The two raised planters closest to the patio will showcase flowers, with the third and fourth planters reserved for herbs and vegetables. When planning raised beds, make sure to plan for plants that have similar requirements for sun, soil and moisture. If the planters rest on soft ground, lay chicken wire in the bottom of the beds and staple to the planter. This will prevent rodents from burrowing up into the planter.The plants used in this garden are suited for a Southwestern climate.Check your local garden centers, nurseries and the DIYnet.com website for plants suited for your planting zone.
Plants used in this garden include the following:- Larkspur (Delphinium) is planted in the center of one planter. This is an excellent cut flower, producing long stems of white, soft pink or blue flowers.
- Petunia (Petunia Hybrida), available in a range of colors, they offer a good pop of color in the garden, and work well in containers and hanging baskets. If deadheaded regularly, they will bloom continually throughout summer and fall.
Sea pink (Armeria Alliacea), an evergreen perennial, this is an excellent border plant. It grows in a mounding form with pink flower heads rising above the foliage.Freesia (Golden Hybrid Freesia) produces pretty, delicate, softly scented flowers on 1-11/2 foot flower stalks. Available in shades of yellow, pink, blue or white, freesia requires a warm climate.
Herbs- Sweet bay (Laurus Nobilis), a welcome addition for cooks, simply harvest as needed. This mature bay tree is planted in the center of the bed.
- Rosemary(Rosmarinus Officinalis 'Huntingdon Carpet '), forms a carpet that controls erosion, has a wonderful fragrance and produces small blue flowers.
- Variegated leaf thyme (Thymus vulgaris).
Bay tree
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Rosemary
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Variegated-leaf thyme
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Hazel Spanish lavender (Lavandula Stoechas 'Hazel ' P.P.A.F.).Lavender society garlic (Tulbaghia Violacea).
Lavender society garlic
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Lavender society garlic (close-up of bloom)
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Finished herb bed.
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Vegetables- Rhubard (Rheum X Cultorum). Stalks are edible when they turn red. The leaves are poisonous.
- Green globe artichoke (Cynara Scolymus 'Improved Green Globe '). Harvest fruit when small and young.
- Early girl tomato(Lycopersicon ). Plant tomatoes below the stemline to develop additional roots, which help anchor the plant.
Rhubarb
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Green globe artichoke
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Tomato - early girl
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Cherry tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum).Yellow miniature French marigolds (Tagetes Petula). Their scent is a natural bug repellent. They are planted in the vegetable bed for color and to deter insects.Squash (Cucurbita Pepo).
Cherry tomato bloom
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Yellow mini French marigold
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Lavender cosmos
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Ergonomic tools enable those with disabilities to enjoy gardening.
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A note about tools: Ergonomically designed garden tools are available for easy maintenance. They are lightweight, and many brands have interchangeable short and long handles. They help protect the arm and wrist from injury -- and they make gardening clean-up quick, which gives you more time to sit back and smell the flowers!
RESOURCES :
Plants from Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Website: www.monrovia.com
Lighting
#SPJ14-02 Moss
SPJ Lighting Inc.
URL: www.spjlighting.com
Blue Stripe drip irrigation system
Toro Company Inc.
URL: www.toro.com
Wall Blocks
Soil Retention
URL: www.soilretention.com
GUESTS :
Kevin Kane
Duarte, CA E-mail: kvkane@co.la.ca.us
Sherman Sylvan
Encino, CA 91316 E-mail: smsylvan@aol.com
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