This is my front yard garden now, September 2nd. Its about to move into Autumn flowering season.
Take a good look at this little slice, maybe four feet long by 30 inches deep. Allow me to list all the plants I have in this one area:
Coreposis (2), Garden Yarrow (2), Field Yarrow (many), Geranium (1), Sedum (2), Alliums (many), Asiatic lily (5), Heuchera (1), Rose (1), Milkweed (1), Gaura (1), Asters (3), Perennial Sunflower (many in a bunch), Chrysanthemum (2 and spreading!), daylily (1), Salvia (1), Purple Coneflower (1), Martagon Lily (1), primrose (many). I think that's it. But of course, there's the spring bulbs like Crocus, Tulips, and Narcissus.
Coreposis (2), Garden Yarrow (2), Field Yarrow (many), Geranium (1), Sedum (2), Alliums (many), Asiatic lily (5), Heuchera (1), Rose (1), Milkweed (1), Gaura (1), Asters (3), Perennial Sunflower (many in a bunch), Chrysanthemum (2 and spreading!), daylily (1), Salvia (1), Purple Coneflower (1), Martagon Lily (1), primrose (many). I think that's it. But of course, there's the spring bulbs like Crocus, Tulips, and Narcissus.
It's not much better over here in the late day shade part. Here we have maybe 7 feet long by 30 inches deep.
Asters (at least 3), Eupatorium (2 spreading masses), Garden Yarrow(2), Fiels Yarrow (many), Russian Sage (2), Sedum (1), Goldenrod (1 bunch), Fern (1), Spirea (1), Aconitum (1), Gaura (1), Lavender (1), Allium (several), Climbing rose (1), Honeysuckle (1), Clematis (1), Pinks (1), Martagon Lily (3), and Boston Ivy which I did not plant plus all the spring bulbs.
Every plant in my garden is vying for space, light, water, nutrients. With so many plants so close, the floral display is great when the plants are healthy. But I'm becoming more and more aware of stress and decline in the garden. I'm seeing more and more the need to pick and choose, to limit the multiplicity for the sake of the growth and health of the entire garden.
Here's the thing: I'm wondering if this overcrowding of the garden is an outward expression of the way I have been living my life. Specifically, have I filled my life with so many activities that none can fully develop, grow into healthy, full accomplishments? Should I pull things to make more room? To be seen, to be seen.
What does your garden tell you about yourself?
Asters (at least 3), Eupatorium (2 spreading masses), Garden Yarrow(2), Fiels Yarrow (many), Russian Sage (2), Sedum (1), Goldenrod (1 bunch), Fern (1), Spirea (1), Aconitum (1), Gaura (1), Lavender (1), Allium (several), Climbing rose (1), Honeysuckle (1), Clematis (1), Pinks (1), Martagon Lily (3), and Boston Ivy which I did not plant plus all the spring bulbs.
Every plant in my garden is vying for space, light, water, nutrients. With so many plants so close, the floral display is great when the plants are healthy. But I'm becoming more and more aware of stress and decline in the garden. I'm seeing more and more the need to pick and choose, to limit the multiplicity for the sake of the growth and health of the entire garden.
Here's the thing: I'm wondering if this overcrowding of the garden is an outward expression of the way I have been living my life. Specifically, have I filled my life with so many activities that none can fully develop, grow into healthy, full accomplishments? Should I pull things to make more room? To be seen, to be seen.
What does your garden tell you about yourself?