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Award winner author of gardening humor books

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May Dreams Gardens

Garden Design Update: Choices

October 28, 2010 By Carol Michel 16 Comments

There is a new perennial border in the garden, where before there was lawn. For lack of a more descriptive name, the garden designer currently calls it  “East Perennial Border” because it is on the east side of the garden.

On the west side of the garden there is another perennial border that we call  “West Perennial Border”.

Both will end up with new names at some point, when their form, function, features, and flowers take shape.

In the meantime, I have a decision to make about the East Perennial Border.  The garden designer presented two options.

The first option is to plant it with plants like Siberian iris, daylilies, Asiatic lilies and daisies so that it grabs my attention in May, June, and July.

The second option is to plant it with plants like Asters, Rudbeckia, dwarf Joe-Pye weed and tall phlox so that it stands out beginning in the high summer days of August.

I have already decided.

I decided as soon as I was presented with the two choices. I did not hesitate or waver, or pluck the petals off the daisy – plant this, plant that, plant this, plant that.

What do you think I chose?

And do you know what I shall call this new border?

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: garden design

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gail says

    October 28, 2010 at 12:28 pm

    I have NO idea what you chose, can't wait to hear! I am wondering why they can't be combined in the same garden? gail

    Reply
  2. Anonymous says

    October 28, 2010 at 12:46 pm

    There is no guessing what you have chosen, Carol, but I know what I would choose. 🙂
    Frances

    Reply
  3. Diana says

    October 28, 2010 at 1:28 pm

    Hmmmm…I'm thinking – spring! Many things are beautiful and blooming in the summer, but the plants that are harbingers of spring awaken the garden for the year! (Well, that's how I feel about it!) Either way, it sounds like you've been given two great options. I'd choose both!

    Reply
  4. Dee @ Red Dirt Ramblings says

    October 28, 2010 at 1:38 pm

    I bet you picked the beginning because you are a May dreamer.~~Dee

    Reply
  5. ~ Jackie says

    October 28, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    My choice would be BOTH — 🙂

    Reply
  6. Mr. McGregor's Daughter says

    October 28, 2010 at 2:21 pm

    It is "May Dreams Gardens," so I'd think you went with that, but then I'd think you'd appreciate late season color and winter interest from a bed with asters & Rudbeckia, especially since GWA will be in Indianapolis next August.

    Reply
  7. Amy Andrychowicz says

    October 28, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    I think you chose a combination of both! That's what I would choose, then you have blooms all summer long! 🙂 Maybe you'll call it the all season garden.

    Amy

    Reply
  8. Annie in Austin says

    October 28, 2010 at 3:12 pm

    Since the orientation is the East…maybe the "Dreams of May at Sunrise" border.

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

    Reply
  9. Nan says

    October 28, 2010 at 3:47 pm

    If it were me, and I had to make a choice, I'd choose the iris garden. But along with others, I'm not sure why you can't have all the plants in that one garden.

    Reply
  10. greggo says

    October 29, 2010 at 2:36 am

    The perennial gardens. period. and I bet you plan to plant all the above….

    Reply
  11. Anonymous says

    October 29, 2010 at 5:05 am

    East Garden – morning light – bright and happy daisies and dayily.

    West Garden – warm afternoon light – Rubeckia and crew. Just my humble opinion. Autumn color looks great in the afternoon.

    Reply
  12. Martianne says

    October 29, 2010 at 5:58 am

    I am honoring you with an award at http://traininghappyhearts.blogspot.com/2010/10/7-quick-takes-and-another-honor.html

    Reply
  13. Carol Michel says

    October 29, 2010 at 11:37 am

    All, Fascinating guesses as to what I chose. Sorry, I did not have time to post the answer last night. Keep guessing. I'll post my choice and why in a day or two!

    Reply
  14. Commonweeder says

    October 29, 2010 at 12:49 pm

    From my own perspective I understand separate borders for separate seasons, and I imagine the East for Spring and the West for Summer and Fall. But I know you will surprise us with a wonderful name, no matter which way you choose.

    Reply
  15. Cat says

    October 29, 2010 at 5:26 pm

    I'm with the above who say all in one – why not!?! Happy, happy flowers all spring, summer and fall! Whatever you decide will be lovely 😉

    Reply
  16. Garden Sense says

    October 29, 2010 at 7:42 pm

    In this case, I don't see why you can't have it all. If you do choose to focus on one season in this border, you can balance it with different seasonal interest in other areas of the garden. I want something pretty going on all season long. I'll be holding my breath to find out….

    Reply

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