clever idea

Heard this tip from a co-worker and I think it's a great solution for a common problem. If you desire annuals around a tree and are afraid of disturbing the tree's roots (a common challenge in tough clay soils as roots tend to spread out instead of burrowing down), try a bag of potting soil. Lay the bag flat and cut an "x" where you would like to artfully place your plants. Plant vertically in the bag and when you are finished cover the bag and the ring around your tree with mulch. The bag then disappears and all you are left with is a beautifully landscaped tree. Imagine planting an entire circle around a tree, with minimal effort, and leaving your neighbors jealous.

sunday's solitude

lo and behold- i finally got it!

Much to my surprise while shopping a competitor for vegetable supports, I found the plant I have been looking for- a butterfly bush. But this is no ordinary buddelia, it was cultivated here in NC two years ago at UNC and is called Lo and Behold-Blue Chip. It's a true dwarf variety only reaching 4' tall, unlike other varieties that can tower at 8-10' and is a prolific bloomer. I actually had to make a second trip back once I figured out where I could place this gem. It will take a prominent place in my "once was a butterfly/hummingird garden, but now has morphed into my just because I like it and I live in the south southern garden." This circular raised garden in my front yard houses a mix of sun/shade plants due to its proximity to a very mature sugar maple. I have gumpo azaleas, dwarf variegated gardenias, blue balloon flowers, salvia, sedum, rain lilies, corkscrew grass, and happy returns daylilies. I will move an astilbe to a shadier spot and place this buddelia in a front corner near the upper driveway. Oh it is the little things....

Footnote: I added yellow sweet onions and carrots to my square foot garden today from set and seed...will keep their progress posted.