Pamela Phipps

Y C G T July 4, 2012

The subject is adaptability. To the degree that we choose to adapt might make a huge difference in our feelings and responses about so many things in life. Especially in our gardens and on our properties. And with that adapting we might find some peace.

So, I have a smallish piece of land. And like many people I choose to hang out in the backyard area. I don’t as yet have a veggie garden space. And I live alone so I figure how much can I eat? This year I decided to try growing some tomatoes, squash, eggplant, beans and such but I put them in BIG black pots; you know the ones I mean. Not too attractive but servicable. And I already had some bamboo stakes so I threw them in with the tomatoes for support.

Well, the best sun in the backyard meant I always had to LOOK at these things. And somehow it didn’t add to my “peace”. Here’s where the adapting comes in. There’s a very nice spot in the Front yard–facing the street–along the driveway—-and I would only see them there on a regular basis when I drove in. Or out. So that’s where all those pots have been moved to. And eventually,I will have a real veggie plot in just that spot. In the front yard, alongside the lovely flower gardens!

Having stripped the front porch off my house, I was then given the wonderful opportunity to create a new front garden.  First I decided on and laid out  a fieldstone walk.  And then I was challenged by the reality that much of the garden, against the north side of my property, would have to be planted as a “shade” garden,  Ughh!  And the other side of the walk is full sun.

  I began with the bones or larger elements.  But in the process, knowing I also needed smaller edging plants, I found Acaena saccaticupula, or New Zealand Bur ‘Blue Haze’. A lovely blue-gray charmer, supposedly evergreen, with pinnate leaves.  (I don’t know what “pinnate” means, but the leaves are petite, sharply edged, very interesting.  I’ll look it up.) And the tag said Sun to Part Shade!   I planted three along the walk several weeks ago and today I bought more because they just go so beautifully with the blue-gray in the stones.  And I placed them along the part-shade side.  Now we’ll see how they hold up.  I’ll let you know my progress!