GreenThumb Sunday

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I'm "borrowing" an idea from a blogger that I admire very much and nominating this "My Favorite Spot". I hope that she believes, as I do, that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

This is the shadiest spot in my yard. It sits under my neighbor's magnificent maple tree which creates dense shade except for a few brief hours very early in the morning. I've been trying various plants for years looking for something, anything that will grow here. After much trial and error, I have finally figured out my mistake. I have been trying to grow flowers here. Except for the liatris, no self-respecting flower will deign to take root. But foliage plants do wonderfully.

So I'm throwing in the trowel and seeing beauty in the shapes and textures of the leaves. I have transplanted all of the liatris to either side of the birdbath. Behind the liatris are ferns that will eventually grow tall enough to hide the ugly fence. They are all different colors and shapes. In front of the birdbath are the non-blooming hellebores which make an attractive groundcover. The hosta, originally from Rutgers Gardens, provides a nice splash of color and will eventually be joined by other, different hostas. The liatris next to it was moved to the other side to make room for English iris which is reputed to grow well in shade, my last shot at growing flowers in that area. The German iris was dug up and given away to two new gardeners who were looking for plants.

I like the way that the birdbath is slowing disappearing into the lush foliage. Its hard edges are softened by the hellebores. Its weightiness is lightened by the airy foliage of the liatris. The ferns will provide a rococo frame for the entire scene.

Now, if only those darned hellebores would bloom!

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