This is very much the "BEFORE" factor.
I'm still in the midst of redesigning this space.
I'm not sure how many would still agree that this is beautiful and would still keep this arrangement in their own gardens undisturbed. Currently if you notice the blue tiles - they are now totally non-visible taken over by the undergrowth.
(current pic. not taken)
So are all the nice looking pebbles and rocks.
Neither the orchids remained.
I had the Mokara orchids (or it could be Reed orchid)
trailed on the fence.
They grew very well and healthy trailing all over and started to spread and I kept them patiently waiting for that few years.
(or so I think - felt it was sooo... that long)
All for the waiting to see them bloom. (but they didn't!!!!)
So one fine day - I decided to prune them.
Then eventually I decided to give all of them away.
I kept a few branches (just hoping that they might just bloom someday) and relocated them to a different place.
(outside my house)
Then the place appear to be a little brighter, clearer & fresher.
So went the plants that trailed along the slope
(ferns, zebra tradescantia & a few others)
Pruned and cleared those Bleeding Hearts. (never knew that these vines can just trail to all the nook and corners)
And above all - have enough to give away to friends who still appreciate plants.
Most of the herbs and edible plants are out from my garden.
They had already matured and died and I didn't bother to replant them again.
(One theme - striked out from the list)
Now the most difficult question was what to keep and what to go (in my case - giving it away)
I'm still deciding on the ferns (I still got a few species) whether to blend them together in the garden space or take a cold cut of removing them completely.
Another was the fragrant plants - they don't look attractive with their green leaves & to say their blooming episode takes place during the most unpredictable time.
(I was thinking of converting them into bonsai - especially the orange jasmine and water jasmine)
But others - I'm still scratching my head and totally ran out of ideas. (want not, keep not)
And the factor of theme - I really cannot figure it now as I got everything that I can possibly grow - in a small constraint space (pots and all)
I love the Zen concept - less is more.
(That would mean more is out of my garden)
The Bromeliads section fits well with this idea
(Earthstar, Pineapple, Dykia & Spanish Moss)
Still setting and arranging with this concept with the mix with Purple Queen & Golden Hahnii gives a very good colour contrast (perfect for small space gardening)
The only set back with Tradescantias is that they tend to get leggy and walk out from the designated pots (literally)
I wonder is that's why they are known as Wandering Jew?
The Dumbcane collection were totally neglected. Most of them really need some pruning and replanting. And what I fear most of them are beyond repair.
I found that Episcia (Flame Violets) grows very well when they are on ground compared as placing them on hanging containers. And so are the Black Velvet Begonia - this one had stolen the show compared to all the hanging ones put together.
And the Red Flame Ivy (you guess it) - it had crawled out from its resident pot and now all over except on its designated pot.
The best solution I had figured out so far is conquer a little at a time.
And that seemed to be the most productive thought and work that took place over these past few days.
And enough to keep me motivated to expanding that small territory in clearing of what my wife calls the currently calls my garden:
Its a Jungle Out There!
And I had a friend visit my garden who confirmed what my wife said without any second thought.
I guess I'm still in the denial concerning the mess that took place during the process.
And it always.. (repeat)
Always rains when I'm in the midst of gardening.
There are mud, dirt, dried leaves and stuff all over.
(And I thought it's suppose to be a very hot season during this time of year)
The garden is infested with snails, ants and mealy bugs.
I'm secretly hoping to clear my garden ASAP as to avoid any new unwanted creatures making itself its home (you know what I mean)
And yeah..
hoping to have a better garden this year compared to all those years put together.
So if I give up or failed in the process -
I would call my next posting: Jungle vs Garden.
(come to think about it - that what actually happened to my mom's garden and my mother in law's garden - Strange!!!)
13 comments:
Hi James! Happy New Year :-D This week I cleared lots of overgrown foliage and pulled weeds. Some plants have grown so big during the rainy days. But some lost all their leaves. And yes, pests in the midst as well. No difference... a jungle rather than a garden haha... But you are really good with garden make over. I look forward to seeing your new garden. Btw, that's a really beautiful begonia - the black velvet. Happy gardening!
Thanks Stephanie.
I guess now - most gardeners go through the drill in control the "jungle" and the pest that comes with it. Still in the process of the make-over.
Got few holidays here & there to continue my work.
Thanks for the encouragement & Happy New Year to you too.
I enjoyed this post very much, I can so relate! There are times I want to get rid of all the plants and start fresh, garden vs jungle, an ongoing struggle :-)
James, it's amazing how many plants you have in one place! And how they spread and grow! You are brave to get rid of so many plants. But, sometimes this is the best way to go! I love that Black Velvet Begonia!
Your jungle is crazy, but beautiful! Slugs love my garden too.I use special granules to control them, and some mechanical ways, too. Good luck with your renovation!
Because I can't grow any of these plants, I think they are all beautiful so couldn't give any worthwhile advice except good luck!
I like all the colorful foliage and variety of plants you are growing. I have a few plants with rampant behavior in my own garden, and it can be a challenge to control them. But, really, I like a little wildness in a garden!
Hello James. It's amazing how quickly plants fill-in, isn't it?I am very envious of your ability to grow orchids in your garden. The only way I would be able to do that would be in a greenhouse. You have so many beautiful plants - even considering those which had to go!
James, you have a beautiful assortment of foliage colors and textures there. Who needs blooms when you have so many different leaves to enjoy?
GONE TROPICAL - Thank you so much for visiting & your comment. Feel very much encouraged as you mention the on going struggle on gardening.
TATYANA - I'm still scratching my head on selecting the ones to keep in my garden (jungle)
and its takes a lot of being cruel in removing the plants. Thanks for the luck - need lots of them.
CAROLYN - Appreciate all the luck I can get - thanks for dropping by.
DEBSGARDEN - I found colourful foliage seemed to be the best theme when it comes to small space and shaded garden area. A little wilderness is OK - too much is a lots of trouble in my place.
Thanks for your comment.
DEBRA - Yeah.. really amazing!
Orchids but only the hardy ones. Still an amateur when it comes to orchids and they only bloom like once a year.
And you are so right - I got too many plants and some really have to go.
AARON - Scary thought to have a garden isn't it.. Well, its still work in progress in my garden (clearing the jungle)
ROBIN - You are so right Robin.
Colourful foliage really makes a difference in my garden when there are no real floral to look at.
What a gorgeous garden, you sure have a green thumb! We have been to Malaysia twice, it's beautiful. I couldn't believe those gigantic malls in Kuala Lumpur, you can spend days there and not see the whole mall. The food was fantastic, I especially liked the satays. I am following you from Rome, Italy.
I can only grow orchids inside my home in the humidity of my bathroom... what a blessing to have these blooms in your gardens, James.
I, too feel the presence of God in my gardens, and deem it a blessing to be steward over a small portion of His earth. Every living thing is a testament of His dinity.
Francesca - Thank you for dropping by and your lovely comment. Yeah - those giant Malls can take the whole day on window shopping & the food is almost with amazing variety.
Great to know and thanks for following.
Carolyn - Its a blessing indeed.
My zone is totally tropical and so I do not get the 3 season gardening here. (Its always Summer here)
I totally agree with you Carolyn.
The presence of God overwhelms my soul.
Whenever I water my garden, smell a rose, touch a leaf and admire his creation..
In a way - its an experience that goes beyond words, that I'm speechless to describe it.
I guess only gardeners like you would understand what I mean.
Haha, James. Nice to see your garden in this condition which is very normal. Think of it as rubbing off the blackboard and drawing out your new masterpiece again! I go through this all the time too. The colourful foliage plants are really great fillers for your garden.
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