The ivy that graced the area in front of the mica rock in the Tea House garden is just a memory. It was all ripped out on Monday. I started filling in the area with plants from elsewhere in the garden but I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. Going from one subtle plant to a mix of Hostas, Heucheras and Carex is a big change visually and mentally. It will probably take me a while to get used to it.
Just before the ivy disappeared I snapped these photos. All the ivy on the ground was brown and ugly looking. But I loved the way the last ivy tendrils that climbed up the rock seemed to mimic the color of the stone.
When we first got this rock it took us a long time to decide where to put it in the garden. It was so brightly colored and shiny we called it the "glitter rock." Over the years moss and lichen have colonized the rock's surface, and its color and glittery mica barely register anymore. But I love this last little moment when the ivy turned pinkish in homage to the rock.
What killed the ivy? I thought it was impervious to everything, but maybe that's because of so many years in Portland where it was extremely invasive. Even in it's more subtle cloak of greens the rock is beautiful.
Posted by: Barbara H. | Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 07:59 AM
One of those special unplanned moments. Sweet color echo and nice textures.
Posted by: Peter/Outlaw | Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 08:57 AM
I can image how you feel losing the ivy due to it's sentimental value. I think you will like your newly planted area when you get used to seeing it. That rock is a star in the garden for sure, so handsome.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 09:48 AM
The glitter rock! I love it, and your photos of the ivy.
Posted by: Loree / danger garden | Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 11:00 AM
I am quickly getting used to all the things that are gone from the garden or are going. Once the initial shock is over, lots of new possibilities!
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 06:11 PM
Luckily I have a lot of memorable items from those grandparents (furniture, china etc). The bigger issue is whether I will like having more than one plant by that rock. I figure I need to give it a while to get used to it. Sometimes I have a million ideas for a spot but it's harder to decide when you weren't planning on doing anything in an area.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 06:18 PM
The ivy did not get totally killed. Lots of surface dieback and some roots and vines seemed dead. There's a bit of new growth but in the past I had to cut out all the dead foliage and stems and then peg the remaining ones into the open areas. It worked but took 2-3 years to get the same kind of lush coverage. Since this is about the third time at least that this has happened, it seems like a good times to make a change. When it was doing well I always had to clip it to keep it from going crazy!
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 06:22 PM
Goodbye, Ivy. Change is always unsettling, but sometimes the new vignette ends up being even better (and it sounds like it will be easier to maintain). I love, love, love your glitter rock!
Posted by: Beth @ PlantPostings | Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 08:21 PM
Well that is a fabulous rock.
Posted by: Erin @ The Impatient Gardener | Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 01:38 PM