On the time moving quickly front, I’ve got plans up my sleeve that I’d love to implement this season. For me it’s a matter of sorting out priorities, then figuring out which thing gets done first. I generally find if I just can get the ball rolling–a start anywhere philosophy–things can happen. Discovery is in the process right? Or does this fall into the 6 Ps category. Proper planning prevents piss-poor performance. Can I go with a little of both? That’s a thing, right?
As much as I love the work of the many great designers around these parts, I also like my own amateur hour (and hours) thrown in–a labor or love. Not to mention, tell Jabba I don’t have the money with me.
This year I plan to define borders in the back garden. I keep saying that I want straight lines for a more contemporary look. And yet…
This first photo shows the path from the “staging area” with the south-facing Hot Bed to the left. Foreground spiky guy is the infamous Yucca whipplei, just biding its time to stab me. Also showing is Genista aetnenis and Hesperaloe parviflora.
![The east entrance to the back garden. Pots & gardening just out of sight.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01144926/IMG_0976.jpg)
The first year, when I had sod removed, I asked the contractor to square off the corners. And then as soon as I saw the first one, it seemed wrong. So I took it back right away, and asked them curve the corners instead. Oh ye, of little faith!
![I'm going to walk you around the perimeter. Not brilliant photography, but hope you'll forgive me.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01144924/IMG_0977.jpg)
And then I made a giant horseshoe–inspiration via free mulch from a neighbor last fall. That fountainy spiky guy is Nolina ‘La Siberica’. I LOVE that plant. There are several planted at Cistus Nursery. I should probably get at least 2 more–and so should you.
![Here we're approaching that first corner where I "tested" square.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01144924/IMG_0978.jpg)
A wider shot. Peter Herpst aka Outlaw Gardener, made suggestions for this back corner way back in spring when we had a blogger plant exchange. I’m still thinking about it. Though in my defense, I have added a few plants there since. A Stewartia gemmata, Elaeagnus x ebbingei ‘Gilt Edge’, and an Azara microphylla.
At the time, Peter suggested I move the Fatsias japonica eastward, and it sounded like a brilliant idea–and also hard. Thus I have not.
![When we moved in, there was a red shed in that back corner.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01144923/IMG_0979.jpg)
And then the back-fence straights, on the south side (shown in the picture atop this post during the past summer season.)
![There's a 70' stretch across the back fence.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01144922/IMG_0980.jpg)
A little detour here, because I plan to pull the tropicals out of the back garden and put them in a new round or rectangular bed. Another case where I say rectangular, but you can clearly see the shape of my test area.
![Remember last fall when I started this mulch instead of sod strip project? It doesn't look rectangular does it?](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01144922/IMG_0981.jpg)
Maybe it’s like paint, wherein I never like the first couple patches. I need to paint a whole wall to see if I like it. And often, then live with it for a couple weeks–maybe even months–before I decide.
- Maybe I can tell what I want with a few swatches.
- The whole wall was yellow for months, so I could consider the color.
- Who am I trying to kid. Must paint entire wall before I’ll know.
My point is, it may be that I need to implement more than one corner of the garden before I decide. Yes?
Continuing the perimeter journey.
![The southwest corner. Hope I don't determine we need to move the cement bog...](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01144917/IMG_0982.jpg)
Almost all the way around.
![There's the apple tree, needing a good hair again this year. Maintenance!](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01144913/IMG_0983.jpg)
And back to the house and patio.
![Pumpkin taking a break from digging holes in the garden.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01144913/IMG_0984.jpg)
Back of the house is south-facing, and home of the Hot Bed.
![Hot Bed on the south-facing side of the house.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01144912/IMG_0989.jpg)
The other big thing, pathways. I need them on either side of the house. I’m tired of walking through the grass–and trying to maneuver a wheel barrow across it. And you know who has pathway and edging I really admire, yep, Ms. Divine Danger Garden Herownselves. Something like that is what I have in mind, because I’m an original thinker and all. Hey, I know a good idea when I see it, and I’m not above stealing borrowing it.
![See, neat edges and fab looking pathway.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01144916/IMG_9434.jpg)
Our house is between two other yards that mold into ours. So I suppose I need talk with the neighbors. I know what I can do whatever I want on our side–and maybe that’s good enough. But I might influence them to follow suit. It’d be great to treat all as a continuous garden theme.
The giant hydrangea is in my neighbors yard. We have big lots for the city, but the space between the houses is kinda tight.
![Our side stoop & temporary pavers to get an idea.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01144914/IMG_2113.jpg)
My former neighbors Janet and John Savage let me garden between our houses, and they can vouch for me. Boy, do I miss them, and not just because I could plant whatever I wanted in their yard!
![Me and pal Janet, with John just behind the door frame.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01144915/IMG_1856.jpg)
I watched as Janet painted this picture in her backyard, and now I have a giclée version of my very own.
![Painting by Janet Savage, Portland OR](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01144914/IMG_0245.jpg)
I’d love to hear your ideas–on my plans and yours.
Cheers
UPDATE. I’m adding a couple pictures of the side yards where I’m contemplating a 2X2 paver path. Such a tight fit between our house and our neighbors’.
![Side yard to the east--that's a bed of Iris alongside the house. Probably on it's way out.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01144912/IMG_1045.jpg)
And the yard to west. At it’s narrowest point, our share is about 4′. The fence behind the Magnolia macrophylla var. ashei is 6′ plus the gate.
![Yard to the west side. Not much going on there.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01144911/IMG_1042.jpg)
See, tight. So straight paths are going in here!
Thanks for your thoughtful comments.