Fall Mosaic

Just a random few square feet of garden here in Autumn, including the flowering Chilean native succulent Calandrinia Grandiflora, California natives Ceanothus and Arctostaphylos (manzanita) Emerald Carpet, a sedum or two and numerous hybrid varieties of Euphorbia displaying their version of fall color.

2012 - A great year for gardening.

Since it is now Fall pruning/planting season, here's a few photos capturing some of the 2012 Spring and Summer highlights from my backyard garden:

Enjoying the look, and tastes, of this edible herb border.

It's been a great year for roses.  Very disease free.  This is David Austin "Mary Rose".

An "Anna" Apple

These little guys have been everywhere.

Two-Sided Hanging Vertical Panel

Side 1A

Side 1B

This 30" X 20" hanging two-sided vertical panel needed to be designed and built so that it would be 1) strong, 2) light, 3) thin and 4) not susceptible to soil shifting/compaction

Frame is built with 2 1/2" board using metal braces on each corner.  I inserted a center divider to create two 15" X 20" compartments which would help reduce issues with soil shifting/compaction.  Then, installed 1/4" mesh to one side, nailed on the decorative outer frame, then painted entire frame.  I then very tightly-packed a "sandwich" of moss - soil - moss, figuring this would further reduce soil volume, lessen the overall weight and increase water retention.  Then, I flipped the panel over, installed the 1/4" mesh and decorative frame on the other side, and finished the painting.  

Planting in-progress on one side.

After planting one side, I hung the panel for a week or so, then took it down and planted the other side, keeping the panel in a standing position while planting.

Here is a detail view of one side.  Most plants are Sempervivum, with a number of Echeveria "Dark Prince" mixed in.  I'm using an extremely fine spray hose diffuser to water this panel.