elfcroft

During nature’s transition from fall to winter, we have a few words on weeds.  The best deterrent are plants with dense root system like hostas, day lilies and oregano.  A weed may come up on the perimeter of the planting but never in the thick of them.

The next two recommendations have to do with making inevitable weeding easier.  The first is to have the soil amended so it minimizes compaction.  The second is to time one’s effort to follow significant rainfall.

In suburban gardens, the term weed also applies to tree seedlings that volunteer in flower beds.  The challenge is two-fold; the volume/quantity and the importance of getting the entire root.  Not getting the whole root means they will emerge again another day.  I found a Pro-weeder this year that I highly recommend.  It goes 12 inches deep!

Pro-weeder

One reason my TO DO list for the garden beds this year was sooo long is that the kitchen/herb garden was enlarged.  Oregano, lavender, lemon balm and a butterfly bush were undisturbed.  The retaining wall was reconfigured for 30% + larger space.  This ground squirrel view of the new space is nearly a blank canvas.

New kitchen/herb garden

Warm, sunny fall weekend days are perfect for planting.  Last week I planted rue (herb used in Mexican recipes), “arp” rosemary (supposed to be perennial) and astilbe (flower).  This weekend I found yarrow and cardinal flowers.  All five are new experiments for me.

New additions

Fall Equinox

This photo definitely captures the change from summer to fall.  Hydrangeas have bloomed profusely this summer.  The Autumn Joy Sedum is buzzing with bees on blooms that will darken during the shorter days and cooler temperatures.

“Wings beating a ferocious tempo, the little bat swooped and circled, attracted no doubt by the heady scent and delicate white blooms of the honey suckle.”  by Mary Francis, June 9, 2001; Indianapolis Star.

Attracting bats did not win me over with the moon garden concept.  We have had a pair of huge raccoons at the bird feeder about 10 p.m. earlier this summer.

“The ultimate catch for a moon gardener is a luna moth, the gorgeous luminous green monster moth that loves the night.”

Campanella

The metaphorical seed for a Moon garden was planted when reading Mary Francis’ article in the Indianapolis Star June 9, 2001.  The garden manifested in 2005.  It was designed and installed by Avon Gardens.  The entrance to the patio is from the master bedroom.  The golden quartz flagstone had the surprise quality of reflecting moonlight.  The plantings on the perimeter are all white.  Tulips, iris, perennial geraniums, lilies, White Swan coneflower, crab apple, …..

White Swan Coneflower

“One of the best things about moon gardens is that they lure us out at night to enjoy the fragrance of flowers that might be missed during the day.  When it’s 8 p.m. and the sun’s going down, the fragrances come up.  You miss them during the day.  There are rich aromas at night, Booher said, adding that sometimes strong sunlight can burn off the fragrance or winds during the day can carry away the scents.”

Oak Leaf Hydrangea

It is 3 a.m. and usually bright outside.  It is the Full Harvest Moon. ( http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44475165 )  Ahhh, the full moon reflects on the golden quartz flagstone creating a soft glow.

The inspiration for the master bedroom patio came to me June 9, 2001, ten years ago.  Mary Francis wrote “Moonbeams and garden dreams” for the Indianapolis Star.  It was my introduction to moon gardens.  White flowers, silver and variegated foliage may be subtle by day, however they glow in moonlight.

Anemonies

” ‘The moon garden is all about illuminating the night,’ said Grimm, owner of Kids in Bloom, a local heirloom seed company.”

Bold White August flowers

“For some, the evening may be the best time to enjoy a garden__with long hours, some people rarely get to see the garden in daytime.  Why not plan for moonlight viewing?”  GREAT question!

White Chiffon Rose of Sharon

Look very closely for the yellow dot in the center of the photo.

Alas, good news, bad news.  By August coneflowers have passed their prime for the glory of their stately blooms.  However, it is primetime for viewing gold finches feeding on the seed!  Finches are delightful to watch, sometimes feeding upside down.

Fly under

What’s better than watching gold finches feed on coneflowers?  Being stretched out on the zero gravity chaise and see a pair fly UNDER the arbor.  One was behind and to the right like they were jet planes at an air show.  True story 🙂

Thanks to Mr. Elfcroft, the latest home improvement is an arbor attached to a lawn and garden center right off the dining room.

Lawn and garden center

This structure measuring 9′ X 16′ has a low profile garage door shown here, which created the opportunity to have a functional loft (attic space).  Three windows and a full glass door let in plenty of light.

Breezeway arbor

The breezeway arbor is the bridge between the “lawn and garden center” and the French doors to the dining room.  The ferns still look great despite the unseasonably dry season.

The mystery gate featured in an earlier post was a necessary addition to get the not so little tractor in its new parking spot.

The whole process of designing and building reminded me of the playhouse Pap-pa Hall made for Susan, Pam and I almost 50 years ago.  It was 8′ X 8′, had a real door, crank out windows, linoleum floor, and asphalt shingles.  We had a play kitchen set with a table and chairs.  Another “blast from the past” that comes to my mind is Claire’s first house.  Her dad built it for her in 1997.  Styled after their “main” house, it has 2 floors and electricity.  What lucky girls we are!

Claire's first house