I recently visited a friend and couldn't help but notice a legion peculiar sculpters lining the backyard wall. I stepped outside, but quickly had to retreat back indoors. From across the patio I was struck in the face and chest by a blast of debiltating reflective heat like a comic book villian. I was informed that the sculpture were once ficus shrubs they planted in May.
The original intent was to do something about the blinding block wall and screen out the neighbors. I'm no fan of ficus, but it can work around a pool or as a nice screen. That is, if you're willing to give it lots of water. Even then, winter frost would be a concern (remember 2007 January?), as well as extreme summer temps.
If you're looking to add some nice color around the pool, create some low-cost privacy, or cut down the blight of a block wall, here are a couple native adapted plants that are beautiful, durable, xeriscape options:
duranta sky flower:
It blooms tiny purple clusters, looks full yearound, and can be pruned to espalier against the wall if there is narrow space around a pool. It will suffer very little frost damage and takes all the arizona you can give it. Watering every 4-7 days during the warm season should keep it happy (after about 3 years, watering every 7-10days). It can mature over 8ft in about 5 years (from 5gal), and litter is minimal and quite small, so duranta won't make a big mess in the pool. It comes in a white bloom and be sure to select non-thorn variety.
Tecoma Orange Jubilee
Covered with trumpet shaped orange blooms, it attracts the ever-friendly carpenter bees and hummingbirds. Growing over 8ft tall at about 3-4 years (from 5gal), it suffers very little frost damage and the leaf litter is an issue only after the bloom cycle. The tecoma should only require watering every 4-7 days during the warm season, and after about 3 years, you can cut back the watering to 7-10days.
Yellow Tecoma
(we trained this tecoma into a tree form - approx. 5years old)
Both can be planted anytime of the year, however, right now during the hot season, expect leaf burn and signs of stress. (it would be ideal to plant below 100* degrees.) These plants will not require fertilizing after planting, however, fertilizing doesn't hurt them.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
In The Gardener's Garden
I hope the summer rains have been kind to your gardens. The extreme heat and humidity have taken a few casualties in my garden, but the remaining flora is holding strong.
I’m sure many of you are like me and have taken a hiatus from garden work due to the weather. I try to water and do check-ups early in the morning, and any planting is done after 4pm when ample shade has made its presence. So not to be deterred complete from my garden interests, I’ve turned to the future – planning.
I’ve reviewed old notes in my journals from seasons passed to see what ideas I’ve had for fall time in my garden. Took an inventory on what I’ve planted, what has survived and died over time, and what surprises have come about (salvia and hollyhock seeds continue to impress). I even found some old photos to create a before and after page in my journal. Most of all, I’m taking time to step back and see if my garden is becoming the space I want it to be. My ideas and whims have changed over time, but in my efforts to reduce my water usage, minimize the maintenance needs, and grow more edibles and native adapted plants, my vision has become clear and garden is finally taking shape. With only two major projects remaining to complete, I now see what my garden haven will be for years to come.
Since we can’t always play, plant, and prune during the warm season, summer is the best time to assess the garden and make a plan. Not only thinking of the laborious tasks – the planting, paths, gravel, drip – but also the connection times – visiting guests, holiday travels, weekend parties, relaxing mornings. Developing a calendar of social events will help outline the scheduling of the projects in the garden. That way you won’t have to keep people from the ignoring mess behind the blue curtain.
I’m sure many of you are like me and have taken a hiatus from garden work due to the weather. I try to water and do check-ups early in the morning, and any planting is done after 4pm when ample shade has made its presence. So not to be deterred complete from my garden interests, I’ve turned to the future – planning.
I’ve reviewed old notes in my journals from seasons passed to see what ideas I’ve had for fall time in my garden. Took an inventory on what I’ve planted, what has survived and died over time, and what surprises have come about (salvia and hollyhock seeds continue to impress). I even found some old photos to create a before and after page in my journal. Most of all, I’m taking time to step back and see if my garden is becoming the space I want it to be. My ideas and whims have changed over time, but in my efforts to reduce my water usage, minimize the maintenance needs, and grow more edibles and native adapted plants, my vision has become clear and garden is finally taking shape. With only two major projects remaining to complete, I now see what my garden haven will be for years to come.
Since we can’t always play, plant, and prune during the warm season, summer is the best time to assess the garden and make a plan. Not only thinking of the laborious tasks – the planting, paths, gravel, drip – but also the connection times – visiting guests, holiday travels, weekend parties, relaxing mornings. Developing a calendar of social events will help outline the scheduling of the projects in the garden. That way you won’t have to keep people from the ignoring mess behind the blue curtain.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Well, the rain was a wonderful treat. Just the break we needed from the relentless heat. I wandered my garden to soak in a little humidity and noticed new seedlings already sprouting. I'm not sure what they are, because I'd thrown out a few rounds of seeds over the past months - edibles and flowers. I'm excited to see what blooms.
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