The Sun Garden; Then and Now

The summer has been kind to my new garden. Plenty of sun, rich soil, ample organic fertilizer and plenty of watering has led to an abundance of growth and blooms. I knew when I adopted this plot that I wanted to break away from my usual tidy, must-be-in-order garden look and create something that was wild, colorful and impossibly thick with plants. I like things in order and this was my chance chance to try a new garden style. It is safe to say, mission accomplished!

Several times a week I venture to the gardens to weed, take photos and check on the other garden plots. It is not unusual for me to collect a least two large yard waste bags (2x3 feet) of cuttings and excessive growth (and a few weeds) from this garden alone. I whack away at the Lantana, Russian sage, zinnias, butterfly bushes and other plants. The garden is lush, there is no doubt about that!

My new garden, very early in the season. Do I see soil? Hard to see any soil these days.

Mulched and filling in nicely. Still early in the season- iris still blooming.

Now we have crazy wild!!

I love the way the garden spills out on the walk softening the line between garden and hard surface. And the height is great; seeing flowers closely without having to stoop so far down is a nice feature. I do have some weak spots, and more solid height in the back of the garden is in order. Perhaps a flowering/berry shrub is in order. The butterfly bushes are a hit with the moths and butterflies, but they lack the solid form the garden craves.  The next few months will be spent studying the final product, taking notes and hatching plans for an even better garden next year.