And in the back

The border in front of the patio. For this, one goal was to cover up the ugly cement block. Also to create more of a division between the brick area and the rest of the yard -- also for Enzo, so he doesn't trample stuff.

Steve built that planter out of teak. We saw some strawberries last year and got them, and although they go through ups and downs, they bounce back. We planted some berries in a pot for neighbor Elia, and they're starting to sprout now. The big planter of Lavender on the patio was fountain grass last year, but it didn't make it through the winter. Beware the end of season sale!

In front of the planter is poppies (planted in late April, didn't bloom until July). I don't know why they're white, they were supposed to be multicolored. Next to them is Bee Balm (Monarda “coral reef”), a late addition which adds much needed color. Other stuff planted there failed and failed and failed. To the rear you can see a Mole plant. I got it less for the moles than because it was vertical and fun and I thought would also make a good deterrent to Enzo. You can also see the red guys I can't remember the names of, and then peeking over some of the fun yellow balls (maybe a gaillardia variety?) that did so well in the other part of the garden, but suffered in the cement block for lack of soil.

You know what did really, really well in the cement block? Cosmos. They died back in August, but they were so much fun. The Cleome was very similarly tall and spiky, and survived a bit better in the cement block. But so similar to the Cosmos.

There are also a lot of bulbs planted in this bed but obviously they're gone by late September. You can see some of the leftover foliage. It's fun for texture.

Here's another view of the area, including some of the bed by the fence (see the peas and how they cover the fence? You can also see the Clematis, which is sparse but getting bolder; it blooms in late June)) You can also see the birdfeeder our friend Amy Adams of Perch made. It looks so great in the yard! You can also see the windowbox planter. It is perched on a little table that just consists of four supports from our staircase (now gone) and a tin tray. It's been there since 2006 -- even survived the winter! In it are flowering chives, which came back. They bloomed late -- July. Peeking behind you can see a bit of the grass and stuff growing in what will next year be referred to as the "sunny raised bed".


Here is the view from the back side. You can see the Lavender, and the strawberries. Also some Pampas grass -- pretty much the only perennial planted in the "raised bed"; I rescued from the Home Depot clearance section and is so far pretty much the only ornamental grass that's doing ok. Enzo likes to snack on it.



And last but not least, in this area is the tomatoes. These are in a bamboo planter, another Steve original. It's doing great. Not so much for the tomators. Last year the squirrels ate them. This year I don't think I watered enough. Next year they either need to go in the ground, or maybe out front where I can see them and water more often.