Growing out of that patch of black mondo grass a less than vigorous dwarf abutilon was putting up a brave front. Trying to carry the space, trying to look like it belonged there, even as it's bare stems and yellowing leaves told the truth. Every time I passed by I gave it the stink-eye. Just grow dammit! Bloom! Earn the space! I finally yanked it. Relief! So much better without its awkward form. But yet, a little empty...
I know! Put an agave there...
Boring
Better!
I didn't want to dig in the mondo grass perfection, and the air circulation wouldn't be great for an agave planted there long term, especially over our wet winters. So I found a tall black plastic growers pot and planted the Agave americana 'Variegata' in it. That way it isn't permenant and the agave is raised up, taller than it would be in the ground.
Chances are it may root into the ground over the summer, what with those large drain holes. But a nice hard tug should break it free when it's time to move before winter.
Everything's better with an agave...
Weather Diary, Apr 28: Hi 73, Low 50/ Precip 0
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Oh, that's perfect! I use that handy pot trick all the time to elevate things above the fray.
ReplyDeleteI'm having similar issues with several, wimpy-looking Abutilons. Probably not enough light, I'm guessing. By now, I've pretty much decided that they are all going to have to migrate to the community garden plot. Will report back on that...
I had another of the same abutilon in another part of the garden that gets a lot of sun, it was also pretty week. I blame the plant...but certainly sun can be a factor, and important one!
DeleteWhat a great solution using that square pot! Great combo, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteA very good solution to keep the agave above the mondo grass, which, by the way, is rather gorgeous. How long before it got so full and fabulous? I'm impatient for my puny ones to become more substantial.
ReplyDeleteThat patch has been there since roughly 2007, so it's had plenty of time to fill in.
DeleteLove it, Loree!! An agave always helps :P
ReplyDeleteAlways!
DeleteBeautiful solution and amazing pot. Give those roots the freedom to thrive and they will go nuts, then you will most likely end up with a big boy this time next year! Cool!
ReplyDeleteOh it won't be in place throughout the year, I'll have to lift it for the winter months. But yes, hopefully over the summer it will put on some good growth.
DeleteIt would be a shame for that good hard tug to end in disaster. You might want to put a square of screening in the base of the pot.
ReplyDeleteI've done quite a few pulls like that, lifting tender plants in the fall, so I'm not worried. However it's like you read my mind because I did put a bit of screen in the bottom, not covering the entire opening but part of it. Otherwise the soil wouldn't stay in place.
DeleteNothing an Agave can't fix!
ReplyDeleteGlad you agree.
DeleteJust the right solution! I agree with chavliness about the beauty of your black mondo grass - I've never managed to get it to grow that thickly.
ReplyDeleteIt's been there since about 2007, so lots of time to fill in.
DeleteHave never been a black mondo fan but it provides a gorgeous surround for the agave. Inspired.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, I've loved it since I first saw it. But I do know a few people who share your opinion.
DeleteGood thinking. A beautiful presentation of the agave. The mondo accentuates it perfectly. I wish my mondo grass would grow like that. Wow.
ReplyDeleteIt's had a few years to get established...
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