This time I think I’ve learned enough over the years to get it right. I finally gave up on the garden on the hill this spring, pulling up all the plants that gave the voles cover and a 24-hour buffet. I have determined to put edging between the garden and the grass, to slow down its approach. Since I am overwhelmed with the lovely but excessively eager lamb’s ear in a different bed, I am transplanting some to either side of the steps down to the mailbox, and on the sides of the porch. I certainly won’t have to worry about weeds when that fills in! Which will be by next year!
I’m tearing out the azalea that are so sick they are growing lichen. Boo hoo, they are so pretty when they bloom, but the rest of the year they look pretty terrible. I’m going to give the rhodies a little more time to prove themselves, since they’re not as bad. The monster-plant I will chop nearly to the ground! If it dies, I won’t mourn it, but I don’t think I will have such luck. Next year, as it comes back cheerfully (some might say spitefully) I will try to shape it to my will! And I have chosen some evergreen bushes of various shapes, daffodil bulbs (voles don’t like them) and several perennial flowers to fill in the front. It’ll be a good start. Over the winter I’ll evaluate for color in the different seasons, but at least it will be attractive during the winter. I want only no-fuss plants out front, since I never go out there and usually forget about it. I’ll keep you posted, and I hope it gives you some good ideas about your own garden!