Pamela Phipps

I have been working down my list of desires and to-dos.  Today, I didn’t join the throngs of merry-makers at various events.  And I got quite a bit done.

I had planted a Rhamnus ‘Fineline’ a few years ago.  Seeing over time that it just didn’t belong there, but not quite sure where it DID belong, it happily continued to thrive and grow.  It is a deciduous shrub so I knew I was safe in moving it now-late October.  And it was time.

You can see by these pictures what I mean.

And I decided to move it here.

So I dug a decent-size hole pretty much where I thought it should go, but planned on adjusting the placement once I got the shrub in place.  I had that option because it was not that big nor that heavy to lift.

Digging out the Rhamnus wasn’t so simple.  Its roots had intertwined  with perennials and it was very close to the house.  After carefully pulling out the perennials as best I could, I had some room to move and start digging.  I hadn’t bothered to get a long spade but had two shovels.  And by digging in with one and then turning the other upside down below it I had some nice leverage.  Way to go, Pamela!  I don’t have the weight nor the muscle of the guys so tricks are important.    Eventually I got it all dug up and was able to carry it over to its new spot.  It will sit there tonight and I’ll finish tomorrow. 

Once I have that taken care of, I can move on to the next project.  See how much better it looks?

Persicaria ‘Firetail’ is a shade-tolerant perennial that I adore! Wispy spikes of dark pink, especially in a large clump such as this, are remarkable for many reasons. But especially because this beauty has been blooming for six weeks and is still fresh-looking. Plant it up close where you can see through it. Seems to last longer when planted in mostly shade and when it is kept well-watered. Enjoy. Because You Can Grow That!

While shopping, if I happen upon something quite striking or unusual for the garden, I often buy it.  I may not know where it will end up being planted.  But I know that good plants don’t go unnoticed, so buy them when you can, right?

So I scooped up the entire group, maybe 2 dozen plants, which costs quite a bit.  But I then used them, mostly, in one client’s gardens–both at their home and at their place of business.

And kept a few to try for myself.  The ones in the ground didn’t look like they were performing that well.  And being petunias, these were not labeled as “self-cleaning” and were looking pretty unsightly. But lo and behold, after settling in and given a chance, they were worth the chance. And even more attractive used in a pot.

This is a Ball Flora Plant: Cha-ching Cherry.  As I was moving around with this plant in hand—another customer said she had seen this newcomer in a floral magazine article.  So–what do you think?  Wasn’t this worth the chance?

One chance at a time!  Happy Fourth of July!!