Here, the patio is enhanced with Asian-themed plants, which give it a fresh new look ....
Project time: 4 hours.
- Packing peanuts are used to partially fill the planter box (figure A). (Lightweight, they'll help keep the heaviness of the planter in check, while also aiding in drainage). Landscaping fabric is stapled over the packing peanuts to prevent the soil from falling through the box and the box is filled with soil.
- Blue fescue (Festuca cinerara 'Elijah Blue'), a blue tufted grass is planted in the planter box (figure B). This is a drought tolerant grass that is low growing, but will spill over the edges of the planter. The grass goes dormant and takes on a yellowish color in the winter months, but will regain it's bluish color in the spring.
Black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) is planted against the wall both to camouflage and contrast with the wall color (figure C). It has height, texture and bold color that will trick the eye and move it away from the wall. Twice a year, runners will be removed from the bamboo to keep plant growth from dislodging the walkway. Mexican beach pebbles, with their blue/black color (figure D), accent the bamboo and act as a mulch; when wet, their color darkens.Cape rush (Chondropetalum tectorum) is planted in front of the planter box.Vera Jameson stonecrop (Sedum X 'Vera Jameson') is planted in the front of the bed (figure E).
Ragwort (Senecio mandraliscae), a larger succulent, contrasts with the stonecrop sedum.Jack Spratt flax (Phormium 'Jack Spratt') is added to the bed for height and texture. Time elapsed: 12 hours.
RESOURCES :
Table & Chairs
Description: Sienna Table
Model/Color/ISBN#: #529461
Dimensions: 47-1/2" round
Approximate Retail Price: $399
Description: Sienna Chairs
Model/Color/ISBN#: #503292
Dimensions: 47-1/2" round
Approximate Retail Price: $179
Distributor:
Smith & Hawken
Website: www.smithandhawken.com
Ceramic balls
Description: Gazing balls
Model/Color/ISBN#: 3-230A & 3-231-A Green
Dimensions: 21" diameter & 18" diameter
Approximate Retail Price: $88 and $68 per ball
Distributor:
Asian Ceramics, Inc.
Website: www.asian-ceramics.com
Redwood Stain
Description: Superdeck Semi-Transparent Deck & Siding Stain
Model/Color/ISBN#: #2312
Distributor:
Duckback Products, Inc.
Website: www.superdeck.com
Tools
DeWALT Industrial Tool Col
Website: www.dewalt.com
Equipment Rental
United Rentals
Website: www.ur.com
Plants
Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Website: www.monrovia.com
| 
)
)
)
)
)
