Common area around the pool - is this geurilla gardening?
Hubby and I spent a lot of time over the weekend weeding and trimming bushes around the pool over the weekend. We have a gardener who does the mowing and edging, but when we arrived here we wanted the area to look a bit more tropical around the pool. There were no plants here six years ago. I planted whatever I could scrounge, propagate or was given, and now it is looking quite nice. The process has not cost much money but lots in hard physical work. Spider lilies line the pathway to the pool entrance.
Here you can see why they are called spider lilies....
These spider lilies were given to us by a neighbour, and at first they looked a little straggly. Now they are in bloom I wonder if in fact I planted them too thickly :) They do love the wet season.
Along the front we have been battling a weed called Singapore daisy. It was first brought here about thirty years ago to plant along the banks of the creeks to stop erosion. Nobody realized how much it would spread. Rabbits, cane toads, we seem to have a history of importing things that then become out of control. There is a weed killer that seems to be working, and so I pulled it all out of the front garden bed and the gardener will continue with his spraying regime. In the meantime I mulched with lemongrass. I grow the lemongrass mainly to use as mulch, so that the garden is virtually self-sustaining. I also want to put in some comfrey in order to make my own fertilizer. There is a compost bin quietly maturing black gold under the palm tree.
Another plant that loves the wet weather are bromeliads These look very plain until they start to flower.
Just look at the lovely detail..
I suppose this could be called guerrilla gardening, it increases the looks for everyone who lives here, not just for us. I also think it increases the value of the property, and all for very little cost. Do you do any guerrilla gardening?
These spider lilies were given to us by a neighbour, and at first they looked a little straggly. Now they are in bloom I wonder if in fact I planted them too thickly :) They do love the wet season.
Along the front we have been battling a weed called Singapore daisy. It was first brought here about thirty years ago to plant along the banks of the creeks to stop erosion. Nobody realized how much it would spread. Rabbits, cane toads, we seem to have a history of importing things that then become out of control. There is a weed killer that seems to be working, and so I pulled it all out of the front garden bed and the gardener will continue with his spraying regime. In the meantime I mulched with lemongrass. I grow the lemongrass mainly to use as mulch, so that the garden is virtually self-sustaining. I also want to put in some comfrey in order to make my own fertilizer. There is a compost bin quietly maturing black gold under the palm tree.
I suppose this could be called guerrilla gardening, it increases the looks for everyone who lives here, not just for us. I also think it increases the value of the property, and all for very little cost. Do you do any guerrilla gardening?
Oh, your Bromeliad flower is stunning. Some of them do have colorful, interesting leaves.
ReplyDeletethere are so many types of bromeliads, but these are the ones that seem to keep on flowering.
DeleteWell, the birds have planted "my" morning glory seeds all over the neighborhood (and I don't have even one), so maybe the birds are guerrilla gardening here!
ReplyDeleteOh how funny - it sounds as though you used to have one at one time?
DeleteYou've done a great job - guerrilla gardening or not. The spider lilies are perfect for that spot aren't they. They love the rain. Here, they will only flower after a decent amount of rain which is why they haven't flowered at all this year so far.
ReplyDeleteYes I am really happy with the results - it is lovely and private in the pool now. I only planted them at first because the price was right, but they are perfect for lining a path. Even if they dont flower the greenery is nice.
DeleteSpider lilies can quickly form thick clumps. I had one or two bulbs multiply fairly rapidly.
ReplyDeleteMystic dreamer, yes I am thinking I might have some pass-along plants soon.
DeleteI don't think I had ever seen a Spider Lilly, they look beautiful and delicate.
ReplyDeleteThe bromeliads are beautiful too.
Sami, I think our plants are very different to what you have there. You have the lovely kangaroo paws, proteas and greyvilleas...
DeleteDoesn't it feel oh so GOOD to get lots of "guerilla" gardening done? Cutting back and trimming are back breaking chores but the end result is always stunning.
ReplyDeleteYour garden is looking mighty fine.
I had to look up singapore daisy, it is used here to help with erosion too, but it is very invasive.
Virginia, thank you. Gosh it seems to be spreading worldwide, nasty stuff.
DeleteMy bromeliads have also been flowering generously this Wet. They are terrific at keeping the weeds out and providing a tropical look. The flowers are just a bonus. I think they are a very good choice for a communal area like this.
ReplyDeleteLouise, yes they are pretty low care. I have some outside out bedroom window though and there is lots of pennywort wandering among them which I must remove. Horrible to weed among them when they do move in though. I am thinking it might be better to pull everything up and re-plant and divide at the same time.
Deletethose spider lillies are incredible! so gothic looking. it looks like i imagine the deep south of america to look, all humid with those tendrilly flowers.
ReplyDeleteah, and your specatcular bromelliads... something not so easily grown down here! i love the purple against the corally candy red colour. so glamourous.
ps dad had got the snake beans going! in his glasshouse. i must take a pic for you. they are quite tropical looking too... not at all what we think of as beans. slowly slowly!
I think they grow in the deep south of the USA as well - it is a similar climate. I am so glad that you got the snake beans to grow - your Dad has definitely got a green thumb. I had to cut my bean bush back it was taking over the garden but it is growing back with new vigour. I hope you get a good crop.
ReplyDeleteThe spider lilies are gorgeous, love the way you have them planted. The bromeliads are show-stopping in their jewel tones. Sometimes I feel like guerilla gardening is getting the better of me, lol.
ReplyDeleteKaren,
DeleteSurely with your huge garden you dont have time to work elsewhere.... I wonder if you are already planning your spring garden...
White lilies are marvellous...., they never stop flowering with such contrasting white against green
ReplyDeletethe do put on a good show dont they - but I really have to deadhead them again- they are looking a bit tatty now.
DeleteWell done for all of your hard work. I hope your neighbours appreciate the effort that you have put in. If only more people put in the same effort elsewhere it would make such a difference.
ReplyDeleteNick,
DeleteI realized long ago that I better not be doing it for that reason. that way if someone else appreciates what I do it is a bonus!