This worked really well to me. The terra cotta color and gray tones set off the green in a nice way. Going vertical in a narrow space works too. Wonder what the name of that iris is?

Thanks Donald! I can find out, CA Sue figured out its id because it is a distinctive one!
If you'd like any let me know because I have it ready to divide

This is your place? I thought you only had a mat of semps . This is nice. Thanks for the offer, but I'm currently not adding any bearded iris to the area. I would be interested to know the name of this one, though. I thought of COPPER CYMBAL or maybe ARIZONA SANDSTONE. They are distinctive colors and I don't think either one is very common

and bowls and troughs of semps!
cool Greg!
you could have a wall of semps!
Is that a Ginkgo I spy?

dirtdorphins said:
Is that a Ginkgo I spy?

Sure looks like Ginkgo leaves!

Hello all yes good eye - a ginko tree!!
Donald this is a little green area that I took over - it was weeds before I did my thing! It borders the building parking lot, which is the blacktop you see in the photo!
The Iris in the picture is Safari Sunset
and it is a lovely one!
:tiphat:

That's certainly a lovely thing you did there to a neglected area between the building and the parking lot Greg!
In case all the area inhabitants don't properly admire your efforts and say thank you enough...

Thank you Dirt yes people are appreciative, and the building management gives me basically free reign, which is great!!!

That's a good job, Greg. It probably helps that you're in Seattle, but those are still difficult spots to manage plant-wise. Usually they get standard commercial treatment. Nothing wrong with those, but they generally don't have the home garden feel to them that this gives. It's very relaxed and inviting. I just hope I can remember that I like that terra cotta/gray combo. It really works for me. Earth tones? I guess gray would go there, but it's not what usually comes to mind.