Sunday, November 2, 2014

thinking ahead...garden solutions 2015



When we finished the deck last month we were left with a gap between the house and the deck.  We left a space because we have a window well there and we did not want to cover it up.










There are several design dilemmas when looking at this space.  The first is the drop off when walking out the door.  Though the drop is only about 10 inches I want to place a planter there for safety and visual interest.  The container will not only act as a boundary but will be a great location for kitchen herbs.


The next dilemma is what to plant here.  Being a gardener who lives on a city plot I don't want to waste any space.  Looking at this little area we have about 3 feet between the deck and the house.  Here are the options I thought would work for the space....

1.   Climbing roses (first choice)
2.   Tall perennials...this could be a fun mosaic of wild in a contained area
3.   Flowering shrubs
4.   My tomato plants...which don't do anything for winter interest



Here is where we are now...



This is where I could take it with a trellis to create height against the house...


There will be some space left under the window for plantings if I go ahead with the trellis.

Jennifer from Three Dogs in a Garden wrote about Rosa "Jasmina" which I thought would make a nice specimen.  I like that it is disease resistant while also having great size and form.


Rosa 'Jasmina': A climbing rose with long-lasting pastel pink roses that deepen to mauve in the centre.  This rose has disease resistant foliage and can reach a height of around 8'.


This winter I hope to target most of the areas in my garden to give myself a head start before spring. 
 What would you vote to plant in this little space???

Happy Making, Baking, and Growing Friends!!!
Here is to a wonderful November!


50 comments:

  1. A little space with endless possibilities. I love the idea of incorporating a trellis . . . but no matter what you design, I’m sure it’s going to be beautiful!

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  2. I think the roses would look wonderful... but the idea of a 'mosaic of wild' intrigues me too! And I love a good herb pot! I look forward to seeing whst you decide on! Have a happy week Nicole! xxx

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  3. Dear Nicole, if it would be me, of course, I would plant a climbing rose there! There is just one thing to consider, which direction is this side of your house facing? If it is facing North it may be to shady for a rose to grow properly, but with all other directions you should be fine, even though West and South are probably preferable in your climate
    I have read good reviews about 'Jasmina' and the blooms are very charming even though relatively small. I had this rose at one point in my garden and it wasn't doing well, because it didn't like my warm climate. I think it should be a really good rose in your area, though.
    I think putting a container directly by the side of the door and then planting 'Jasmina' and train her on a trellis would look very pretty. When you plant some perennials under the window to the left side of the rose it would visually balance everything out nicely. Can't wait to hear what your planting decision will be! Warm regards,
    Christina

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    1. Hey you!! It is west facing....any other recommendations for climbing roses?

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  4. I like that Rosa Jasmina. I love the look of climbing roses.

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  5. I like the herb planter just by the door, you could just reach out and grab a handful of what you need! I like the climbing roses idea, it's should be fine if it's west facing. I want to get hold of some evergreen clematis for my garden, with some interest in the winter as well as spring/summer flowers. Oh and you've got space to throw some bulbs in there too I reckon!! xx

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  6. Roses and wisteria are lovely, or maybe a climbing hydrangea which will cope with shade. But what I would definitely try and do is get some evergreen there, something slow growing that could be nicely clipped. Of course, I have lots of fancy ideas that don't quite pan out. Whatever you choose I shall look forward to seeing it all. Herbs by the door is a great idea - I just had to brave the pouring rain to get some from the end of the garden. CJ xx

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  7. Yes, I also should plant a climbing rose. West facing is excellent for roses, Pink roses like the already mentioned ´Jasmina´ look beautiful, but also a red rose against the grey wall or an orange one can look beautiful. Some examples of international strong roses suitable for your climate are : 'Pink Cloud', 'Westerland', 'Paul's Scarlet'' , 'Sympathie'.
    Wish you a nice week and much pleasure with thinking about your new garden plans. We are looking forward to see your new plantings next year.
    Janneke

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  8. Zephirine Drouhin is the most AMAZING rose I've ever grown. Google it and see if it would be suitable for your climate zone. If it is, you will LOVE it!

    The deck looks great!

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  9. I do like the idea of roses. It might be hard to do clean up with perennials but that would be pretty, too. I think I might consider a window box under that window and maybe even a set of shutters on that one to dress that area up? It is going to be great once it is established and you have such a great green thumb! xo Diana

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  10. So many ideas, love the idea of a climbing rose, though again, you don't have the winter interest. One of my favourite roses is Mutabilis, it flowers almost continuously and changes colour as the bloom ages. Luckily you have long months to plan and ponder.

    http://www.finegardening.com/rosa-chinensis-mutabilis

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  11. You could intertwine a purple clematis in with the pink rose - there are so many options, I am sure that you will make the right decision for your climate and aspect. Good luck with the planning.

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  12. I have a climbing rose but it has no perfume so make sure you get one that smells wonderful.
    Merle.............

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  13. You probably already know my vote Nic would be pink roses xxx

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  14. Hard to go wrong with climbing roses. Another couple of varieties to consider would be 'Clair Matin" and 'Sally Holmes', Sally is more of a shrub rose, but can be trained as a climber. If you turned against roses, you could try Trumpet Honeysuckle. Not fragrant, but good for attracting hummingbirds.

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  15. I love the roses on the trellis, also love the herb garden too

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  16. ooooo great ideas! Like everyone else the roses have my vote - pretty, long lasting and great for the space! looking forward to seeing what you decide and do!

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  17. Wow, your deck looks great! I love your ideas, a herb pot would be so close and handy. And as anyone walks by and brushes against it , it will smell so fragrant and spicy!!! I love roses, we have had a Joseph's Coat, it might be a rambler- ???? It is so pretty as the blossoms change colour as they mature, from yellows, reds, oranges and corals. Has a lovely light fragrance too. So many plants to think about and choose from!!

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  18. I vote for a window box to help break up the space.

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  19. Firstly your garden looks amazing. I would plant my favourite shrub called Arbutus or also known has a strawberry bush. Year round interest colour, flowers and edible berries. I have never tasted one I must say x

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  20. Wonderful ideas. My favorite idea would also be the climbing rose!
    Have a nice week my friend!
    Helga ♥

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  21. As long as you have the sun, that rose would be stunning. And I like the idea of a big planter to warn of the drop off..the sky is the limit for planting with small shrubs, grasses etc. Isn't it great to plan. I will be out reassessing all my beds now that we have them cut down...the ideas are spinning.

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  22. Roses climbing a trellis sounds about perfect to me. It will look gorgeous against your beautiful home.
    Hugs,
    Meredtih

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  23. I would mix a climbing rose and a clematis in complimentary colors - I am doing something similar in my garden. I wouldn't put the rose in a pot - I think it gets too cold there for that. And you are going to need a much sturdier trellis that is either secured to the house or deep underground. Eventually, your rose will be very heavy and you don't want the trellis to tilt. Or fall over and break the rose. You are just asking for a good cry down the road if you don't have the right trellis.

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    1. That one was just there for my morning glories... I'm actually researching on how to get a large one and secure it to the house! Another project! Hope u post soon....miss ya!

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    2. Now that is a fine trellis for morning glories! I think I overlooked your sketch of the roses on the trellis and didn't realize it covered the entire space! Don't let anyone talk you out of the rose. I know you'll find a good one. Not sure when I'll get back to my own blog.

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  24. A space for some herbs and a climbing rose would certainly be lovely to look at and a great backdrop for whatever else you might decide on next year! xx

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  25. FABULOUS - what about a small wrought iron piece where you walk out that would also serve your roses well? I know I would end up IN the dirt there - the little planter box is a great idea, as well...I have no doubt YOU will come up with the PERFECT RIGHT SOLUTION! XOXO

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  26. I have a gorgeous rambling rose called Raubritter from David Austen Roses UK who ship worldwide. It grows fast and the flowers are in groups and look like little tissue paper balls when they are perfect. I think you should go for a rose too. Jo xxx

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  27. oh the climbing roses sound wonderful. i think that was what my mom had in her garden. i am looking forward to starting our own garden next year but i'm so nervous that it won't turn out well. but it's exciting to think to grow some of our own food.

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  28. The climbing roses, hands down, girlie! The Rosa Jasmina looks and sounds like it would be amazing! I love how you plan everything out for your garden. I just plant and see what happens....argh! ;) xoxoxo Jen

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  29. I always enjoy seeing the progress of your garden Nicole! It's awesome how you express your creativity through your outdoor space and it's very obvious it's an absolute labor of love for you. Have a lovely week dear friend!

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  30. You are so on top of it, no wonder your garden is so beautiful! I should be more like you! I love the ones you pictured, they look very pretty! I also love the idea of an herb planter box right by the door, that would be perfect!

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  31. Climbing roses will be wonderful in that spot! What a great idea.

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  32. I would plant something fragrant. I like the idea of a rose but they need good air circulation in humid environments to combat disease. I'm not familiar with how muggy your summers are but that's something to consider. I would also make sure it's thornless so no one is impaled as they walk by.

    Here's another idea: whatever you plant is going to grow away from the wall towards the sun. So what about grasses and then add some cool metal art to the wall above them? You could even add a birdhouse on a tall metal pole. The grasses will soften the edge of deck while also growing vertically and are tougher than dirt so you don't have to baby them. Dwarf miscanthus or fountain grass would be pretty there.

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    1. I do like that idea lady......the space is just so awkward...I do feel that like you said it would be cool to plant right up to the deck so it softens the edge. I may be taking this in a whole different direction now because some unification there would be wonderful and grasses would be pretty in winter too. I was out there looking at the space today and it needs fullness all the way down....would you ever do a clematis as a backdrop on a large trellis behind the grasses???

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    2. I wouldn't because there'd be too much root competition and there wouldn't be space if you put up a piece of art on the wall. But you could always grow an annual vine out of the container with something sprawling, like a Wave petunia, in front of it. You could grow it up a cheap little trellis in the pot since annual vines are usually fairly light. Or you could grow something like a Dutchman's Pipevine and train it over your sliding door and across the top. It has big heart shaped leaves and supports Pipevine Swallowtails. It could access the cool soil under the deck for growth.

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    3. Or you could grow Sweet Clematis 'Summer Love' over the door area. It's colorful and fragrant. Actually, I like that idea better than the Dutchman's Pipe since it can become really big.

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  33. It's going to look awesome when you finish!
    Hugs my sweet blogging sister,
    Beth P

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    1. I really like Casa Mariposa's suggestion, too! I'm not familiar with that variety of roses but they do look lovely. The grasses would be dramatic into the winter months, especially with some added structural elements. I'm an herb fan so I'd encourage you to plant some in front, too. Thyme, chives, parsley, mint, cilantro, tarragon, oregano, and lemon balm all do pretty well in shade. You might add a little gravel to help with drainage and keep the mint in a pot. It will take over!!! Having your herbs right out your kitchen door is a luxury! Mine did so well this summer that I've been able to dry some. Your backyard is coming along so nicely!! Your great planning is paying off!! Enjoy your week!

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  34. Your deck looks lovely. I think the roses or shrubs would be best. If you plant any veggies be sure that the house was not treated for termites. That stuff can stay in the ground along time and will effect your veggie plants.

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  35. I love the pastel pink roses, I think they would look lovely!

    www.writingmonique.com

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  36. I love the rose, I'm on the hunt for climbing roses myself. Perhaps you could intertwine it with an evergreen climber for winter interest. It is warm enough here for me to try evergreen honeysuckle but maybe too cold where you are.

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  37. I love how your deck turned out, Nicole! I think your ideas for an herb planter and the roses are wonderful! Perhaps some rounded boxwood shrubs between the house and deck would give it an English Garden vibe and be nice year round. Maybe with a little statue tucked in, but I am sure whatever you decide on will be just perfect! Hugs xo Karen

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  38. Ciao! Mi piace il tuo blog e comincerò a seguirlo da subito! Mi piace molto la tua terrazza in legno! Complimenti per il lavoro e per i progetti futuri :)

    Un saluto :)

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  39. Hi Nicole,

    My choice would be the pretty roses growing up a trellis. I have just planted a Cecil Brunner which has the sweetest pale pink rosebuds with a pretty fragrance. Good luck with sorting out your planting and know it will look great. Also many thanks for the kind note you left me, appreciate this very much.
    Happy weekend
    hugs
    Carolyn

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  40. Seem like you have lots of suggestions to work with. I like the idea of the herbs by the door. I'd make the container a bit higher if possible though. I am a girl who loves symmetry, so I'd do the same on the other side of the deck if possible. I like the idea of roses or a clematis ( a short clematis might work better on the existing support). But I wouldn't do all perennials or veggies. I'd go for year round interest and have a few neat evergreen shrubs like boxwood. Then for color, I'd maybe a 'Little Lime' hydrangea or and a few perennials or annuals with height. ( maybe a blue Agastache?)

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  41. Great ideas, Nicole! I've always admired espaliered fruit trees, maybe some sort of pear?

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