At the Bench

I haven't shared much about my garden this year.

It's been a tough year to be a gardener here in Michigan.  First, summer hit in March for a few weeks.  Then, it didn't rain for several months this summer.  And the temperatures were stifling for weeks on end.  The weather conditions were simply not conducive to planting or transplanting.  It was all I could do to just maintain the garden with minimal damage to my plants.

Things are looking a bit better now.  (This bed was a wasteland of curled brown leaves just a month ago.)

But it's taking me a while to catch up with the weeds!  (Which, of course, are having a hey-day in these weather conditions.)

This was also my year to do some major bed-renovation in the garden -- some serious moving around and re-doing.  So much of my garden looks like this. . .

In progress.  But really messy to look at!

So, this year, I turned to my garden bench for inspiration!

When I couldn't hit the nurseries for new plants, or dig in the garden, or transplant perennials, I could have fun with small-scale gardening!

For me, this year in the garden has been all about succulents!

In containers. . .

In hanging baskets. . .

And in my wreath. . .

Gardening with succulents has pulled me through an otherwise lackluster gardening season!

I'm grateful for my time. . .

at the bench!

Comments

[margene]

Succulent plants have always held an attraction for me. Maybe this is something I should explore come next spring. My patio could use a spruce up. Maybe we can consult. Love the little nooks of interest and surprise you've created in your yard.

[Mary]

love those containers -and I'm impressed you found time to do all that - haven't you been gone most of the summer?!

[Cheryl S.]

Love it! I'm a sucker for succulents. I meant to plant some little container gardens with succulents this year, but never got around to it. Sigh. Maybe next year.

[Rachel]

Most beautiful as usual :)

[Vicki]

Ooh, ooh, we're suckers for succulents around here, too. But, wow, I've barely paid attention to any.thing in my garden this year -- too soon, too hot, too wet -- no good time for planting and puttering!! I love your little "displays," too! Very creative with everyday things.

[Cookie]

Love!

I was poking around a site the other day and found a million fabulous succulents and thought of you.

[Carole]

And they don't need rain which is awesome! Years ago Hannah planted succulents in an old pair of her grandfather's work boats. It was adorable and they lasted for a long time.

[Chiko]

Your handmade troughs look great!
I know that they can be tricky to make, but yours came out so well.

Do I see a Zen garden in making?

[Marilyn]

My garden is looking pretty sad from the weather too but I didn't think to turn to containers. Good plan!