perinnials | Red Dirt Chronicles

It wasn’t until I had lots of empty ground to fill with my choice of plants that I learned the difference between annuals and perennials. Now, that we are starting on our fifth summer in our own house in the country, we are enjoying the fruits of our labor; the perennials are back and they’ve brought friends.

Perennials on the bank — Our Junipers are filling in the sunny part of the bank. The Snapdragons on the right come back and had a little color right before the shaded Vinca Vine.

The bank has been challenging to landscape. Part of the 200 foot long bank gets full sun while the rest is shaded by a tree line. When we add in the factor of a steep slope, we are limited in the choices that will thrive in that environment. We have been experimenting with several varieties of shrubs and vines for the last five years. Just this year I have noticed how much our perennials have grown and spread.

It takes some work. I spend the early part of the growing season checking on the placement of the new branches of the Junipers, so I can get maximum coverage. I also placed some rocks in the banks to prevent water creating ditches in the bank. I am not always successful. This morning I noticed a couple of missing plants washed away by the recent heavy rains. Continue reading Meanwhile, Back at The Ranch: We’re Back! →

This spring the rain has been abundant and the sun intermittent, but many of my hardy plants have come back from last year in multiples. I am happy to share them with friends.

Last week I overheard my friend Anna say that she’d like to plant some Lemon Verbena. Lucky for her, I have tons. Her only job was to provide me a list of its uses. I am going to try it as a tea.

I gave my friend Deauna a bunch of oregano that came back from last year. She is a great cook, so I know it’s something she will use. I kept a little for myself. I will try to cook something with it…but no promises as to how it will come out. The good thing is that I have plenty to use in my culinary experiments.

herb garden — My herbs are planted in a wagon wheel-six herb plants fit perfectly!

Continue reading Meanwhile, Back at The Ranch: Sunny and Share →

Showcasing Red Dirt culture ~ authored and managed by contributors with connections to the great state of Oklahoma.