Garden with Betty Cahill: Plant Failure to Success Part II

Finally I'm back with Part II of the new pollinator and herb beds I planted this past summer. Forgive my absence, I've been out watering our landscape because it's been in the 60s and 70s for so many weeks that if plants are as dehydrated as my hair and skin, then they are parched, thirsty and looking like they need an immediate moisture injection or some Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream (yes, there is such a product, I saw it at Walgreens). Can you believe this fall weather we've been having? How are people supposed to get in the holiday..."brrr... it's cold out, I need to buy long underwear" spirit! A change is forecast for later tonight, hope we get some rain or snow!

First, here's the link to Part I so you can pick up where I left off. I believe I was finishing up on how the new pollinator bed turned out. I said that it was nice and I still stand by that word, I'll even add pretty to the description and the best part, it will be very low water care once established. The exception is the magnolia shrub in the middle, which is on it's own drip line. Even today, November 16th, the plants look great, they are standing tall and the seed heads add interest and snack opportunities. The birds sneak in, peck away at the seeds while kicking out a mulch trail on the nearby concrete patio. I scold them a bit for making a mess, but just sweep it back each morning knowing they'll be back for more.

As with any new planting or plantings, it will take a few seasons for plants to take hold and establish their dependable good looks. It's true...new plants generally creep-crawl-leap in their early lives.

Here's the official "ta dah" final planting for the new pollinator bed dated 8-23 (planted in June). Most of the plants are from the Plant Select® program. If you're not familiar with Plant Select®, take some time to view their website and plant stories. I wrote a blog about PS back in 2015, still relevant - Plant Choices - Plant Select® Plant Smarter.

I left some space for some of the larger plants to have room to grow, so please don't mind the gaps!

Here's the plant list, along with links from the common name to read more information. The first nine are from Plant Select® (more will be added next spring).

Heterotheca jonesii x villosa 'Goldhill' Common name - Goldhill golden-aster

Osteospermum 'Avalanche' Common name - Avalanche white sun daisy

Osteospermum barberiae var. compactum Common name - PURPLE MOUNTAIN^® sun daisy

Penstemon x mexicali Common name - RED ROCKS® penstemon

Salvia reptans Common name - Autumn Sapphire™ sage

Agastache 'Pstessene' Common name - CORONADO^® Red hyssop

Engelmannia peristenia Common name - Engelmann's daisy

Salvia pachyphylla Common name - Mojave Sage

Veronica liwanensis Common name - Turkish veronica

SALVIA lyrata 'Purple Volcano' Common name - Purple volcano sage

Agastache 'Bolero' Common name - Hyssop

Liatris spicata 'Kobold' Common name - Gayfeather

Salvia officinalis ‘Berggarten’ Common name - Sage

Lavandula x intermedia 'Niko' Common name - Phenomenal Lavender

Magnolia 'Ann' Common name - Magnolia

Additional photos from late summer through mid-Novembe: