The Long View 2009

I need to buy some hostas and will go with Thom's source(s). This is the first time in quite a while I did not order from GC. Concentrating on shrubs and prefer larger sizes.

Can you divulge Thoms source?
Is it an internet site or someplace near you?
When I would visit my sister in Piermont we would go to Matterhorn. What a great place.

Bill, I know you prob said somewhere, but what size property do you have?

Wha, Your gardens are inspiring. So nice to have the room to plant so many wonderful trees and shrubs.

Venu, Your bed is beautiful. Such wonderful colors and shapes.

Thom posted his favorite internet hosta places a few times. I have to look them up - don't remember them.

GE & Victor, I too am not buying mulch this year. Last year I thinned the mulch and spread it through unmulched areas and left some mulch free. My actions were motivated by a need to get some control over the vole problem. I also ripped out large sections of Vinca & Pachysandra for the same as well as aesthetic reasons.
Living mulch is not suitable for all of my planting areas as I am trying to reenergize the soil in some beds. Those areas I covered in composted leafmold, then mushroom soil followed by freshly shredded leaves.
Now I am introducing living mulch into many sections. My plants include all of those you listed as well as many others, especially Epimediums. I found an excellent source for a wide variety of reasonably priced scrambling geraniums and epimediums here:

http://davesgarden.com/products/gwd/c/3610/
I was really impressed with the size and vigor of the plants.

Another little known source for great hosta is here:
http://davesgarden.com/products/gwd/c/7130/

These hosta appear to be divisions from established plants and not small tissue cultured liners. I posted a note about them in the Hosta Forum and two DGers wrote to me saying they visited the nursery in person and were impressed, and bought many plants. I bought a dozen from them which are all thriving.

don't know what to tell you sherrie - he's your husband:) what is he doing "buying" stone?

victor we are going to agree to disagree - i like the look of mulch - i do not use colored mulch, mixed hemlock - it really makes everything neat looking and the plant/tree/shrub color makes a nice contrast. mine does not wash away with rain - that is what a good edge is for.

i did buy a dozen creeping jennie this morning so we will see how that covers because i would like to reduce the amount of mulch ordered. i also am starting to use hardy geraniums as well - got a bunch this year and have them in pots currently as they were bare root - want them to grow some before planting - all have come up so far.

jen i have just under two acres - the wild out back is still unfinished.

i have tons of sedum - got a couple cool purple one's today and hosta's to beat the band.

No problem, Bill. If you're willing to put up with the constant expense and work - whatever makes you happy!

:)

You have that pyramid builder gene!

Here is a long view of my main hosta/shade bed which I've been revamping this Spring. (the lilacs at the top are from the tree that overhangs the deck, where I took the picture from)

Bill I bought Creeping Jenny last year and it really spreads nicely.
When I want to plant something where the Jenny is I just dig thru to set wahtever into the ground.
sorry no good pix of where it's spread,the plant is too scattered due to planting.

Just took pix
Jenny with sedum xenox

.Golden anniversery lamium

.Orchis lamium and foam flower

.Hewertas and sedum matrona

.Aquligea Lime Sorbet

Creeping Jenny and Xenox Sedum sedum is new as of a week ago

that is good to hear joanne - to be honest when i saw it i was underwhelmed by what i looks like and wondered about plants growing through it - i planted it in an area that i'll call a trial bed so i can rip it out and it is no big deal

Nice shade/hosta garden, Noreaster!

I dont particularly care if its not the centerpiece of the garden.
I planted lamiums and the jenny the first year in the garden to keep the weeds from growing.This is the second year for them and wheree they bother me I do just rippem out.

Very nice Noreaster!

Very nice, nor! I remember you posting shots of that bed last year.

No problem with plants co-existing with Jenny, Bill. I've had bulbs and perennials come right through with no problem. Would not be recommending it otherwise.

some long shots
Welllllthis is more of a vinyette

.Some August Moon my fave for a med. yellow

.the new place for the brdbath

.May8

.the deck

Some great shots that give me a real sense of what you all are doing, and doing so well.

Ge1836 I love that bird bath.

Victor, I have creeping jenny galore in Vt but am afraid to introduce it to my garden here. I love the color, but unless I planted it with big stuff, it kind of dominates visually and physically all the little kids. But I think I may want to under plant some rugosa, sweet fern, hamamelis, vibs and a stand of clethra with it as I think it would be perfect there.

Noreaster, Love your tranquil spot and job. I am emotionally needing to do some organizing and try to have a more calm space like yours. I am a jumble.

venu209, poppy envy and I love the color palate. No fear in your veins. Love the purple and reds together.

I took a few pictures yesterday, but none today, no time. Veggie bed to finish and some perennials to plant. But here is what some long views is of some of the garden. Most pleased to still have lots of narcissus and a few tulips. Late bulbs are starting as are the iris.

This is the west side of the house Patti

Some of the beds on the south side of the house. Patti

A few more. I will try to take something logical to post tomorrow after I plant my long overdue to plant lilies. Late, very late. Patti

Looks great, Patti. Always love the stream pics. As for Jenny, it has not physically dominated at all so far in my experience. Minor bulbs have come through with no problem. Small perennials too. Visually, I can see it being too much if you have a sparse bed - not an issue with mine.

Very pretty Patti.

Good thought both Victor and Patti.
Jenny is really high chroma in my opinion but only for a short time until the bigger perens leaf out.I have it with Poppies and sedum,until it really spreads and I have to crack down and dig in a few years.
I like it with Sedum Xenox which is a very black purple.
Lamium "Golden Anniversery" is also a hot visual wish I hadnt planted it and will try to relocate it.

every shot is nicer then the next... you guys are good!

here are a couple long view shots from yesterday - this one from behind the patio

into the hosta bed

This message was edited May 26, 2009 6:50 PM

all of these are from the same side of the yard giving a slightly different look

looking down the iris through autumn moon jm