Where they went No. 3

This image looking down the Tea House slope has always been one of my favorite views of the garden. For the last few years it has also been the area where I've been replacing high maintenance perennials like Hostas with shrubs.

It has been a problem free landscape except for the rabbits; thus the caged Deinanthe cerulea. Deinanthe is a shrubby perennial which dies back in the autumn and returns each spring. Its size makes it function like a no-fuss shrub. 

Despite a lot of extra watering, this year's weather and the loss of a neighboring tree proved too much for the Deinanthe. In September I dug it up and moved it to a much shadier location where I hope it can recover. I've had this lovely plant since 2006. It came from the the source of so many of my treasures: the late Seneca Hill Perennials.

I replaced it with New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus Americans), a low growing  native shrub whose flowers attract humming birds. An Oak Leaf Hydrangea (H. quercifolia 'Pee Wee') is behind it. The Hydrangea flowers on old wood and our erratic early spring temperatures have kept this from flowering for the last two years. Luckily it has distinctive foliage to recommend it.  

Among the other shrubs along the edge of this slope are Cornus sanguinea 'Compressa", a trio of Thuja occidentals 'Pancake' and a few others that are not visible. There are still a few Hostas because they are one of the few plants that provide so many foliage options in my Zone 5 climate. 

Comments

[Kris P]

As always, your moves reflect a thoughtful process. I hope the Deinanthe cerulea flourishes in its new location - in addition to its attractive foliage, it looks like it sports very nice flowers in season (not that any season would be appropriate for it in my own garden).

[Beth@PlantPostings]

Your artful designs and adjustments are always so inspiring. The Deinanthe is lovely. Hostas are plentiful in this garden, but I must admit 99% of them were here when we moved in. They're not my favorite plants, but they form a nice outline for the other plants. I haven't had much luck with NJ Tea; maybe I need to find a better spot for it.

[danger garden]

Do you get colorful autumn foliage on your Cornus sanguinea 'Compressa'? I am on my second plant now, as the first one didn't make it. The leaves on the first one used to turn a lovely orange/rust/maroon in the fall, the currently plant, not even a little bit.