Does anybody know what this weed is that is taking over my flower beds?

[JScott]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Have a plan. Even a loose plan is better than no plan. Otherwise your bed will look like you're a collector, not a gardener. Grassy foliage, bird like flowers? Must be a Texas thing?

I have a plan. It is definitely loose fat this point, but that's just the way I do things. The inspiration comes to me in short bursts rather than as a massive flood. I have a rough sketch of what I want the bed to look like, but it will probably end up quite different. A lot will depend on what is available and what looks healthy in the garden centers. The inspiration usually comes to me while I'm actually looking at the plants for sale. I see something, and I realize I have the perfect spot for it. And I found a picture I sent of the grassy things to my mom. It's called peacock flower, Dietes bicolor. They look great where I put them, and they seem happy. Looking forward to the blooms. But don't worry too much about me. Madness is my method, but I always manage to bring it together very nicely. I've landscaped quite a few very nice beds. In fact, when I worked at the garden center in Oklahoma, sometimes people would offer to pay me extra to just pick out their plants and come plant them, and I usually said yes, and they were usually very pleased. I once had one lady who didn't like the results, but I could tell from the moment she walked in she was going to be a problem. The type who born dissatisfied. We ended up working it out, and she could live with it, but after it was over, I wished i'd told her, "Hey, you know, I've got several others I'm working on now and I just don't have the time." because really, from the moment I met her, I could tell she was going to be trouble hahahahahaha

[Dollythehun]

How do you feel about hydrangeas? Google Serrata "Blue Billow."

[JScott]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

How do you feel about hydrangeas? Google Serrata "Blue Billow."

I love hydrangeas. We sell them at my garden shop in Oklahoma, so I plan to pick up some when I'm there. I googled Serrata Blue Widow, and I mostly got pictures of marijuana, but the hydrangea pictures that were there are amazing. I'm definitely gonna look for that one.

[Dollythehun]

Blue Billow

[JScott]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Blue Billow

OMG that made a huge difference!!!!!

[Dollythehun]

I have never grown it in full sun, if that's what you have? But I could send you a start as a housewarming gift. It is known for its cold hardiness and shade tolerance, which may not be worth much in your area.

[JScott]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

I have never grown it in full sun, if that's what you have? But I could send you a start as a housewarming gift. It is known for its cold hardiness and shade tolerance, which may not be worth much in your area.

Oh yeah, the hot Texas full sun would fry a hydrangea, but I've got a shady corner in my back flowerbed that I think might be acceptable, or at least worth giving it a shot. Sometimes I plant things that I don't feel super confident will work out, and then they do. The fist time I planted Digitalis, I figured it would be fried by June, because that's a plant more associated with the northern states, but I gave it a shot and it worked out great and now I plant it every year. So the point is, no harm in giving it a try, and that's so kind of you to offer to send me a start from yours. I would appreciate that greatly, and I'd think of you every time I look at it.

[Dollythehun]

It would need shade. I plant it w yellow corydalis, ferns and apricot heucheras. I think there's some black mondo grass and yellow hostas there too. The point being the contrasting yellows.

[JScott]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

It would need shade. I plant it w yellow corydalis, ferns and apricot heucheras. I think there's some black mondo grass and yellow hostas there too. The point being the contrasting yellows.

It is absolutely fantastic!

[WaterWitchin]

My very favorite hydrangea is still Limelight.