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Schlueter -- Pocket bed may be good option for some gardeners Tuesday, August 25, 2009
If you have fussy plants that grow slow or never look good then perhaps you are ready to try a pocket bed.
A pocket bed is a sheltered spot in a garden that has a large rock surrounded by other rocks planted so they are protected. Inside this little pocket they will be better able to endure weather extremes. They will also absorb heat during sunny days and radiate it back during the night.
Make your own bed against a foundation wall or at the end of a stairs. A complete circle of smaller stones can also make a mini-bed. Where there is a steep hillside add a semi-circle of stones on the downhill side. Back fill behind the stones with a good soil mix, and the stones will keep the soil from eroding away.
Gather large rocks or purchase bricks or large concrete pieces. Dig out an area next to the rock, removing sod and weeds. Fit a first layer of rocks along the edge of the bed. Pack gravel under the rocks or put clay soil under them. This will hold the rocks in place.
Make the bed at least eight inches deep. Fill the area with some good potting mix. Add a layer of gravel to make sure your soil drains. Also add compost or a time-release fertilizer. One of my favorite additions to potting soil is polymer crystals to improve water retention in the soil when you have a potting mix.
It's time to plant. Have a trailing plant along the edges and then a taller one with much taller one for the back of the area. Varying the heights will make the garden spot look complete. You don't have to limit the area to flowers -- try herbs or perhaps some vegetables.
You can put a pocket garden any where there is a small space. It works to shield plants that are tender. Use a pocket garden as a focal point or make it a hidden surprise along a garden path or behind a shrub.
Here are a couple of ideas for pocket gardens: Salad garden plant a collection of red and green lettuce, with some onions and kale and edible violets. Place in a salad bowl shape with old plates set on the edge and half buried in the soil. You can also add recycled wine bottles, stuck into the ground upside down.
Cat lovers catnip is the ground cover, but it's vigorous and spreads so it will need a strong border. Make one with plastic edging sunk into the ground and put a small fence around it. Leave an opening so the cat can lay in catnip and enjoy the scent.
Succulents Plant small succulents such as hens and chicks, miniature sedum or other smaller perennials. There are many kinds of hens and chicks now; you could have an entire collection in one area. You will have to divide them on a regular basis to keep them looking good, well worth the effort as these plants are very hardy and love sun and heat.
Reader question:
Q. What is the name of the plant with orange flowers that look like paper lanterns?
A. That would be Chinese lantern plant or Physalis alkekengi. It's a perennial plant often grown as an annual. It prefers a light soil that drains well and at least half a day of sun. Plant seeds in the spring and you'll enjoy the bright, orange papery calyxes in fall. Be careful because they can spread in a garden.
Keep those comments and questions coming by sending to Christine Schlueter, 19276 Walden Ave, Hutchinson Mn 55350 or e-mail rcschlueter@yahoo.com
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