An unapologetic plant geek shares advice and opinions on gardening, the contrived and the natural landscape, as well as occasional topics from the other side of the gate.

March 13, 2016

Summer Color III

     This is the final post in a series showing some of what my team created at the Norfolk Botanical Garden last summer. A canal bisects the garden nearly in half, and there are three bridges that get visitors from one side to the other. During the warmer months we hang hay rack planters from two of the bridges, which are filled with annuals. By NATO Bridge we opted for simplicity, and used a combination of just three plants; Asparagus densiflorus 'Myersii', Plectranthus amboinicus 'Variegatus' (Variegated Cuban Oregano), and one of the geraniums (Pelargonium) from the Caliente series, but I can't remember exactly which color.
NATO Bridge (1)

NATO Bridge (3)

NATO Bridge (2)

     For Rose Garden Bridge we wanted a color combination that would be vaguely patriotic, so I could put flags in it for Independence Day and Labor Day. We also wanted it to look good with the surrounding crapemyrtles as a backdrop. However, we did not limit the palette to just three plants. The baskets included blue lyme grass (Leymus arenarius), Euphorbia 'Diamond Frost', Pentas 'Butterfly Red', Evolvulus 'Blue Daze', Dichondra 'Silver Falls', and pink and white Mandevilla.
Rose Garden Bridge (1)

Rose Garden Bridge (2)

Rose Garden Bridge (3)

Rose Garden Bridge (4)

Rose Garden Bridge (6)

Rose Garden Bridge (7)

     The summer before last we created three wall mounted succulent planters that were framed so as to resemble a gallery. While we liked what was created, we wanted improvements for this past summer. One of our talented facilities workers beefed up the frames, made them easier to water, and built two of the planters from scratch. We also switched the frame color from gold to one that complimented the plants better. I think our visitors liked it as well; it became a traffic hazard with so many taking their photos in front of them.
Succulent Picture Frames (1)

Succulent Picture Frames (7)

Succulent Picture Frames (4)

Succulent Picture Frames (5)

     I started this series back in early February in response to the gray and cold outside. We don't really need it now, as the temperatures have made it feel like we have skipped March and April, and jumped right into May. In the past week or so the local landscape has blossomed into spring with daffodils, magnolias, and the early cherries coming into full bloom. It definitely feels like winter has left the building, but I am not sure the door is locked just yet.

(If you are interested, and I hope that you are, there is still time to join my Winter Walk-Off challenge which ends at midnight on the 19th.)

14 comments:

  1. Beautiful! Your job looks like way more fun than mine (which is writing a lot of reports...) Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well those reports aren't going to write themselves - just kidding. I have to write the occasional report as well when I am not playing in the dirt.

      Delete
  2. That is soo beautiful. I adore the succulents and the other plants are so lush and the colors so georgous together. Wish I could see this garden in the summer in person. Meanwhile I'll keep enjoying your blogs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You will just have to make a return visit Marilyn.

      Delete
  3. Not only are those combos lovely but the bridges themselves look to be quite elegant. The frames on the succulents are a terrific color and it's easy to see why people would like them. I like your phrase about winter leaving the building but not being sure if the door is locked yet. I sure don't think it's over. We have too many late March and early April snows to let me relax. I worry about the farmers and orchardists whose livelihoods are at risk in these strange climate changes.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I worry about the farmers too Linda. Things are moving too fast here, and I think a slow down would be in order.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Beautiful!

    Do you happen to know the name of the crape myrtles in pictures 6 and 7?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am afraid I do not, but if I had to guess it would be Tuscarora.

      Delete
  6. Nice! I love the pink, blue and white planters. Overall the bridge looks great.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh, I remember those bridge planters from a previous post you did, spectacular. When do you b start planning for the new year's display? That must be fun...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We usually start in early September while this year's plants are still around to critique. In order to get exactly what I want for the next year, I have to order plugs in October, and request cuttings and divisions then too. Seed orders can happen later.

      Delete
  8. Hi, Les. Happy to participate.
    My post is at http://www.localecologist.org/2016/03/winter-walk-off-2016-arlington-va.html.

    ReplyDelete