In
October 2017, I planted a shady area along our property's northwest boundary line with bromeliads, succulents and other foliage plants to create what I called a pocket garden. It did alright for awhile but eventually my nemeses, the raccoons, discovered it. They've dug it up many times since but the combination of heavy rain and renewed raccoon activity this past month has created a downright awful mess.
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| It appears that some of the plants edging the pathway have simply disappeared, or perhaps been buried |
After nearly 48 hours without rain, the area was at least dry enough to pat the soil back in place around the plants that hadn't been ripped apart by the raccoons.
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| I took this photo after I'd cleaned things up a bit |
The dwarf mondo grass I planted hasn't created the impenetrable ground cover I'd envisioned and the wood mulch I used to cover the bare soil didn't deter the raccoons from digging either. In fact, after multiple rounds of digging, the mulch has been pretty thoroughly mixed into the soil, which, trying to put a positive spin on things, I suppose the bromeliads might actually appreciate. Most of the bromeliads planted among rocks, even those planted as pups, are fine but the same can't be said for many of the succulents and smaller foliage plants.
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| This cluster of bromeliads is relatively unscathed |
Before I replant, I think I'm going to bring in more rocks to make future raccoon incursions more difficult. I may also trade up the small plant specimens I initially planted for larger plants that might he harder to dislodge.
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| The Dracaena reflexa (aka Star of India) in the pot was suffering as a house plant and may appreciate spreading its roots here |
While I'm at it, I'll replant the
driftwood piece I covered in succulents over a year ago, as well as a pot I had nearby.
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| While the raccoons did some digging around the driftwood piece, I think weather is mainly to blame for it falling apart |
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| This pot was in need of replanting when I moved it to this spot in October 2017 and cramming a haphazard collection of succulents into it didn't improve its appearance |
I still dream that the area may live up to my aspirations for it - someday.
If you have an ugly area you'd like to come clean about,
join Alison of Bonney Lassie for Tell the Truth Tuesday.
All material © 2012-2019 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
