Sprouts, Shoots & Sunshine

my hanging basket II

By Sprouts, Shoots & Sunshine on August 19th, 2010

Back in spring I potted up my hanging baskets and wrote about it in this post. Throughout this summer the plants I choose didn’t fill out as quickly as they would like. However, now they are in their prime and looking beautiful!

{hanging basket}

I love how they look now, but I would have preferred that they looked this beautiful in July. Next year I’m going to start with larger plants and use a little more fertilizer!

Shady Combinations

By Sprouts, Shoots & Sunshine on August 10th, 2010

My backyard is a mostly shady area and I’ve had a lot of fun this year creating shady combos! Here are a few of my favorites.

I lined my border with the Bungleweed ‘Leprechaun’ (Ajuga) . I love its spinach like texture. the bright green of Coral Bells ‘Pistache’ (Heuchera) and silver and golds of Heartleaf-Brunnera ‘King’s Ransom (Brunnera) created a bright combo.

{Shady Combo}

Hosta is a must for every shade garden! I tucked my beautiful specimen of Hosta ‘Satisfaction’ along my house. In front of the Hosta I planted a mass of Red Leafed Mudenia. Off to the side is a purple Astilbe. I think a great addition to this combo would be Variegated Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium).

{Hosta Combo}

Behind a mass planting of Hearleaf Brunnera ‘King’s Ransom’ (Brunnera) is a few of my favorite white Astilbe, ‘Vision in White’. I filled in the space between the Astilbe and my patio with Coral Bells ‘Hercules’ (Heuchera). I love this green Heuchera with white spots, it has looked great all Season long!{Shady Combo}