It has been over a year since we began to plant the garden in Bindseil Park.We began planting May 24, 2005, most of the plants were an experiment because the sun and shade were difficult to gauge and it changed as the months passed.
The shade plants–begonia, Cast Iron and Turks Cap–have done well. Many of the annuals, including marigold, zinnias and celosia, did okay, and some reseeded this spring. The Blue Salvia, Indigo Spires, Pride of Barbadoes, Canyon Creek Daisy, Coneflower, Salvia Greggi and Cannas could have used more sun.
The partial shade made them grow taller than usual or it could have been the mixture of Compost and Cottonseed meal. (Which is a great planting combination.)
The Pavonia, given to KBB by Curtis and Laura Trail, is spectacular! We planted 2-1 gallon plants and now they cover an area 4x5 ft. and they are in full bloom all the time.
Our Provence Lavender grew as we expected. It has been blooming in July and August. The sad thing is, we have to had to pull up four blooming plants.
The 'Pets of the Park" (dogs) seem to enjoy stopping along the walk. What started as little spots on the lavender became completely infected plants.
We soaked the area with a solution of water and baking soda. I spoke with Mr. Pemberton, owner of Lavender Hill as he donated the plants for the park.
He suggested removing the plants and let the sun dry out the soil for several days before replanting.
We will be cutting the remaining lavender back 1/3 in October.
Experimenting with plants is exciting. Sometimes you are disappointed.
A garden friend told me: when plant dies, it's a chance to try something new in the same spot.
She is right.
