I decided 2 of my containers needed a little something more:
This one was looking a little bare between those petunias:
[Before]
So I added a few Asparagus sprengeri.
[After]
Aah, much better.
I have no pictures to show for this one, but I also added another sedum to the succulent boat.
A Sedum acre 'Aureum', (Golden Carpet). It looks good. Trust me.
I also added Ipomea, petunias, and lobelia to the front flowerbeds, and portulaca to the back.
* * * * * * * * * *
As for our big additions, my husband had mentioned to me a couple of times that the top part of the slope above the garden needed a little . . . something. It has some big bushy lupines, a scattering of daisies, and the rest weedy grass.
So I got 4 big shrubs to put up there, all of them American Highbush Cranberry, or Viburnum trilobum. (Our first choice was staghorn sumac, but the ones at the nursery looked so ratty I just couldn't bring myself to buy them.)
Can you see how steep the slope is right here?
We dug them in deep and far, slipping and sliding all over the place, but it still looks like it's about to slide right on down the hill.
If they survive (this is sometimes called the Hill of Death, after all), they should grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. I don't know that I would let them get them that tall, but not to worry, they can pruned to control size and shape.
They are supposed to adapt well to a most soils, and bear edible berries in the fall--although not the same cranberries as are sold commercially, I found out. Not even the same species!
Deep red fall color, with red berries persisting over winter.
I'm not completely sold on eating the berries, but I'm hoping these shrubs will add some much-needed structure, color, and interest to that part of the slope.
If they survive.
I'm really trying not to get too attached at this stage in the game; I have learned by sad experience with this slope. I have been watering them, and I'm hoping the rain we had last night will do them a whole lot of good.