Here's a vertical gardening project that I completed sometime in August, but never got around to sharing here on the blog.
Pyrrosia lingua and Pyrrosia sheareri, with a little moss and a few pieces of rhipsalis.
It really was a glorious summer in all the ways. I had vowed to myself that I'd make up for the lost garden time from the previous summer—thanks to the ankle break, surgery, and recovery time—and I can say I did that, in spades. I so enjoyed building and caring for all the vertical gardening creations that lived on our fence. (photo from August)
Sitting on the patio as much as I did, it became quite obvious that I needed something on the fence beyond the west end of the shade pavilion, it went a bit boring over there. That's when the pyrrosia circle was made.
I had two circular screens and only one was in use, for the staghorn.
It kind of thrills me to look at that empty space around the pyrrosia circle and know that next summer I can create even more things to fill it!
Since planting, the pyrrosia really have settled in and are doing great in this set up.
There's a piece of small mesh at the back, against the screen—in front of that I added some sphagnum moss, soil, the plants and then more moss, before fronting it all with burlap. I "sewed" along the bottom edge of the burlap with a thick copper wire I picked up years ago, because I knew I'd someday need it for a project.
You can see the wire in this image.
And it has a new addition...
Mushrooms! Aren't they cute?
And speaking of, mushrooms, fungi... I found this large hollowed-out shelf fungus one day when we were out exploring.
There was another nearby that still had it's backing in-tact, but this one had been mysteriously cleaned out.
I couldn't help but see it as a planting opportunity.
With bromeliads of course.
First it was tucked into a palm trunk, then later into the Metapanax delavayi (where I would see it and not forget it when it got cold) and now—since it is cold—in the basement.
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Your imagination is always in gear and ready to take up opportunities most people wouldn't even recognize as such. I love the tiny mushrooms - they make that hanging Pyrrosia look like its own magical little world.
ReplyDeleteAren't those mushrooms the best? I was so excited when I saw them.
DeleteI agree with Kris. When I looked at that fence, all I could think of was the fact that there is nothing on mine. And it really hadn't occurred to me to use it the way you've turned yours into more garden. Nice work.
ReplyDeleteWhen you're out of plantable space on the ground... go up!
DeleteLove love love all your creative wall mounted displays and the planting up of that fungus is genius!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteYour fence serves as a example of what can be done to decorate and camouflage what is normally a pretty utilitarian surface. I see people attempt to enhance the fence by hanging white plastic tubs off of wire racks. Kudos for trying but not the same effect. Love that little shelf fungus. Advantages of living in a forested area. So many cool things to find.
ReplyDeleteWhite plastic tubs, ugh. Yes, I am very lucky to be able to be out in the forest with just a quick drive. Something I do not take for granted.
DeleteI'm sure I'v commented before that this fence area is my favorite part of the garden... kind of magical, really. Part of the "Upcycle and Plant" theme you are so good at. Very inspirational.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I just happen to check on the Flower and Garden festival... never to soon to mark the calendar with this event. One year I hope to see you do one of the 'City Living' booths.
Chavli
I'm glad you like it. You do know you're welcome to visit if you're ever down this way, right? As for the NWFG Fest, I was supposed to do a 'City Living' display at the show the year COVID cancelled it. Then I decided not to pursue it last year and was glad I did, as those displays against the far wall in the main hall just looked so sad. I hope they take them back to the skywalk in 2023.
DeleteThat whole area looks just wonderful. You used your time productively and creatively. Interesting use of a fungus...skeleton? as a container. Durable, do you think? It's a fantastical shape and texture.
ReplyDeleteThanks, and not so long term durable I am sure. But since the bromeliads mainly want water in their cups I won't be watering the soil that much. Hopefully it will hold up for a season or two...
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