Yes, that’s the best way to describe this mixed bed, located in the sunniest part of the garden.
Removing a few diseased trees and saplings last April cleared a significant hole in the tree canopy, allowing the sun to stream in like never before. All the trees, shrubs, and plants in the vicinity just “took off”, and now I’ve got this over-stuffed, part-shade bed begging for more order.
The bed has one decaying, old-growth tree stump which supports a purple clematis and a Hydrangea paniculata “Kyushu”. Along one side of the bed, there’s a 6 foot length of charred tree trunk reclining amongst Skimmia japonica, Darmera peltata, and Polystichum munitum (Western Sword Fern). Right in the middle of the bed is a Thuja plicata “Zebrina” which was a reluctant grower until this year but has zoomed skyward in recent months.
Don’t get me wrong! After many years of trying to coax tiny plants into some heft, it’s a pleasure to have a bed that requires thinning.
I’ve already started on the task. Last weekend, I relocated an Acer palmatum “Fascination” to the New Lawn Bed, where it looks way better than it ever did, squeezed in between the tree trunks and Zebrina.
The Clethra acuminata (Cinnamon Clethra) also put out steroidal-like growth since Spring and needs a new home. I’ve lined up a spot for it out front where the increased shade will likely return the shrub to it’s “normal” growth pattern. A big plus in moving this shrub is that in it’s new location, the stunning golden Fall foliage can be admired as we drive into our garage.
And the Callicarpa americana “Profusion” needs a new spot where it can grow relatively unchecked. I’ve been whacking it back in it’s current location and it looks a little less than elegant, as a result. I’m thinking it can go next to the tree trunk bed, in the former Fascination spot. It should have room to grown there and still get adequate sunlight to produce those pretty purple berries.
Finally, Darmera peltata and Lysimachia nummularia “Aurea” (Creeping Jenny) need a “firm hand” taken to them. I love both of these plants for their hardiness, color, and texture. But they do spread around and get into things they shouldn’t be into or near. They will definitely be downsized and the roots and castoffs cooked in the steaming compost heap.
Once the bed is edited, I’ll have to restrain myself from overstuffing it again. I’m going to replant with a bunch of more sun-loving perennials that struggle elsewhere in the garden such as:
Calla Lily
Joe Pyeweed
Salvia greggii “Wild thing”
Lobelia
Dianthus
Woodland Sage
Double Knockout Roses
White Daisies
I promise some “after” photos.
The larger trees and shrubs have been relocated, the Darmera peltata and Creeping Jenny curtailed, and sun loving perennials moved in. There’s a lot more bare soil in the bed now which is a little scary, but this time next year, I suspect that will no longer be the case.
