls this the 'smother' method and it works really, really well. If you have a very large area, you can just do a bit at a time. We did this on our entire front area year before last, and last year it was ready to plant. If you want to plant right away, you just dig a hole through the cardboard, plant your shrub or whatever, and cover the hole with bark. We did that in the back and , again, it worked really well. We were killing english ivy and blackberry mostly.

Really thick layers of newspaper works too. I've done that and it's easy to get through it to the soil below, adding potting soil, compost aroung the roots of the new plants and tucking more newspaper around the plants to discourage weeds. I did the cardboard in a new bed with the packing material from my move and that worked well too, but it was harder (I'm not so young, lol) and the newspaper is easier to handle and friends and neighbors are only too happy to be rid of it.

And if you do want cardboard, check with stores like Ace Hardware - I know they will save large pieces for you if you ask.

Pixy, your garden, pond, and greenhouse are absolutely divine!!! And I agree that you chose the absolutely perfect one. And I more than agree that you need a second one - much larger and more utilitarian!!! Go for it - and please provide some more photos that show nice sections of your gardens.

Ah, murmur you are too kind! Actually, if I had another spot to put a greenhouse I would think about putting a 'working' greenhouse in and letting this just be a glass room. Maybe an office extension of the house. But it's in that place because it is literally the only place in the yard that gets enough sun year round (not that we actually HAVE sun year round, as you well know). But anywhere else, other than directly in the front of the house, it would be in mostly shade, a condition not conducive to good greenhouse activity.

You twisted my arm. OW! Okay, here's another one. These photos are actually from summer before last, when I was building the pond. This bed is going to be quite different this year.

This is not a very good photo because it was a VERY sunny day (remember those?), but I loved this combination of Viburnum davidii (yes, over used, but still a lovely shrub) with red tulips. The white viburnum and red tulips were lovely together and I looked forward to the display last year. Looking at this photo, I now understand totally why my tulips did not bloom. The shrubs had grown so much in one year that they shaded the tulips out. I was greatly disappointed.

I adored this combination. It worked so well that year. The following year, things didn't bloom at the same time. Who knows why? And my allium had almost completely disappeared over the winter. I've replaced it this year and amending the soil with a ton of compost. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Actually, 2005 was the best year for this garden. Last year was sorely disappointing to me. I had many fewer blooms. Over the winter I have been heavily amending the soil as I believe that the soggy winters have been partly to blame for poor performance of some plants. They should be much happier this year.

Last one, and then to bed with me.
I loved this bowl of succulents.

Okay, I promise. This is the REAL last one. Love those blues. That's the allium that failed to return due to waterlogged soil conditions. Poor thing. I drowned it.

Thanks for giving me an excuse to pull out the garden photos. It inspires me to get to work!! I want this year to be WAY better than last year!

Definately the right greenhouse. And I like the setting. Very much.

But picture two - the fence is in need a good rustic gate that opens on to the space behind with another very good green house. Its sunny there (I don't care if it belongs to the neighbours! Needs must - gate please. Honestly they won't mind when you explain!)

Pix, did you mean that the red tulips did not come up the 2nd year, or that you are disappointed with them in that picture? Generally speaking tulips are a one year wonder. You can lift them and save them, but in general you need to replant each year. Triumphator (spelling?) are the exception, and some of the short Kaufmania's like Little red ridinghood - great short red tulip with stripped green and red foliage - they will come back - Little red riding hood actually will increase making a beautiful carpet effect. I am surprised about your allium not coming up - they are usually resilient to every condition! I wonder if the underground slugs got to them. Hmmmm. I have seed from Bloom's Purple Sensation - the deepest purple of them all (I believe it is one of Alan Bloom's creations). Excellent Allium. May I send you some?

Here is a picture of Little red ridinghood http://www-us.flickr.com/photos/23615653@N00/202277004/in/set-72157594196993845/



This message was edited Feb 19, 2007 9:45 PM

Hi Laurie! Maybe I will explain to the neighbors that my need of another greenhouse trumps their need of a private yard! Yes, I'm sure they will understand!

True most tulips other than species tulips have to be planted out each year. But these are also planted in front and they lasted for several years. I'm trying to remember what they are, but they are the very cheap ones. Probably appledorn. You get them in large bags around here, along with the king alfred daffs. It's possible that in spite of their return up front, they just didn't get enough sun to bloom in this garden. The shrubs had really grown over them and there were leaves from the bulbs, but no blooms. I considered replacing them this year but decided against it due to the sun problem.
I have Little Red Riding Hood as well as some other species tulips. I am sticking to that type now rather than the showier ones because of exactly the problem you stated.

I would love to try seed from your allium. I'm fairly certain the allium fell to rot. I found one of them when I was digging out that bed. It was pretty ugly. Thanks so much for the offer of seed! I believe I have seen the cultivar you are referring to growing at the Chicago Botanical Garden last year. It made everyone in my group stop in their tracks!

Pixydish, thanks for pictures, your combinations are very creative. When you wake up, could you give me the names of big echiveria, plant with green flowers on a picture with bowl?

Pixydish, i assume that you understand that i should use 'and' instead of ',' between echiveria and plant with green flowers. Thanks

growin or somebody else, could you give me names of the plants that are on a picture that growin posted on Jan 20 (cluster of three plants).

Wow, Pixy!!! Thanks so much for sharing - your gardens are even more beautiful than I imagined!! I understand your disappointment when a bed that you just adored doesn't perform in the same manner the next year. I'm sure your soil amending efforts will pay off!

Gorgeous photographs, Pixydish (more more!). That lilac/viburnum combination is one i wouldn't have considered, and i like it very much! Lilacs can look a bit lackluster once they've bloomed, and your solution is an elegant one. I'm embarrassed to say i have five lilacs that have been trapped in their pots for two years! Won't they be thrilled to finally be planted up this Spring with a viburnum or three at their toes!

"A combo from a local park?" Isn't that just sublime? Regretably, i can't help you with identification though BrierGardener ....

Growin's been quiet for a while now. I hope his flu hasn't returned.

We're thinkin of you Growin!

He's working on his tutu.

LOL!! Wish we could get a photo of that!

Brier, the plants are Echeveria 'topsy turvy' and the green flower is a flowering tobacco. It's Nicotiana alata, I think. I got the flower seeds at some place like home depot and can't remember the species. But they are not an uncommon seed to find and they are really easy to grow. I find the green color of the flowers works well with hotter colors. It tones things down a bit and makes a dramatic contrast to the bolder tones.

Estreya, no room for embarassment amongst us gardeners. I have a pot ghetto that cannot be believed. And every year I make it a 'goal ' to get those plants into their home in the ground. And every year they get replaced with new ones that need planting. Just now I have about 30 pots of foxtail lily because I didn't want to introduce them to my soil over the winter. I was afraid I would lose them. So now they sit awaiting transplant into nicely draining soil. But I was determined to have foxtail lily in my front area. If people in high falutin' gardens on Bainbridge Island can grow them, then I should be able to grow them, too!! Forward, March!!

Here's a spring view from the 'daffodil tree'. It's a grouping of 3 very old yellow rhodies. I admit that these rhodies are the envy of the entire neighborhood. I can admit this without hubris because I had absolutely nothing to do with planting them. They came with the house. Complete with the lovely shamrock underplanting.

AHHHH! Those yellow rhodies! I'm absolutely wincing at how glorious they are! That's a GREAT scene there against the backdrop of pine ...... Those rhodies are too big to pick the heads off after they bloom, no? Do you tackle it somehow?

Pot ghetto .... ~~ giggles ~~ great word combination there as well ...

:)

Yes, the poor things are rather pitiful in their little pots, looking with longing at the big plants already spreading out their roots.

I have WAY too many rhododendrons to bother deadheading. I do a few of them up front, only the parts that look out on the drive. But other than that, they are on their own. No one deadheads the rhodies in the forest. And somehow they bloom just the same.

those trees in the background are just a few of our large douglas firs. When it is windy they do their large and graceful dance against the sky and I watch in wonder.
and then I go outside when it's over and clean up all the mess.

Pixydish, I am constantly in awe of your lovely gardens every time you post a picture. Everything looks so naturally graceful together. That yellow rhododendron would be amazing all by itself, however.
I think I will take your advice about the cardboard smother method. Up to now, i have painstakingly dug grass roots out of one square foot at a time. Then I had a back injury at work and can't do that anymore.

Sorry I have been away. I'm now extremely busy with Plant Files stuff and busily doing a Chilean plant list for the botanical gardens. I hope some of you come and visit VanDusen Botanical Gardens in Vancouver sometime. I volunteer there in the library and other stuff. I'm taking a break from my list right now. I've been watching the amazing pics and enjoying them. Hopefully I'll get caught-up soon before spring starts.

Happy Gardening!

Pixydish, is your Echeveria 'topsy turvy' flowering for you? Where do you keep this bowl in winter?
This will be my first year trying to grow flowers from seeds. Maybe i'll try tobasco as well. I liked these green flowers. Do they smell?
Are you starting seeds in greenhouse? When? I am not planning to use any heat in my GH (at least this year), so when can start some annual seeds?

Welcome back , growin! I'll have to make a trip to Vancouver, which I've been wanting to do anyway, and I'll contact you before I do so maybe I can get the grande tour of the gardens! That would be so cool.

Brier, I'll have to check to see if Topsy Turvey is in flower right now. I have a couple of echeverias in the greenhouse that are flowering. I'll photograph my set up for you.
If you like the tobacco flowers, go to here: http://www.selectseeds.com/cgi-bin/htmlos.cgi/0226.2.4733009113667376649

It is the Nicotiana alata 'lime green'. I also greatly recommend their 'perfect mix' package of nicotiana seeds. It has the lovliest colors you've ever seen.

This is a very good time to start seeds in your greenhouse, even with no heat. There are many seeds that germinate well in cooler temperatures, but if you really want to give them a jumpstart, just use a heat mat. Even a heating pad set on low will warm the soil enough to jumpstart the germination process. Generally you want to start your annual seeds 5-6 weeks before the last frost. I usually start mine in the middle of february. If you are a beginner with seeds, you can probably find some very good information on Dave's Garden.
Here's a link to a discussion about winter sowing:
http://davesgarden.com/forums/f/coldsow/all/

Oh, that nicotiana 'lime green' has a faint scent, but it releases it at night like most of the flowering tobaccos.

Pixydish, are you heating your GH in winter? If yes, is heat still on in your GH?

Pixydish, We're still experiencing winters final days here. The blooming yellow and red Rhododendrons are enough to make me envious. Our lawn is still burned dead tan-yellow. We have little to no green grasses even trying to come up. We're only 2.5 hrs away .... what a difference. Kelly

Growin! Welcome back ... sounds like things are going well for you. Yay!

Oh, Photographer, do not fret! We are still in winter as well. In fact, we had a wierd rain shower with snow today. That photo was from last year.

Brier, I do heat the greenhouse, but not too much. I insulate the greenhouse each year with bubble wrap and heavy translucent plastic sheeting. It glows at night like a surreal extra-terrestrial office. The plastic does a fine job of keeping the greenhouse about 20 degrees or so warmer than the outside temp. I use those heavy black and silver paperclips to put the plastic up. I have a heater unit that is just a cheap one, but it does have a fan and it has a low wattage setting, so I use that. Mostly I want to be sure it never gets below freezing because many of my zone denial plants are tucked away in there for the winter. Not to mention my succulents, all of which deny the zone. Yes, the heat is still on out there, although when it is actually sunny in the afternoon, I turn it off. It was a balmy 86 degrees last weekend inside the greenhouse. Lovely!!

But even when I didn't heat it, I used to start seeds in there in the winter using heat mats. I've also been known to line up trays of seeds on a heating pad on low in my kitchen. That was before my DH figured out that I needed a greenhouse. (Word to the wise: if you really want a greenhouse but certain people are not sure you need one, simply place seed starting trays on every available surface during the late winter. You'll be surprised at how that can motivate some! I admit, however, my dh was an easy touch when it came to the greenhouse.)

Pixydish, i was using the same motive for my DH, but i am still starting seeds in a kitchen right now, oh, will need to invest in heating supplies.

Try the heating pad technique. Some people also put stuff on top of the refrigerator if there is enough light. It's generally very warm up there.

I've done that too and it works. Just warm enough to help along seed and even cuttings if enough light.

Pixydish, Oh you had me fooled. Shame on you. I was sitting here being so totally grossed out over the zone differences between Puget Sound and the East side of the Cascades. LOL .... I can't believe it. Coincidentally ...... when I was 19 years old ...... my second job was as a grocery clerk in Lakewood, WA at the original Safeway Store in Town of Steilacoom. I actually had a girlfriend from there as well but she married some enlisted guy at Fort Lewis and moved to Rochester, NY. That was close to 40 years ago. Time flies.

yes, it surely does! I certainly have a different zone than you, but we are not quite that advanced into the year yet! Lakewood is very, very different from when you were here, I can assure you! And you would not believe the traffic!

I saw this planting and thought it was a great combo. Some kinda miniature deciduous tree with Helleborus & mini cyclamen. I also liked a few plantings of Black Mondo Grass & Snowdrops.

It is nice growin -

sorry I didn't mean to be so brief, hadn't watched the time close enough and got caught by next appointment - sheesh, head in the plant world rather than on work!

It may just be the photo, Growin, but the image has that interesting Bonzai (spelling?) look - that miniature, fantasy landscape look. I have such a love/hate relationship (no, hate is too strong, discord is better) love/discord relationship with tiny Bonzai plants - little bit like doll's houses, fascinating but a little creepy. But I do like this setting - very nice.

This message was edited Mar 14, 2007 6:58 AM

Gorgeous! I love the lichen and moss mingling on the rocks as well. That, in and of itself, is a gorgeous combination.

I just came across this nice combo and thought I'd share. Hakonechloa grass, Bletilla Orchid & Heuchera 'Plum Pudding'

Growin that is a real stunner - Bletilla Orchid, difficult to grow? Not a plant I was aware of before. This one needs noting down.

That's a real WOW, Growin!!! Such a great combination of textures, shapes, and colors!