Because I use my garden as a test garden and display garden, its original idea or concept that drives the design, has become murky and weak. Originally, I sought after a pan-asian/tropical garden what I have now is a mix of too many un-related plants that don't make a clear enough statement.
I've become aware that the most simple and structural plantings please me the most in my garden, which really isn't a surprise but I'm 'knowing' it now. In an effort to re-gain a more cohesive garden, I'm starting by removing all but two plants with blue-green foliage, the remaining will be green, black and yellow foliage. I want to move away from some of the NewZealand (probably not all!) plants and back to more Asian originated plants.
I'll accomplish this by removing most, if not all, of my Acaena 'Purpurea'
and Helleborus x 'Hot Flash'
and maybe Crambe maritima
....we'll see how true to my vision I'll actually be!
Unfortunately, I've lost some plants to the cold winter
and my beloved Hebe buxifolia to Verticillium Wilt.
I'm pretty close to saying 'Goodbye' to my Tetrapanax too. The main trunk did not leaf out this year but, of course, suckers are everywhere. As much as I love the look of Tetrapanax, I think my love affair is over....
