An Updated Flower Bed

This garden has bothered me pretty much since I started it about six years ago.  What was I thinking?  The problem  then was we had no rain gutters and all the rain poured off the side of the house and ruined any plants I had in there.  So my solution was to make it very narrow and eliminate the issue.  Now that we have rain gutters it was time to expand it back to the original size. 

Yesterday morning was the day to start this project.  This picture was taken about an hour into it.  I already had pulled out the edge pavers.  After many hours of digging, shoveling and measuring, it all came together.
This is the picture from this morning.  After a whole day of work and many many sore muscles I didn't know I had, it was finished before dark last night. 

And now  for the next step.  What do I plant in it?  The green you see there is phlox.  It did ok but didn't flourish.  Do I plant annuals?  Perennials?  Shrubs?  It faces the East so has morning light but not the hot afternoon sun.  And it also tends to be dry and well drained.  I welcome any suggestions and in the meantime  I am on to finish another garden project I started three years ago and never finished. 

Comments

jules said…
I would go perennials. I am kind of done with so many shrubs, I need more flowers in my life!

I remember helping you put all those darn little edgers in there the first time...
Photos by Julee said…
I'm with Julie....I would go perennials. Daylilies are always a good choice, very low maintenance, lots of flowers, etc. I also have some sundrops and a few other things you can take a chunk off of if you want.
Lynn said…
Did you get Martha Butt? When ever I help my mom in the garden she tells me I will have Martha Butt the next day and boy do I ever! Wow! : )
Patti said…
HHMMM let's see??? With my vast knowledge of flowers and those shrubby things, I would say go with whatever moves you. How bout some more rhubarb?

Just kidding, I will leave this up to the experts.
Deb said…
Julee I may have to come and rob your garden. Lynn, I don't know what Martha butt is but there was definitely some pain in the area!
Connie said…
You need to put whatever perinnals I have in my garden that I am begging to share with anyone who will take it. Seriously bring a truck and we'll fill both garden projects you have going. If someone doesn't come pretty soon they'll be going in the compost pile.
Angie Vik said…
My, you are ambitious. It looks really nice. I have no gardening genes in my DNA so can't give any good advice. I like things that bloom for awhile, unlike daffodils, tulips, or irises that have such a short shelf life.