Yeah, sure, but where are you gonna put it?

If I can get up the energy I just might take out that contorted hazelnut tree that is next to the table. There is just enough room there to squeeze in another table, probably constructed the same way.

Connie that is beautiful. I never thought about using Calluna in my raised beds. Now I need you to help me find some at the upcoming fall plant sale in Rickreal.

Lynn, are you going to make it to the sale?

This cultivar of Calluna is pretty common. I have seen it over multiple years at Garland Nursery. There is a reason "Flame" is in its name!

I sure will make it Connie. Are you going to be there? If so is there anything I can bring you?

Yes, I'll be there. I can't think of anything offhand my place is so full! But we still have a couple of weeks to think about it .

Thought I would sneak in an update here. It's been awhile!

I took these photos late this afternoon.


Crystal Pink is blooming.


Calluna Wickwar Flame and Ruby Mantle.


Closeup of the center area.





View from the back side.


This table garden is now four years old.

Wow, it just gets better as time goes by. That is beautiful Connie. What is the large leaved shrub/tree in the last photo? I don't remember.
Every plant is interesting and eye catching. It is like a treasure box.

Looks like Spring is more the Table's season. Has the dry weather taken its toll on the Table?

Lynn, that is a tree (I think) that is used in bonsai that I got at Wee Tree in Garland Nursery. It was identified on ATP as Premna microphylla but is often referred to as Premna japonica, a synonym. To me the leaves look different on the two Premnas but you know how the taxonomists are in recent days (clump many together).

Bev, almost everything looks better in spring! I didn't do any grooming before taking the pictures so you will see dead flower stalks etc. The table fared well in the hot spells. I kept it watered well. At one point early on the Premna and the Styrx tree on the other end wilted (scary moment for me). That is when I knew I would need to water deeper and more often.

I think your table garden has matured beautifully! Its hard to believe it has already been 4 years!

Autumn has come to the table garden.


Something funny going on here...


Lots of color in the absence of flowers.

Color Galore! Looks like that one top shrub and its branches is making a statement of Fall! Love that the rollers stayed compact, unlike the dragon necks...
And...what is happening on that table edge? Was there more soil?...that slid off...or taken off?

Connie it is beautiful in all seasons, but I just love the fall color show.

Bev, no soil loss! Of course in the beginning the soil came to the edge and there was loss. But after four years it is stabilized and you can see that the moss helps a lot! One really wants to have some wood showing around the edge to show that it really is a table. At one time I thought of adding more soil but I like the look as it is.

On the back side there is some "hangage" of plants over the edge, covering the wood. I wonder how long I can get it to grow over the edge...

You're right. Need to show that it IS a table!

Wow! This is the first time that I'm seeing this post and I'm VERY impressed! This isn't just a great idea, it's also really great for people who need to sit while gardening, and those who are confined to wheelchairs.

Dave created a new Ideas Forum recently. If you haven't already posted an article about this, I hope you'll consider posting one there. I've read multiple posts from people asking for recommendations that work for wheelchair gardeners and this is just perfect. Hope you'll do it, or that you've done it!

Ideas Forum: https://garden.org/forums/view...

Connie- how is your Leather Leaf Powder Puff? I have some in my garden. It seems perfect for table top gardening. Mine blooms heavily. It is located in gravel by a rock walkway in mostly shade. Survives with little summer watering.

Hee hee... I had to look up that common name (Globularia cordifolia). It has been one of my best plants for the table. It spreads at a good moderate rate and I have shared out some of it lest it take over. It does do well with little water, it would be a goner by now otherwise.

Photo just taken in sunlight.


Premna in sunlight today.


Delosperma nubigenum, sempervivum 'Topaz' in the middle of it.


Dianthus 'Tiny Rubies' hanging off the back of the table. This started as small plug yanked out of my flower garden.


Sempervivum 'Clarchen' fighting it out with the moss.


A shot of Sedum 'Cape Blanco'. It planted itself under the Premna.