Pocket Garden

This small keyhole garden was appended to a much meadow which is on the left. To the right is turf lawn which we have been replacing over the years with native perennials. I say “turf lawn” but actually it is more likely Creeping Charlie and dandelions at this point.

Point in fact, this garden is on the septic mound in our back yard. We’ve made the effort to select plants that are appropriate for this, but it is difficult to find clear information about this. Many of the recommendations contradict each other.

Planted in this Keyhole Garden are Celosia; Silky Asters; Purple Poppy Mallow; Globe Amaranth; Ohio Goldenrod and Marigolds. Experimental as usual. They were planted in the high heat of July, so we are watering it daily until they get established. But the plan is that by next year, if they survive, we will no longer have to water this garden.

The bed was prepped by laying down a layer of carboard and then a few inches of mulch on the turf. A little grass and some weeds make their way through the cardboard barrier which we will weed as needed and as time permits. It’s been 7 or 8 years since any herbicide, insecticide, fertilizer or other chemicals have been applied.

The wood pieces used for edging are from a Silver Maple we had cut down.

We’ll take pictures next year for comparison.