Sidewalk dilemna

The clematis should be good in your area, just remember to add loads of animal manure (well rotted) to the planting hole and mix it in, Clematis like the foliage to be in full sun to flower, but the roots need shade and watered regularly to get established, to create the shade for the roots either lay a large flat stone/paver over the planting hole or grow a shade plant in front of the clematis to keep the root area cooler, for a new plant, nip of the growing tips of all the stems to encourage it to make new shoots so it will bulk out rather than stay thin and spindly for the first few seasons, depending on the flowering season /type you choose, will depend on when it will need pruned, feed it every spring or early Autumn as you tidy the garden for winters arrival. good luck. WeeNel.

pupil/Traci:

Good luck with all your endeavors, including the wee one.

Remember that you won't always have drought, but you pretty much will always have the heat and humidity of the south. In addition to any texts for your area that you can lay your hands on, you should take advantage of the excellent plant collections in your part of the world. I think that would include the Birmingham Botanic Gardens, which must be within arms reach for you. Callaway Gardens would be another world-class place to visit, not too far down the road. The Huntsville campus of Univ of AL also boasts a nice arboretum. That's about what I know of Alabama plant-wise other than some really good nurserymen.

In case I missed it while scrolling through this thread, your small tree off to the right in the early pics looks to be a small-fruited crabapple (one of the many Malus clones). Those little fruit ought to persist well into winter for you, depending on your bird population.

Sugarweed, I just realized the oxymoron. It took me a bit, but you are right, does seem like one. Another name could be heavy metal garden or rock garden. The first is like the goth garden and the second is misleading. "Come see my rock garden", then watch their expression when they do. Classic.

Kwanjin, Glad to see you are going for it. I think a catagory of themed gardens would be great. I have tons of ideas running through my head. Please keep me updated on how it goes. I would love to see the finished product. It would be great to have part of it up by Halloween. Definitely throw in some orange as it compliments the black and still holds to the theme. Next on the list psycadellic 60's garden. I will be looking out for names of plants. Just make sure there are no illegal mushrooms in there. lol.

WeeNel, I have been reading up on Clemantis. It seems the roots are the most important thing. Do you put the paver directly over the hole, letting the plant stick out? Don't want to kill it ya know.

ViburnumValley, I have picked up my paperwork to volunteer at the B'ham Botanical Gardens. I figure I can learn a lot while helping one of our most beautiful areas in Birmingham. I did not know UAH had an aboretum. I travel up there with work and will definitely make a stop. You mentioned knowing some good nurserymen. Could you pass along some names? I know there are several around me, but I have yet to go to any of them.

Callaway Gardens is a little further than it used to be when I lived in Auburn. What a Christmas display they put on. Absolutely breathtaking. It will definitely be worth a trip down there in the spring.

I have been told it is a crabapple, but what kind, I won't know till it blooms. We moved in after everything had bloomed so I have no idea what any of the colors are that we have. Will make for an interesting spring and summer.

Thanks all and keep the great ideas coming.

Sincerely,
Pupil Traci (I like that ViburnumValley)

Traci, unfortunately, the "GG" isn't going to happen this year. I've got the wildflowers going and I don't want to displace the butterflies just yet. You are MORE than welcome to give me your ideas as it was your idea to start with!!! Please d-mail me.

And anyone else who has read this thread is welcome too!

The "Sixties Retro" is already in the making as shown by my cell phone.

Kwanjin

LOL, Flower Power!
;)

Foxgloves could represent the bellbottoms. Of course there would have to be peace lilies. Fam is here. Gotta run. Just checking in.

More later! Peace out!

Tear up the sidewalk and plant things where it was. LOL

Yomperdave,
As must as that would delight me, I am afaid humans have to be able to walk up to the door. I would much rather have plants. lol. I did, however rip out the bradford's and instead of putting down grass in the bare spot, PLANTS IT WILL BE!!

Pupil

LOL That's pretty funny. If you did rip it up, you'd know who REALLY wanted to see you if they could pick their way through the plantings!!!


Kwanjin

I think the drive should go to. PLANT IT ALL! I will provide hatchets for cutting your way through to the door.

How are you feeling? Are you up and about yet? I haven't ran into you in a while.

I'm doing well. My Dr. sez I can start putting weight my foot come Monday and boy I am SO ready!

Also, making my list for our Goth garden. Can't find my list right now but I can send it to you later.

Take care, Kwanjin

I would love to see the list. I still look at plants and design in my head. Isn't there a plant called skullcap?

Glad to hear you are getting better. I have now got to make myself get off this site and WORK.

My first experience with cuttings. Have a little giggle on me!

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/770344/

Feel better soon and don't forget the list. I will try to come up with some more.

Traci

I'll get back to you tomorrow with my list. ANd thanks for the laugh! It's always good to end the day with one of those!!!

Kwanjin

Hello again!

Okay, here's a partial list.

Elderberry "Black Lace"
Tulips "Queen of the Night"
Chocolate Cosmos
Coleus(!) "Scarlet Poncho"
Artemesia "Powis Caslte"
Castor Bean "New Zealand Purple" or "Carmencita"

There are others but they are not on the final list and I am welcoming other suggestions. My space is limited. 10' x 10'. West of the house and mostly shaded in the morning until around 11:00am, then mostly sun until 4:00pm.

Kwanjin

PS This is an old pic but you get the idea.

Impomea Blackie or Ace of Spades.
good ground cover for Goth.
;)

Good ideas. I like both of those. Thanks, they're on the "maybe" list! I always have to have something growing on the fence to the left.

Kwanjin

PP,
Looks like your garden is coming along nicely, lot's of great input!
Skimming through the above input, thought I would add another good book, it helped me a lot, as a new gardener to the south!
Landscape Plants for the Gulf and South Atlantic Coasts. Robert J Black and Edward F Gilman.
Cheers
Cath