Finding plants for the empty space in the rocks by the pond has been a particularly exciting challenge. I already knew I wanted to plant some ‘Hot Stuff’ Sedum. But what would I partner with it?
My wishes were: 1) evergreen shrub 2) dark shiny leaves 3) flowers or berries 4) less than two feet tall
I actually bought some dwarf gardenias, but after I got them home, I noticed the tag said “partial-shade”. I took them back. Next I considered azaleas. There are some tiny azaleas out there, but they sound fussy. Searching catalogs, I found some exotic shrubs that might work in the space, but if one died, how easily could I replace it?
It was during a visit to Lowe’s that I found something to fulfill all my requirements. It’s a dwarf form of nandina called Harbor Belle. It fills all my requirements and looks good with the sedum.
Hooray! The Pond Improvement Project is complete! I actually finished something!
..I’m gon-na live like a be-lie-ver, turn my back on the de-cei-ver…
(That’s an Amy Grant song…which starts with your title, and it’s the first thing I thought of. I know. Decision theology. It makes me crazy that I know all the words.)
I like your hot stuff and little dwarfs. You could start a circus show with them, I’m sure.
I bet the people at the bank love looking at your yard. You should charge them money for that. 🙂
It seemed you were describing the holly plants on either side of our front yard – now bursting with red berries, too, which I don’t quite understand (as I thought they needed cold weather…go figure on that one!). But the nandina is/are nice, too. Well done, good and faithful gardener! And now you have exactly one week remaining to be home to enjoy them. Mwahaha.
…and remember when you found that note on the floor of your classroom from an unidentified student that said, “Mr. Royuk is hot”? Was that the beginning of your search for “hot stuff” or…?
I, for one, admire your bold choice. Way to be a leader.
Brad–that looks great! Really!!