Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Ever Red


My first Japanese maple: Acer Palmatum Dissectum 'Ever Red' was purchased in 1990 and grown in a pot for the first 10 years or so. Unfortunately even though it has now  been planted in the garden it has not grown much, however it does have the most wonderful Autumn display with the emerald green ivy in the background.

Ponderings


The opening we left in the decking when it was constructed 5 years ago has taken a diversion from its original concept of a pond.  
A gift of a  Xanthorrhoea to Rod for his birthday has inspired the creation of a garden featuring these very sculptural plants. 
The double header is Xanthorrhoea preissii Robusta (Preiss) from WA and the smaller  Xanthorrhoea  Johnsonii (Bill Johnson)  from QLD.


Xanthorrhoea's are slow growing and it is estimated that a meter of trunk takes between 70 and 100 years to grow.  Protected plants, they come with certification that they have been sourced from areas that are being developed, so relocation is rightly or wrongly their future.  

 
River pebbles combine with contrasting black pebbles that wind through in a vein of black, terminating in a small pool.


                            The inclusion of LED lights make this garden a real highlight at night.  We are extremely happy with the result and are crossing fingers, toes and everything in between that these very special plants survive in their new surroundings.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

We Don't Always See When We Look

 On closer inspection of the berries that are produced on Viburnum Tinus they are a beautiful metallic blue
 Unfortunately the bushes are suffering from rust at the moment, due to weather conditions 
However the berries are a beautiful combination with hydrangeas that have turned green.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Paving the Way

Well here it is the finished project


 bit by bit we are linking up the gravel paths.