Crawlspace Platform

BY SKEETER

Sagina Grass/Irish Moss

 Today we shall revisit an area that I talked about in the past. Click HERE to see how this little area was created in my GEORGIA GARDENS.

This is a platform area by the crawlspace door of our house. I had planted Sagina grass aka: Irish Moss as this was an area by the AC unit. It was moist thus I thought it would do well.

Sagina Grass aka:Irish Moss

 It grew well in the beginning but once the heat of summer set in, the once pretty moss as you see above, all died away.

Thyme

The following year, I gave a Creeping Thyme a chance in this spot. Above you see it soon after planted.

Creeping Thyme

The Creeping Thyme was doing great until The Saint decided to put a little "Wet it and Forget it" on the siding of the house. He failed to rinse it off my plants below and it completely killed the thyme.

Gravel

Since I was wasting my time, energy and money on plants, I have decided to think outside my Gardening box. I have come up with the idea of gravel. 

 The gravel of choice is a Drainage type that is small enough to fit nicely into all the tight little nooks of the brick design. The Saint likes this idea much better as it makes it much easier for him to get under the  house when need be. I kind of wonder if that was not his plan all along when cleaning the siding of the house. Only he knows the answer to that question. Hum...

The saying goes, "Three's a Charm" and I hope this is the final bit of attention I must give to the CRAWLSPACE PLATFORM, In the Garden...

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden

Rain makes Green Grass

BY SKEETER

We have had our share of rain in my GEORGIA GARDENS the past few weeks. So much so that Clarks Hill/Strom Thurmond Dam had to be opened to control the flooding. The Saint and I drove out to the dam to check it out as we have never seen all the locks open at one time. It was an impressive sight. I could not get my video to load so sorry you cannot see it for yourself. Must settle for this photo of the Saint instead.

We also drove over to the Augusta Canal Head-gates on the Savannah River. The water was almost to the top of the gates as you can see in this photo.

 The Gate House was open for visitors to see the operation in action. Again, I had a video but could not get it to load.

 This was the second time we had been inside the gatehouse as we were there the day they opened it after a complete renovation. Can you see the Love Locks on the fence? Click HERE to learn about Love Locks.

 I had never heard of Love Locks until the story of the Bridge in Paris. Click HERE to hear about the removal of the Love Locks.

I enjoyed seeing some of the neat locks.

 I have never seen the Savannah River so full of water in the 15 years we have called this place home.

The water in the canal was almost up to the wall of the old dam and locks.

 We spotted this otter having the best time diving for lunch. It was not bothered by us due to being so busy.

All this rain has been good for our Winter Rye Grass. As you can see, it is very happy and bright green.

I have not cared for all of this massive rain fall but RAIN MAKES GREEN GRASS, In the Garden...

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden

Great Summer

BY SKEETER

  How is everyone enjoying Summer? One more month remains for us then Summer begins to wind down. I am seeing Halloween and even Christmas Decorations in the stores now! Wow, where has the year gone? 

Oh, I now have Peacocks in my GEORGIA GARDEN...

 Ha, not wanting the mess of real fowl, I settled for these two bargain birds found at an "Antique Store" while I was in Tennessee this past spring. I put them on the fencing which hides the Propane Gas tank for our home heating. Click HERE to see the Fencing's start. I removed the Trumpet Vines as they were trailing beyond the fence. I tried my best to keep them at bay but they were determined to take over the entire Semi-Formal Garden if not removed. I removed the vine back in Spring and am still finding it popping up throughout the garden today. Grrrrrrr....



This garden has really enjoyed the rain this summer. This colorful garden is located by the Arbor Swing. Click HERE to see the Arbor Swing being built. I love red, yellow and purple's together. 

Miss Huff Lantana had a late start this year but is now putting on a show for me.

 Zooming in to one of the hundreds of blooms you can see why the butterflies, bees and humming birds flock to this bush.

 The Rock Garden by the Patio is still a favorite of mine. I am loosing some things in this garden as it was once a shade garden. With fewer trees in the area now, more sun is hitting shade happy plants. The ivy has really taken a hit but Periwinkle/Vinca is a great filler to bare spots. 

 The Formosa Lily was becoming so large in the Beach Planter, that I divided it and put a couple in the Rock Garden. Here you see one happy Formosa Lily. Click HERE to see the Beach Planter.

 Here is the view one sees of the Rock Garden as they sit at the Patio Table.  

 The Chimney Planter on the East side of the house has been a great spot for the Elephant Ear. This is the Ear I would over winter inside each year. Not wanting to close off a room to our indoor only cats any longer, I left this Ear on the front porch in its pot over winter. I was not sure if it would survive or not but come spring, I put the bulb roots into the ground. And now the results! I shall heavy mulch this area and let her be this winter and hope for the best...

The plentiful rain has the grass looking so beautiful this summer! It is so lush, green and soft to the feet. Keeping up with mowing has not been too difficult as we have had cooler temps then normal. I am mostly push mowing and bagging this year. Thus far, we have had a GREAT SUMMER, In the Garden... 

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden

Sagina Platform

BY SKEETER 

Here is a project I started Saturday morning stopping once the sun moved into the area. I finished up yesterday just in time as the sun had moved in on me. The heat is getting to me and the calendar says it is Spring. I dread Summer in my Georgia Gardens with this heat!  

I am getting bad about not snapping "before" pictures these days. I am usually good at that but for some reason, lately I have been forgetting. Saturday, I was able to get all the sod removed and dug a layer of clay out as well. I placed some bricks for a border and laid a pattern in the middle. I was not too happy with the pattern but was only trying to use all of the large bricks I had on hand. I did use two smaller bricks in this pattern. These bricks were a freebie that I posted about last July. I am just now getting around to finding a use for some of the bricks. Click Here to read about my free bricks.  I hope this linking works as it is my first go at it with the new Blogger Format...

Refreshed and ready for day 2 of the Crawlspace platform. I leveled the area, scattered sand and put the brick border into place. Then the middle pattern started to come to mind. It just seem to flow out of my head like putting a jigsaw puzzle together.

Next, I filled in the cracks with sand mixed dirt. The fun part was filling the large holes with Sagina! I have had this Irish Moss for about a month or so. I found 6-packs on sale at half price in the Wal-Mart Garden Center. I picked up 4 of them and had no idea what to do with them until now. I did a bit of research on this moss and found conflicting reviews of sun/shade and water habits. I decided to give it a try in this spot even though it will get the afternoon sun. The AC unit is nearby and the running system will keep this area moist.

To the Left of this new platform is a new planter of Elephant Ears and Blue-eyed Grass. I transplanted the ears from the Semi-Formal Garden as they were staying too dry with our drought conditions plus, they were not getting enough sun due to the ever growing dogwoods shading them. The rocks were freebies I have collected.

To the right of the platform, I have another new planter made this spring of Black Elephant ears and a little Fern tucked into the back right corner. The Ears were planted in this spot last summer and thrived in the AC unit water! I was not sure if this plant would return or not as their was no tag on this bargain purchase. I dug out a small shoot of it just in case and over wintered it inside. As you can see, it is hardy and has returned. The Fern was in a small pot on the front porch all winter long. I picked up a replacement fern this spring and as I was taking out the old dead plant, I noticed a small green sprig in the center of the plant. I went ahead and took out the old and potted the new and decided to stick this little fern into this corner and just look how happy that thing is in this spot! Kind of shaded by the AC Unit but come Summer, it may not be so happy. I will keep my eye on it and see if the growth of the Elephant Ears will keep it shaded enough to remain in this spot or I will move it.

The Saint and I do not like for bushes or trees to be planted beside the house. We do not like the idea of raccoons, squirrels or anything else possibly getting onto our roof from having plants nearby. As things fill in, I hope this will be a nice view to the eyes rather then just a soggy grassy, mossy, weedy area. On the other side of this AC/Heat Unit is the Beach Planter.

I had never heard of Sagina or Blue-eyed Grass before finding these while strolling the Garden Center. Since my purchase, I have seen both on other blogs! I still have to add some dirt to the platform area as it settled a bit after I watered it in. I would also like to come back and add a nicer looking stone to the planters. But that will cost money and for now I am happy with my SAGINA PLATFORM, In the Garden...

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden

Crop Circles?

BY SKEETER We have been busy this winter doing such things as entertain house guest here in our Georgia Gardens. The Saints parents and Fur Baby "Minnie" left the bitter cold of Virginia to spend some time with us. Minnie stayed with us over a week while the Saints parents went even further south into Florida to enjoy some time with friends. Minnie was a great house guest and she enjoyed time running, laying and rolling in our green grass on sunny days. I have yet to feel the Winter Blues of SAD such as last year. I am not sure if keeping busy or being surrounded by pretty green grass has kept me happy. But as long as I have no winter depression, I am Happy. We shall continue to sow Rye Grass Seed each fall as we enjoy the green color during the winter months.
Now to yet another Mystery in our yard. Why are we seeing circles amidst our pretty Rye Grass? The Saint seems to think these are spots where Minnie may have "tinkle" during her visit. I on the other hand am sceptical of that theory. I have always heard that where a dog uses the yard to potty, will become damaged rather then flourish such as these spots.
Here is a close-up of one of the spot's. See how bright green and thicker in texture these spot's are compared to the other grass? Could this be from Aliens making CROP CIRCLES? Na, those circles are normally grasses that lay down and do not grow taller. Until we solve this mystery, we shall call them CROP CIRCLES as that makes for a better story, In the Garden...
Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden

Color-Everywhere In the Garden

I thought I'd display some of the wonderful colors plants can offer us in our gardens-sans blooms. This fall has been splendid and as I wander my garden I try ever so hard to appreciate every small thing my eyes take in-and it is a lot here. Mr. Fix-it says our garden is 'cluttered'. Those are just about fighting words but because I love him I tend to overlook that opinion and  just head to the garden for some solace. Here is some of what I see. 


The above shot is of Edgeworthia chyrsantha, aka Paperbush. It is a wonderful winter blooming shrub opening its fragrant buds in February or March. This is this shrub's second year in my gardens and this year it is doing much better since it has not been nibbled on by the evil dog, aka Lady Lou. That bud will stay looking good all winter even as the leaves turn yellow and fall from the bush.

I added Panicum virgatum 'Northwinds' to my garden early this summer and wow on it. The form alone is what had me sold but just look at that fall color. It will stay upright and golden all winter long. This is a keeper grass and I plan to divide it up and spread it around next spring. This grass is unlike most ornamental grasses in that it likes a moist area. It is a warm season ornamental that provides all year long interest.

The seedheads are quite pretty too.




Amsonia hubrictii, aka Threadleaf Amsonia or dogbane, is one of my all time favorite perennials. If you do not grow this perennial run out and buy it soon. It takes a few years to get going but once it is going nicely it provides a stately presence in the garden. This perennial blooms in the spring with pale blue flowers, then provides structure in the form of beautiful green foliage all season long. Come fall that foliage will turn a straw gold and shine in the garden like a beacon. It grows in both sun and shade, dry or wet soil. I have been very happy that it self seeds regularly in my garden and so of course I dig the seedlings and spread them all around Tiger Gardens. This amsonia was also the Perennial Plant Association's Plant of the Year for 2011. This plant is hardy from Zones 4-9.

Now this grass is my all time favorite grass. It is 'Adagio' Miscanthus sinensis. It is a grass that can take some shade and definitely some dry soil. It never fails to disappoint. This grass stays looking good throughout most of the winter. I cut mine down in the spring and don't enjoy that task but since it is all I do to this perennial I try not to begrudge that task too awfully much. This view is looking east from a vantage point on the north side of my home. This is part of my Foundation Bed gardens.

Do you remember my Front Center Garden? It is a focal point garden from my home. This is the view I get from the porch and front windows in the living room when I look out toward the road. Believe it or not the highway is back behind these gardens. My house faces east so each of  these plants are backlit by the rising sun. The yellow and red small trees are unknown Japanese maple seedlings. What a delight they are! The lower growing red shrubs are oakleaf hydrangeas. They provide great color and structure that complements the Japanese maples.



And here is a final view of one side of the garden. I am particularly fond of the bird bath and matching bird feeder. I tend to have lots of bird baths and bird feeders in my garden. I prefer the bird baths much more because I tell you the birds around here simply adore the bird baths. I will be tipping most of these ones over soon but I usually heat the concrete bird bath so I can enjoy the birds drinking in the winter. You'd be surprised at just how many birds come to drink when everything else is frozen. 


in the garden....

I wanted to tell you all many thanks for liking my professional FaceBook page found here. This blog may get all of the attention but I consider the blog, FB and my professional business (Coach In the Garden) and clients all facets of gardening and they meld together equally. Gardening has always been a passion for me and I work very hard to learn all I can about it so I can help others achieve their gardening dreams. 

I also want to thank my clients for trusting me. And a special thanks for the very nice recommendations on my page! You all know who you are!  
Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden

Experimenting with Grass

By SKEETER Last Fall we tried an Experiment with Grass in our Georgia Gardens. I had seen on other blogs how some gardeners sowed their lawns with Rye Seed for a green lawn in the winter. We decided to give it a try and see what would happen for us. With rains the day of the sowing process, it sprouted quickly for us. Then the ice and snow arrived.
I was concerned about the grass with the inch thick ice covering it for about a week. Yes, we had ice and snow sticking around for almost a week! That is so unheard of around these parts. It was a very cold and strange winter in Georgia. Soon after the thaw, I could see the grass was fine. Along with those willow oak leaves that are the last to fall from the trees.
Look at that beautiful green lawn today!
We are so pleased with the outcome that we plan to sow more rye seed next fall.

If you look beyond the brick wall, hedge and driveway, you can see the front yard which we did not seed. This grass is dormant and blah looking to the eye compared to the lawn around the house. The Tri-Angle Planter has been cleaned and should reseed with Perwinkle. I also planted some Cleome Seeds I collect last fall. We had one inch of rain last night so I am sure the seed liked the drink.

Which would you rather have, Green lawn or Dormant lawn? By the time the annual rye dies out, hopefully the Centipede and St Augustine grasses in our yard will be green.

We had one issue with the seed...The Saint used the broadcast spreader instead of the drop spreader around borders. Yikes, I was not happy when I saw the grass in the Drainage by the house. I had redone that area last spring and it was a difficult job.
On our first nice warm day, I started plucking the sprigs. As I plucked I was thinking about the way the Saints brain operates. After 23 years together, I find it fun to try and figure him out at times such as this. I had my ideas as to what he would say about this mishap and I had to see if I was correct in my analogy. I asked, "Honey Why did you use the broadcast spreader instead of the drop spreader?" Yep, I was correct. The Broadcast spreader did a faster job. But he saw no big deal as Rye Grass is a annual so it will die right? Yep, I knew that was coming also. He cracks me up that Saint of mine.
He redeemed himself by joining me in the plucking of the sprigs. We sat on our tarp and filled the bucket with grass sprigs.
The drainage area looks all pretty once again.
Now I shall move on to the Rock Garden and start plucking. (Can you see my little chipmunk?) Then to the Angel Trumpet Garden and start plucking and so forth and so forth.. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr....

We had success EXPERIMENTING WITH GRASS, In the Garden...

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden