Southern exposure in zone 10b. A strip of Society Garlic bordering the bed prevents bunny destruction. Paperwhites are interspersed with the Society Garlic as another repellant and will be visible in the late winter to early spring only.

The soil is heavily amended with degraded shavings and horse manure. The entire bed was dug under 2 feet this past winter (roses were temporarily pulled while work commenced) and equal amounts of shavings/manure were added and mixed with the native hard pan clay. The roses were returned and the a foot of composted shavings/manure were added to the top of the soil followed by 4 to 6 inches of tree grindings (all pulled away from the base of the roses). The soil work was completed in March and as of mid-June, the earthworms have incorporated 95% of the topdressing into the soil and we're down to bare dirt in spots. Another 8 to 10 inches of manure/shavings will be applied followed by an additional 4 inches of tree grindings next week. Tree grindings are used on top to discourage flies and any lingering aromas. All top dressing is pulled away from the bases of the plants to prevent rot.

By late May, most of the plants were in place. Although 4" potted starter plants were used (except the Society Garlic), they are starting to fill in. The Society Garlic was here before but divided into 3 bulb bunches and re-planted 5 to 6 inches apart. Daylilies were double fans when planted but are already sending up additional fans.

No standard fertilizers are used nor is any type of insecticide or herbicide.