Search This Blog

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Shave and a haircut...

Today's Perennial Spotlight is focused upon a charming little creeper, Cymbalaria muralis which is known locally as Kenilworth Ivy.

These sweet little plant was given to me many years ago by a neighbor, just a little slip that I had in a pot near my garage. A piece escaped from the pot and rooted by the door. When I was looking for plants that would grow in my rock wall, I removed a piece and tucked it into a crevice out back.
Over the past four years the Cymbalaria worked it's way around the corner of the raised bed. It doesn't like the sunny spots, just the most shaded corner of the wall so I really didn't have to do anything to contain it.

Yesterday I decided that it needed a haircut. It looks so lush and healthy here but it was hiding some of the elements of the rock wall that I really like.

See, now you can see the boulder that we worked into the plan.

It was really simple to cut back the Cymbalaria, I just used a basic pair of scissors. The whole area took less than an hour and I also added lots of compost and top dressing to the bed at the same time.

Rather than cut too much, I left some areas with little tufts of Cymbalaria. I know that it will grow back again soon. Look at what I found underneath, a nice little Sempervivum rosette that will now get some much needed afternoon sun.

I think I'll pot up some Cymbalaria and add it to the sales table. Don't you think it's sweet?

4 comments:

our friend Ben said...

I too love Kenilworth ivy, melanie! I first saw it growing on the stone walls in New Hope, PA and was instantly smitten! By all means add it to your offerings. And fabulous boulder, btw!!!

Joanne said...

Gosh your garden always looks so well cared for makes me wonder what I do wrong.

lynn'sgarden said...

Melanie, your raised bed is filled to the brim..just the way I love to plant! I'm anxiously awaiting your daylily show..I'm so excited I have 6 clumps with scapes (other than Stella D'oros). You driving in this direction anytime soon? Have a wonderful weekend! We have prom tonight..too bad it's cold and wet though!
Lynn

Gail said...

It looks sweet and is a very nice gentle green. English Ivy is so very invasive here that I shy away from the word...ivy! gail