Blog Author
Creative_1
(view profile)
Recent Entries to this Blog Facebook
Posted: 31 Jan 2011
Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea -Hydrangea paniculata 'Renhy'
Posted: 31 Jan 2011
Plant Combinations -- Why It Matters
Posted: 24 Jun 2009
How Your Garden Goes Green -- er
Posted: 02 Mar 2009
Blazing Star Liatris - Modern Cut Flower
Posted: 05 Aug 2008

All Entries
 


Black Magic Ivy Geranium




Category: landscape design | Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 6:57 pm

Container gardens can sometimes be hit or miss. My best tips for these? Shop for all of the plants at the same time -- preferably at the same nursery, too.

This year, my container garden design has rewarded me with beautiful blooms -- and I've hardly had to do a thing to it (except for the spring panic).



I live in northern Wisconsin, so when I shop for containers I like to see concrete or iron. Why spend oodles on clay pots when I want them to stay outside for more than 5-6 months? Plus, I usually forget to bring in clay pots and they just get ruined.

I remember the ivy geranium -- the dark one -- is called Black Magic. Enchanting. :) The grass has little plumes that actually have a dusting of the dark purple, too. Contrast that with the other geranium and the bridal veil (I think that's what it is) and I'm hooked.



Oh, and the spring panic? My containers weren't draining very well at all. Had to have an emergency surgery -- got out the concrete drill and voila! Drainage. It's definitely an important step for concrete containers when you'll have freezing winters, too.



Here's a 'happy accident' that I am fond of. Lamb's ear grew into the seating rock in our garden. The textures next to each other is great.



Happy gardening!



This blog entry has been viewed 5134 times
You're reading one of many blogs on GardenStew.com.
Register for free and start your own blog today.


Comments

sharon mc wrote on Tue Jul 29, 2008 7:35 pm:


I'm a real fan of the 'black' plants although I've never seen that Ivy Gerranium. They look great against the white and I really like the contrasting foliage in your tub, too. Looks lovely!




 

Creative_1 wrote on Tue Jul 29, 2008 8:07 pm:


Thanks! This is one of those plants that make me want to have a garden with just one color. I can't get enough of it.




 

glendann wrote on Wed Jul 30, 2008 5:11 am:


It is a beauty for sure.I have never seen it before for sure.I love your arrangement.




 

gardengater wrote on Wed Jul 30, 2008 2:28 pm:


The geranium with the wispy Baby's Breath is a gorqeous contrast.
Gardengater




 

kuntrygal wrote on Fri Aug 01, 2008 6:52 pm:


I love the arrangement and I certainly like the Black Geranium. Never heard of it. Doubt that it would ever make it in Texas in 100+ degrees. Thanks for sharing. Oh, and I love the little Lambs Ear!!





Leave a Comment


Login or register to leave a comment.







Blog Subscribers
Frank
BJ

View all subscribers



My Recommended Links The Art of Landscape Design