About two years ago, I created a new shrub border along the stream at the edge of my yard. Together with my landscaper, Kerry, I designed the border to feature many of the shrubs I studied at Longwood: fothergilla, viburnum nudum Winterthur, witchazel and more. It is quite a long border that incorporates the existing trees and shrubs. Over time, I added spring flowering bulbs for color, and sun perennials in the front section that is hot and dry. It looks pretty, but has never developed the full, lush look I was hoping for. Here are some pictures of the border in early spring, 2011:
Now, I’m hoping to really take it up a notch. I’m applying the formula from Lee Schneller’s “The Ever-Blooming Flower Garden,” to create a richer look and continual pattern of interest in the border. I came up with a color scheme of purple, silver, soft yellow and white, that will tie in with the existing shrubs and blend the sunny and shady areas of the border. Today, I received the order from Bluestone Perennials:
- 2 Amsonia Hubrichtii
- 5 Amsonia tabernae Montana
- 3 Artemesia Silver Mound
- 5 Heuchera Plum Pudding
- 5 Penstemon Navigator
- 3 Thalictrum Glaucum
- 5 Tiarella Elizabeth Oliver
- 5 Tradescantia Bluestone
- 7 Digitalis Ambigua
Tomorrow is planting day. Can’t wait to see the result!
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