That's good advice Tambrey, and advice I will take! I didn't know about the hostas and glad you told me, because it would be nice to divide them and place them elsewhere.
We used commercial grade lanscape material, not black, so no problem there and it's really easy to cut around.
I actually don't have a problem with leaving things be in fall and through winter, except for fallen leaves from the trees, we have to keep up with them or we'll be swimming in them. It's ok though to leave a thin layer of leaves though, right? (for insulation)
Thanks for the encouragement on the new plants, some of them are thriving, but I understand some probably won't be established for another year or so. My biggest disappointment I think is the burning bush, from what I read, it was supposed to grow heartily and fast it's first season, but maybe because I planted so late in the year, and maybe because the silly deer chomped on it. (it has fencing around it now). The viburnums on the other hand, are growing like weeds and seem really healthy.
I think I will have to plant catnip in the ground next year. It's been fun having the cats on the deck and having them have the access and all but the plants didn't grow too lush, I'm thinking because they were potted. You know those annuals and potted plants I don't do well with, LOL.
My new gallery
Re: My new gallery
..........Traci
Re: My new gallery
yes..I leave the leaves and pine needles down as well...if they do not fall to protect plants, I will even rake them over to make a few inch of leaf insulation over the plants....
if you want to add a few more plants to your gardens....look for something for winter interest.....the viburnums will be good for the berries...you may not have too many this first year or two, but give them a few years to grow....what variety did you choose?.....
The echinacea will give good winter interest with the seed heads....
your burning bush, as it gets bigger and matures more...and again, the first year or two are a bit sluggish it seems....the branches will give winter interest with those neat little "wings" on them that will catch snow on them....
A few ferns in shaded areas....our ferals love to lay in them!!
red twig dogwood and yellow twig dogwood are very pretty....plant in layers near the back of the garden....or along the property further back, so you can see it in the distance....or along your fenceline...red at the back, yellow on the next layer....then a shorter prairie grass like prairie dropseed in front of that...for a nice layered look....
there are some dwarf varieties of dogwoods that you could also consider...
or if you want a gorgeous tree for your own viewing...a Canadian Hemlock is beautiful any time of year!!
aahhh.....here is a pretty good list of non-toxic plants that might give a few more ideas!
print it off....start looking them up now and check off the ones you want to try for next year!!!!
http://www.sniksnak.com/plants.html
if you want to add a few more plants to your gardens....look for something for winter interest.....the viburnums will be good for the berries...you may not have too many this first year or two, but give them a few years to grow....what variety did you choose?.....
The echinacea will give good winter interest with the seed heads....
your burning bush, as it gets bigger and matures more...and again, the first year or two are a bit sluggish it seems....the branches will give winter interest with those neat little "wings" on them that will catch snow on them....
A few ferns in shaded areas....our ferals love to lay in them!!
red twig dogwood and yellow twig dogwood are very pretty....plant in layers near the back of the garden....or along the property further back, so you can see it in the distance....or along your fenceline...red at the back, yellow on the next layer....then a shorter prairie grass like prairie dropseed in front of that...for a nice layered look....
there are some dwarf varieties of dogwoods that you could also consider...
or if you want a gorgeous tree for your own viewing...a Canadian Hemlock is beautiful any time of year!!
aahhh.....here is a pretty good list of non-toxic plants that might give a few more ideas!
print it off....start looking them up now and check off the ones you want to try for next year!!!!
http://www.sniksnak.com/plants.html
Re: My new gallery
Can't remember the type of viburnum, the flowers should be white or pale peach in color. I don't expect any blooms for another year or two.
I don't want to plant anything more unless something doesn't make it. I can divide a couple of them, but I don't want so many that it isn't easy to manage anymore. Right now, they are almost perfect for very low maintenance, that was the entire purpose
I don't want to plant anything more unless something doesn't make it. I can divide a couple of them, but I don't want so many that it isn't easy to manage anymore. Right now, they are almost perfect for very low maintenance, that was the entire purpose
..........Traci
Re: My new gallery
They look right at home there in Traci's garden! Thanks for the compliments.
Marty, the welding material for stained glass is solder and you're right, it is usually silver. For Traci's chickadees, I used a liquid chemical patina in black. It also comes in copper (which is a bear to get shiny and perfect) or brass, or green or brown (which looks like poop). I use black or pewter patina in a lot of my pieces because I like the way it takes a back seat to the glass and defines the cuts better. You're not distracted by shiny silver solder seams. At least that's my opinion and preference.
My website is www.craftycleo.com
Marty, the welding material for stained glass is solder and you're right, it is usually silver. For Traci's chickadees, I used a liquid chemical patina in black. It also comes in copper (which is a bear to get shiny and perfect) or brass, or green or brown (which looks like poop). I use black or pewter patina in a lot of my pieces because I like the way it takes a back seat to the glass and defines the cuts better. You're not distracted by shiny silver solder seams. At least that's my opinion and preference.
My website is www.craftycleo.com
Re: My new gallery
You never cease to amaze me, and I see new pieces! Have you always had 'Pretty Kitty'? I love the expression of the eyes! (xmas is coming up and I have a new idea for you 
)
)..........Traci
Re: My new gallery
Thanks! Pretty kitty is fairly new. I did the pattern once years ago in an opaque beige glass for my sister to represent Bella. I just pulled the pattern out recently and every black one has sold so far.