What did you do this weekend? Here in So Cal, we had 80 degree days! It was the perfect time to do some gardening. My hubby and I tackled several outdoor projects that had been on our list for a while.
Project #1: Replant the driveway planter
We have a sloped planter in between our walkway and driveway. For the past few years, we’ve had Iceberg Floribunda Roses (white) and Pink Shrub Roses.
I was tired of the shrub roses. In the summer, they get out of hand, requiring deadheading every few days. So the hubby dug out the shrub roses and I planted Razzleberry Bushes (also known as Chinese Fringe Flowers) and Mexican Sage (Salvia leucantha).
It doesn’t look like much now (a bit bare), but just give it a couple of months. The Razzleberry blooms in spring and in fall. The Mexican Sage has purple blooms most of the year in So Cal — and attracts hummingbirds and bees.
Project #2: Re-pot Entry Pot
I have a potted spiral juniper tree that sits at our entry. The tree was only 3 feet when I planted it years ago. The pot was also black (to match the front doors), but has faded from intense sun.
As you can see, the juniper is now 5 feet tall, a bit out of control and hasn’t been pruned in a while. Here’s the before picture …
It was quite a challenge getting the juniper out of that pot!! It took 2 days of soaking … and brute strength from both of us!
Here’s my inspiration for the new plantings … a pot I saw at South Coast Plaza last month.
My pot is a LOT smaller than the one from my inspirational picture, so I scaled down. I alternated yellow and purple primroses instead of using a double row of flowers around the tall grass.
I will add some ivy. And then, I will try different methods of trying to turn the pot back to black. Any ideas? I can’t just spray paint it, as the pot does get too much sun. The paint would peel off.
Project #3: Re-plant my Herb Pots
I have 6 pots for herbs right outside my kitchen. I planted herbs six years ago and some of them were in need of re-planting. I planted sweet basil, several types of mint, a large pot of cilantro. And, I pruned my oregano, parsley and tarragon.
This is what it will look like in a few months …
Overall, a very productive gardening weekend! Hope yours was a great one!
