Alan’s Front Yard August 6

I started planting accent plants in Alan's front yard on May 22 and again on May 25. I checked back in with a follow up post on June 26 and after this visit we see how well Alan's garden thrives. 

This 'False Goat’s Beard’ astilbe I planted is done blooming for the season. You can barely see, in the background, the ‘Lucifer’ crocosmia, also done blooming, is starting to fade.

The Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’ I planted in the raised bed along the parking strip is doing well and reaching for the sky.

The variegated vinca trails it’s long vines, but I had imagined many vines draping over the retaining wall between the front yard and the driveway. This was not the case and it may take a while for the small plants to get established. I believe they will provide nice ground cover for the winter, but may eventually prove too evasive for the small garden.

Last year Alan planted purple and white alyssum, red wax begonia and Martha Washington geraniums, which have returned even though they are considered annuals here in Portland, OR.

I’ve had to cut most of the bee balm back, but it has a bunch of new growth and should bloom again in the fall. Once the crocosmia behind it starts to brown I’ll cut it down to the ground for the winter. Alan planted the red and yellow roses last fall.

I moved some of these hostas and removed some that were stippled and planted a pair of 'Cherry Berry' hostas at the top of the stairs. You can see that work done on Alan's Front Yard June 26.

 Most all of the pots have done well, like this sweet potato vine.

I found this little critter crawling on the same potted plant. I was thrilled and wondered if it was one I unleashed on Ladybugs Attack: Part 2.

This pot on the front porch, with Tradescantia ‘Purple Heart’ as a trailer, Strobilanthus dyeranus 'Persian Shield' and impatiens as filler, has turned out to be quite the eye catcher.

These pots that lined the steps to the front porch have faired well, impatiens really thrive in this shady environment. The large pot contians a 'Gryphon' begonia, asparagus fern and impatiens.

The oxalis didn’t fair well in this pot, even though it is in complete shade.

Alan’s dog Cooper is telling me it’s time to go.

Next time we’ll check up on Alan’s backyard.