Hello GPODers!
Today we have an exciting update on a project we saw early last year. Nicki Snoblin decided to clear out some of her front yard to create a bed of pollinator-friendly perennials. She shared the process of getting started and her first plantings here: Nicki’s New Garden Project (but Nicki has shared photos many times in the past, so be sure to check out other parts of her garden here: Nicki’s Indoor Garden, Nicki’s Fall in the Garden, and her New Garden Inspired by GPOD).
Today we finally get to see what Nicki’s first year of development has been like, how things are going, the lessons she’s learned, and what she wants to do next.
Last year I sent in photos of a new garden I was creating in my front yard, hoping to create more full sun planting space and attract pollinators. Now I wanted to share some photos to show how the garden is doing this year.
This spring it has been exciting to see that most of the things I planted have started to sprout. Overall I am happy, but there are still a few mysteries. Why can’t I keep my butterfly plants alive? What causes some oregano to die and others to thrive? Why do deer tiptoe around the garden and repeatedly nibble on certain plants while leaving others untouched? Who invented the Japanese beetle and why?
In May, several clusters of bearded irises bloomed, along with catnip (top left) and false indigo. After blooming, the false indigo turned into huge bushes. I trimmed them back by about a third, but I may have to move one of them eventually.
In June, the sea holly tree (Eryngium × Zabelii ‘Big Blue’, Zones 5–9) It bloomed spectacularly. Unfortunately, it died to the ground shortly after. I don’t have high hopes for it next year; it really doesn’t like our heavy soil.
Sea holly with catmint, monarda and some orange red coneflowers which I really love.
Pine ‘Rooguchi’ (Area 5–9) in bud.
Endless Summer® Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmer’, Zones 4–9) along with a volunteer pale green cymbidium here. I have no idea where it came from, as all my other cymbidiums are dark green cymbidiums.
Side view. In the back right you can see the Tiny Tuff Stuff™ hydrangea (hydrangeas ‘MAKD’, Regions 5–9) flowering.
This is what we see when we walk out the front door.
Two varieties of coneflowers and some small ornamental banana plants with lavender flowers and pale green leaves (the leaves are discolored from too much sun exposure – I need to move them to a shadier part of the bed).
The view from the street. It’s not as colorful as I would like – I’ll have to improve that.
The view from the upstairs window shows the design.
Thanks for sharing this update with us, Nicki. It’s wonderful to see your front yard completely transformed, and we look forward to seeing how the garden continues to grow next year!
And I hope Nicki has inspired everyone to take more photos and document the progress of your projects! I know I’m more likely to get three-quarters of something done before I realize I haven’t taken a photo… But taking some photos and documenting your journey can be incredibly helpful in seeing how far you’ve come and what you still need to work on. And if you’re smart enough to document a project you’ve worked on this summer, we’d love to see it! Follow the instructions below to submit a photo.
Do you have a garden you would like to share?
Do you have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular plant collection you love, or a beautiful garden you’ve had the chance to visit!
To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the photo and where you took the photo. We’d love to know where you are, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you’re proud of, failures you’ve learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
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