The Fountain Bed Re-examined

In March of this year, we finished an extension of the small bed that surrounded our backyard fountain, linking it to the border we'd created along the southeast side patio last fall.  I did the bulk of my planting in early spring, although there were small additions here and there later on.  As the cooler weather of fall is (hopefully) just around the corner, it's time to evaluate what I have and identify the changes I'd like to make during the prime fall planting period.

As context, here's a wide shot of the extended fountain border from early July when there was still a lot in bloom:

The fountain border in July, looking south

The border looking north

The red-orange daylilies, still blooming in early July, are finished now, as is the Anagallis 'Wildcat Mandarin' that added the splash of orange color in the second picture above.  I recently pulled the burned-out remnants of the Borage I grew from seed, and I'm not sure I'll grow it again next year (although I'll probably be pulling seedlings for years to come).  In August, the border is looking more subdued with little floral color beyond that provided by Coreopsis 'Redshift' but Phormium 'Amazing Red,'Uncinia uncinata 'Rubra,' and Carex testacea continue to add bright spots of foliage color.

Current photo of the bed, again looking south

Recent photo of the south segment of the fountain border where it merges with the side garden

Overall, I'm pleased with what I planted.  Notable exceptions include:

Mecardonia 'Magic Carpet Yellow,' a pretty groundcover described as very heat tolerant, must need a lot more water than I gave it - my 3 plants fried and turned black

Nicotiana 'Hot Chocolate' did better than its lime-colored cousin but, even in full flower, it looked scraggly to me - I cut it back but I'm too unhappy with it to extend its stay into fall

Only half the Scorzonera hispanica plants bloomed and the foliage has nothing to distinguish it (I think there's a weed hiding behind what's left of this one)

There are also a few ratty-looking Nepeta I didn't bother to photograph, which I will pull - the neighborhood cats have left only traces of it.  In addition, I've got some plants on my watch list.  I'm not quite ready to pull them out but they have yet to prove their value.

Acorus gramineus 'Ogon': I was wary of this plant as I'd understood it needs ample water but the tag said otherwise and I decided to give it a try.  Was I misled?  It's already looking a little sorry, despite the fact that I've continued to give it what I think is ample water to get it started.

Rosmarinus 'GoldDust': I thought this dwarf might make a good, drought tolerant edging plant but it already looks too woody to me

Salvia Mystic Spires': I like the blue flowers but it has a scruffy look about it despite regular dead-heading

There are a couple of plants I may move elsewhere:

Lupinus chamissionis: The plant seems happy enough here but it looks out of proportion with the nearby Japanese maple so I may move it elsewhere if I can find another spot that will support its needs

Plectranthus ciliatus 'Zulu Warrior': My cuttings have taken but I think they're getting too much sun in this spot

Plants I'm especially happy with include:

Abelia x grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope' and Lomandra 'Breeze'

Bulbine frutescens

Coreopsis 'Redshift' and Stipa tenuissima

Digiplexis 'Illumination Flame,' Tanacetum parthenium 'Aureum' and Anagallis 'Wildcat Mandarin' - I've cut the Anagallis back in the hope that it will act as a perennial here in zone 10

Euphorbia 'Blue Lagoon'

Liriope spicata (although I hope it doesn't spread like crazy)

Phormium 'Amazing Red,' Leucadendron 'Rising Sun" (sited just behind the Phormium), and Grevillea alpinia x rosmarinifolia (which is blending into the plants around it in this picture)

Uncinia uncinata 'Rubra'

There's admittedly a LOT of yellow and chartreuse in this border.  I think it needs more blue/lavender, burgundy and orange touches.  Plants I'm considering adding this fall to replace those I pull or relocate include:

• Agastache - blue and/or orange varieties
• Aloe - perhaps 'Blue Elf' or nobilis
• Aster x frikartii 'Monch'
• Calendula officinalis 'Bronzed Beauty'
• Crocosmia - perhaps the 'Emily McKenzie'described by Alison of Bonny Lassie
• Erigeron glaucus
• Phormium 'Amazing Red' or another smaller-sized variety

Do you have any suggestions for me?  Ideally, the plants should be drought tolerant and not too tall.  (My husband gets annoyed if my garden blocks "his" view from the house.)



All material © 2012-2014 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party