Finished backyard garden--for now!

I finally finished the backyard garden bed. It was a bit of a challenge to choose the right plants for the bed. I wanted plants that would bloom to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. I also wanted plants that would not be toxic to the tortoises or turtle. They do like to munch. I am pleased with the variety of flowers, shrubs and small tree I chose. Before planting I tilled the dirt and added 7 bags of Singh's compost from Singh Farms. After planting and installing a drip line for watering I spread a layer of fine bark to finish the look. Now I can sit back and watch the plants grow. I am sure I will add things here and there.

My totem stands tall amongst the regal mist grass and Queen of the Nile. I have set some of my Frank Lloyd Wright decorative blocks from my Grandparents home (The David S. Wright home) through out my garden beds. 

 Queen of the Nile, Blue salvia, allysum, a succulent bowl set atop a decorative block, a Cascalote shrub, Sierra Red ( firecracker bush), morning glory, Lady in Red salvia, Cat Whiskers shrub, with potted plants and garden accents adorn this portion of the garden.

A tall bird house sits behind the Sierra Red and Cascalote. I will train the Cascalote to be a small tree.   Allysum, Blue salvia and morning glory will fill in the front of the bed. 

Petunias sit atop a decorative block which is set in front of my miniature herb garden in an old basket. Some day lilies and iris are planted in front of the Pam's Pink Honeysuckle.

A mosaic turtle peeks out from the plants.

The bed wraps around the back side of a fig tree. Another Cat Whiskers was planted to help hide the Tortoise den. Vegetables are planted in the tin tub. An assortment of salvia, allysum and society garlic are planted in front of the Hacienda Creeper vine. The leaves of the Creeper will turn red/orange in the fall.

The tortoise den will eventually be covered by the yellow dot wedelia planted next to it. A variegated pink orchid vine will eventually grow on the back wall and fence.

A purple fountain grass is growing through the broken seat of an old chair. Moraea Iris and Mexican Honeysuckle flank each side of the chair.