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Out of Control

Okay - this gardening thing is getting out of control.

Today I bought a dwarf Korean lilac. I had just gone to visit our local nursery because I was bored and told the owner there (it's a 'we grow 'em, we know 'em' kind of place - great!) I was looking for a shrub to block my small patio from my neighbors. But I really like my neighbors so thought a fence or something like that would be too rude. I've always loved lilac bushes. She suggested this dwarf bush because my area isn't that big. I thought I'd have to wait until fall but we're really behind the growing season here (it's been cool and damp since....well, ever since I can remember!) and she said it was perfectly fine to plant it now.

So, here I go again - another hole to dig - this one much bigger than the others. But I'm excited. I measured and it will fit perfectly in its spot, once it's matured.

Does anyone know how long it takes for the dwarf lilac to reach maturity? I know it will be a while but hopefully not too long.

I'm hoping that's it for the season though. Looking forward to getting my flower bed(s) ready this fall/late summer. Gonna try a version of lasagna gardening (because I do not like clearing sod!). Hope it works out.

Love looking at everyone's flowers and beds but I will obviously need to start saving now for all the plants I plan to buy next year. I might even have to try my hand at starting some seeds. Can't hurt to try right. Oh well, that's all down the road. Gonna just sit back and smell the roses for now.

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Comment by Jody Strauch on June 14, 2009 at 11:20am: Sure - just learning myself. Lasagna gardening lets you put in a garden without tearing up the sod (the job I hate the worst. You put down a thick layer of wet newspaper or corrugated cardboard (I've read six to 8 sheet layers thick). Put this right over the grass spot you want to make your bed. Then put on a 2-3 inch layer of compost; then a 3-4 inch layer of soil (I think the layer sizes vary depending on the condition of your ground). You can keep layering like this depending on how high you want your bed or how bad your soil is. My soil isn't all that bad (not too rocky, thank goodness).

You let your bed set for 5-6 months (I'm doing mine this fall for spring planting). Then apparently, few if any weeds and good rich soil to plant in. I'm going to put railroad ties around my bed, as I like the neat, boxy look but I've seen photos where they didn't edge it with anything.

I just Googled lasagna gardening and there's tons of info out there. As you see from the comments, it must work well.

The rest of you - let me know if there's something I said wrong or am missing. I'm just learning this myself.

Comment by Norma Singleterry TxZn9 on June 14, 2009 at 8:23am: May I ask...what is lasagna gardening?

Comment by Melody Leftwich z8 TX on June 12, 2009 at 4:49pm: Definitely go with Lasagna Gardening--I tried it about 5 years ago and haven't done it any other way since!

Comment by Jody Strauch on June 12, 2009 at 1:44pm: Good to hear the positive comments on the dwarf korean. I planted it today. I hope it's enough sun. Not quite 6 hours but close. It's hard to tell what's sun and shade in my yard since this spring/summer we've had so little sun! :D

And it may me proud to be called a true gardener from everyone!

Comment by Eloise S. Zone 5 on June 12, 2009 at 1:15pm: Good for you Jody. I have a Miss Kim that smells great. I am sure you will love it.

Comment by Brenda Haberland on June 12, 2009 at 5:07am: I also have a Korean Dwarf, one of my most favorite flowering bushes!! I've had it over 10 years now and its spectacular. I do trim it back after blooming though, it has a tendency to get raggity. It requires little care once it gets established. The smell of the flowers is amazing as well. More pungent than the average lilac bushes. In my photos I have a pic of mine.
You and your neighbors will enjoy it I'm sure.

Comment by Maris Listello z5-IL on June 11, 2009 at 9:29pm: You are now a true gardener:) We really never go "visit" a nursery, always in the back of our mind is maybe I'll find something for this spot or that spot or just because. So you found what you didn't even know you were looking for on your visit. The lasagna way is great. I've done it several times now and it sure is a back saver. Have fun with your garden.