There’s a theory when designing a perennial border
That plants should be placed according to their height.
Short in the front
Tall in the back.
Kind of like the order of an elementary class picture.
And orderly it is
Or would be
If everyone stayed put.
But over time
Things seem to move around.
I rely on several self seeding annuals
To fill in between the perennials, flowering shrubs and roses.
So over the years the number of plants increase
As do the seeds they produce
And the more disorganized it all becomes.
This has been going on for a while now
But this year
It’s as if everyone has run out of patience
And pushed to the front of the line.
Especially my lovely pink Hollyhock.
The seeds came from Patti when she lived next door.
The number has sadly reduced over the years.
This year I only have one good stand.
Right on the front edge of the garden.
Tall
Stately
And totally in the wrong place.
Now, in case you don’t know Hollyhocks
They don’t transplant
Because they have a tap-root.
So, where they sprout
Is where they stay.
The other major offender of front to back order
Is Larkspur.
Lately it seems to want to sprout
Along the edge of every path.
Then it lays down on the path
It has totally covered the Stella d Ora
I thought I was edging my garden in
All those years ago.
So, exactly how am I to restore “order”
To the front of this border.
Simple
I don’t
I surrender.
My garden has very deep beds
For that reason I’ve made brick paths
To divide it into manageable pieces
Giving me a place to walk
And keeping me from compacting the soil.
But it also gives me a logical path for wondering.
And wondering is something I love to do
Because often I
Wander as I wonder.
Gail
