Since I am planting out a new bed (joined two beds, one kidney and one arc three fee away) to make a larger kidney shape about 30' on the upper arc and 18' wide, what to put where has been driving me nuts. I am plagued by weeds, esp chickweed, so determined that first I would allow a little more room between things like dahlias and lilies so I can use my weed shuffler to get to the weeds early. I decided to put iris in the back as it blooms early, then lilies in the next arc forward which will bloom at all diff times. I put in a few bushes at each end and a small squat spruce at the apex in the back. I dug up ferns, columbine, astilbe to sort of plump out that section so it isn't totally regimented. And they should provide lots of color and different texture. I have two peonies there, Lemon Chiffon and Border Charm in front. All other peonies are in another bed. Final step is to put in edging (sedum and ajuga) in front and part way around sides. Oh, yes ajuga between the hydrangea and two nine bark. That leaves the middle open for my dahlias and poppies next spring. Again spaced so I can get in there to weed.
Part of the rationale for planting the lilies in one long arc was that when I dug them all up from all over the yards I lost track of who was who. I know that the yellow ones are one kind, the pinkish another, then the plain white. I only planted the larger bulbs in this bed, but will be taking the ones down to 3/4" in diameter and planting them in a spot elsewhere just to identify them to assure I don't throw out something I want to keep.
Finally spray with Planskyyd to repel moose and erect moose fence. Then it is time for hot chocolate and tylenol.
Rototilled 3.5yrds of dirt, then mulch then raked before even starting the planting. Not to mention hauling large brick. Yup. The occasional glass of wine might even sneak in there. Hope it looks good next year or I am paving it over.
