Do you remember that last year we created what I call a Pebble Garden.
It's to one side of our fish pond. The full story of how it started out is shared on my website on this page.
Last autumn I added some spring bulbs to the area - some miniature narcissus called Minnow and some small iris reticulata. The iris so far have only thrown up thin leaves which is a bit of a disappointment but Minnow have sent up some welcome flowers. I hope the clumps will bulk up over time.
The two aubretias - one plain leaved and one variegated have grown really well and are flowering profusely. These will be trimmed after flowering to keep them bushy as aubretia can become a bit straggly if left to its own devices.
The saxifrages are also starting to flower.
I think I may have lost a couple of plants on the top tier of the bed although I supposed there is time for them to surprise me. You can see from the photo below that the top area is looking fairly barren except for a clump of narcissus.
The gypsophila in the bottom left of the photo, which I thought was dead, is just beginning to produce shoot.
Out of shot is a lower ledge which I have started planting up yet so a trip to the garden centre will soon be on the cards.
One of the best things about this bed is that, when standing on the path to the right of the above photo, the plants are at my eye level so I can really appreciate the flowers.
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The aubretias have done really well. Have a look at the nursery at Great Preston, you may find some plants there for your pebble garden, they seem to have a decent selection of these type of plants outdoors at the back of the nursery.
ReplyDeleteThey have, Jo I'm really pleased with them - I will try the place at Great Preston - thanks.
DeleteInteresting I never would realised how strong flower bulbs can push to poke out from the pebbles. How lovely to get to see them at eye level.
ReplyDeleteThey are tough little cookies, Diana
DeleteI like the look of these pebbles, it all suits perfect.
ReplyDeleteagreed with Dewberry May. Natural look.
DeleteThanks you both - glad you like them
DeleteIt all looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt is coming on nicely, Jo,
DeleteHello Sue, the iris reticulata in the college grounds were flowering in February so yours will be gathering energy through their leaves for a big show next early spring. The rest all looks very lovely - how satisfying to see it all coming together!
ReplyDeleteI hope that is right Caro - and thanks for popping by and commenting
DeleteHow pretty and delicate. I love pebble gardens bit I'm hopeless re the names of my alpines.xxxx
ReplyDeleteI've started to make sure we have a note of what we plant, Snowbird so I don't forget.
DeleteGlad to see someone else's iris reticulata only threw up leaves. The aubretia is a lovely spot of colour
ReplyDeleteIt's really disappointing isn't it, Elaine?
DeleteI really love the aubretia; it is really pretty this time of year.
ReplyDeleteIt does come into its own at this time Kelli. One has variegated leaves so should look good at other times too
DeleteWhat a lovely area, Sue. The Aubretia is so pretty and does a great job of softening edges when it spreads.
ReplyDeleteI'll just need to keep it in check Paula
DeleteIt's looking really nice Sue. Remind me is there weed control fabric under the pebbles??
ReplyDeleteNo we didn't use weed control fabric here, Tanya - just pebbles on gritty soil. We've not used fabric in the farden
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