Fall Project 2015 Update In Fall 2016


Above, the state of it in February 2016

Below, the state of it now.  Whoa!  Aloidendron 'Hercules' has grown.

After eight-some months, a few project-area adjustments are needed.  The first Grevillea 'Superb' planted has grown vigorously and overwhelmed the surrounding Echeverias.
The plan is to remove the Dymondia surrounding Aloe 'Hercules' and place the overwhelmed Echeverias in that space.   
In addition, there are other small succulents that could use the space.  The nursery area has filled up with plants happy to be out of small, dry pots.  
July:
 October:
And must not forget, the Leucospermum-engulfed 'Ivory Curls' Agave needs a new place:
Small sections of Dymondia also require removal due to Fescue infestation--fescue that refused to grow when it had the space to itself.  Grrr!  
 It is too difficult to remove the grass tufts from dense-growing Dymondia, so I'll remove it all and replant with young, vigorous Dymondia that has invaded the beds here and there.

Dymondia replanting is best done during a stretch of cool, overcast weather, so that work will have to wait until we actually get a stretch of cool, overcast weather.  It is difficult to get Dymondia restarted during autumn heat without constant attention.

The tiny Maireana has grown.  
February:

October:
The other two 'Superb's, still somewhat chlorotic but full of flower buds, are slowly greening up thanks to chelated iron spray.

The first-planted, ebony-foliaged Lagerstroemia, bought July 2015, did great this year.  It's now nearly shoulder-high.

The second one, bought July 2016, may be in the wrong spot--I fear the nearby 'Superb' will overwhelm it.

The 'Joe Hoak's, and other succulents have grown.  I added the dwarf Leucophytums from a six-pack around June, because it seemed a little empty, and because I like Leucophytum.
Roses still need to be moved--hopefully in December.  That will open up space to move more small succulents out of pots and into the ground, where they are much happier.  
In general the area looks good and the Project still seems successful.  It is perhaps too orderly and spare in contrast to the other side of the driveway, which is currently in the state of autumnal overgrown-ness, but let's overlook that issue for now. 
 In wide shots, autumnal overgrown-ness looks decent.  

Well now!  This photo shows that from this viewpoint, the neighbor's roof is finally hidden.  Wheee!!  Took years and years. 
 So, that's what's going on here.   What's doing with your garden?

Comments

  1. The small blue-ish succulent rosettes look so nice all cozied up to each other now. Loving the ebony Lagerstroemia. I'm going to find one for my new Astoria garden, though the lack of heat may be a problem for bloom production. And I'm showing my Dymondia these pics to encourage it to fill in with the alacrity that yours have demonstrated (I'd love to be needing to take out sections due to robust growth!)

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    1. Astoria?

      The Lagerstroemia is awesome even without the brilliant crimson flowers. Any spots with reflected heat from paving? That would help.

      The blue-ish succulent is Echeveria 'Imbricata', easy and attractive.

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  2. My two cents: I'd bet that the smaller dark-leaved crape myrtle will get tall enough quickly enough not to be engulfed by the Grevillea; you've got enough to-do's in that area to keep you busy.

    :: Fescue infestation--fescue that refused to grow when it had the space to itself. Grrr! ::

    Maddening, isn't it? Coming more and more to see that plants are often the best mulch for other plants. Lists and demo plots of naturally interweaving desirable groundcovers suitable for specific regions and climates are critically needed.

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    1. You think? I hope so. The Grevillea will reach for the sun, and the tree is not in that direction.

      The Dymondia holds in moisture, which is something the fescue could not manage.

      Also I have been pondering how potted plants here suffer from drying out when the pot sits on concrete, even in a shady spot, while nestled among other plants, on damp ground, the same potted plant in the same pot can be very happy.

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  3. Wow, your plants are happy! 'Superb' also surprised me by growing beyond my expectations - and it's still stretching its boundaries. I can't claim that either my succulents or my Maireana are as robust as yours, however. Your post is a good reminder that I still need to try chelated iron spray on some of my Grevilleas - the soil sulfur I added seems to be making a difference, but slowly. I was at the Australian Native Plant Nursery on Saturday and noticed that one of their large Grevilleas (which appeared to be 'Peaches & Cream') had very yellow foliage - apparently, even the experts struggle with the problem with our SoCal soil.

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    1. They are happy--what did I do right? ;^) I want to spray the Grevilleas with iron spray again, but am waiting for the weather to cool down. Tomorrow, finally?

      So you got to go to the Aussie plant nursery--oooh that must have been fun!

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  4. Wow...someday I will get to see your fantastic garden in person. Someday...

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  5. I guess I'm going to have to take your approach to eliminating invasive grasses. I've been weeding them out with a screwdriver but those roots go to China and I don't want this to be my life's work.

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    Replies
    1. I started out doing that--but it just got ridiculous. We both have better things to do! :)

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