Tomorrow marks one year since Polly Kinsman died. I am constructing a bed in my front yard in memory of Polly, and of Vi Polmanteer. Will be using some plants already here, but I also went through Polly’s (and Vi’s) profile for her comments, favorites—any information I could find to guide the choices. I contacted several of our members, all of whom have been gracious in sharing their memories, and generous in offering plants that had particular meaning to Polly, or to her or his relationship with Polly.


Below is how the bed is structured to this point. Gradually moving border materials in place, and moving in-place Iris out. Once all the plants are out, I will finish the border, then fill with landscaper mix and such. Let it settle? marinate? mellow? before planting anything.

From February // From today



The volunteered plants include the following. Only listing on this thread the ones specifically for Polly. I have a separate list for Vi, and also a list that includes plants representing both women. Some may not survive a Texas summer, but I will do my best to tend them well. I know Polly had a deep love for Siberians; I have not tried growing one, and am hoping that this one will be the first of several…or many, depending on how successful I may be and/or how hard the ‘virus’ bites.

Forget-me-not (not sure of the specific plant)

Geranium Biokovo / Geranium Karmina


Phlox Minnie Pearl / Siberian White Amber



I already have Double Daffodil Tahiti, which was on one of Polly’s order lists in her blog, and a yellow no ID Spuria.



Ordered these Iris:
Bearded Who’s a Toff – Polly commented, “That is a beautiful grapey looking one. I'll be looking for that. It's my favorite color in irises.“


Spuria Highline Amethyst – She commented on Highline Coral, “I like all those Highline ones. Very pretty!” I am getting the Amethyst because that colorway fits better.
http://comancheacresiris.com/i...

I liked the name and the colorway...and I had a gift certificate for Stout.
Spuria Out of Dreams
http://www.stoutgardens.com/pr...


While practicality may rule out some suggestions, I would love to have additional ideas from folks who knew and were fond of Polly. And I know there are MANY of us, here.

What a wonderful tribute Debra - this will be beautiful

Debra.

You have a warm and beautiful heart Deb.

It's a wonderful thing you are doing in memory of plant loving friends. I hope that all of your choices survive in your climate.

How quickly time passes. What a wonderful tribute to those who helped make us what we are today!

I wonder if we shouldn't add a memorial /remembrance thread for all gardeners who pass our way.

PS I think you garden space will fill in very quickly! Good luck with all your selections.

Thank you, everyone.

I am looking forward to more suggestions as to what to include.

You might try Miracid mixed in the soil for Siberians. They like acidic soil. ours is 6.5 which seems to work.

Thank you, Lucy, I will do that.

She loved grasses too; beautiful grasses, and for a long time she sold them online as well.

I have a variegated Liriope I am planning to put in there, so that fits fairly well. Thank you.

Thank you Debra. That is such a wonderful thing to do. Missing Polly especially this time of year. still very sad.

I think she was the one that initially brought me over to ATP (from Cubits) to post pictures of my Gloriosas. Her passing hurt us all. I got my first different kind of iris from her.

A lovely remembrance. Thanks for sharing.

This iris which is the first pictured iris in the general iris database came from her.

Some of Polly's plants still grace my garden still bringing memories every time they bloom.

I have dwarf iris 'Pink Frosting' from Polly. It was the only pink that she grew which I didn't already grow.

Thank you, everyone.


Jack, what type Iris is that? I'm still new and learning recognition.


Lucy, I will add Pink Frosting to the bed, thank you.

Debra, the tag was lost early on and my map just says Iris, consequently, I don't know.

Okay, thank you.