The Definition of Garden Conundrum

The current project that is ongoing in gazebo area is a seating area that is completely shaded no matter the time of day all summer long.  Steve has undertaken all the hard work, and my task so far has been research. MANNNNN..... What a task!

I have looked online at my favorite sites:  GardeningKnowHow, MissouriBotanicalGarden, and Sunset.  I have also poured through The Sunset Western Garden Book trying to make an informed decision on what will go into this area that will provide a colorful and inviting atmosphere.

First, I made a list from looking at all the pretty pictures.   Then I began looking up each plant.  The list grew shorter and longer as some plants were added and others deleted. The easy part was in eliminating plants that will simply die if it gets too hot, are to thirsty, and ones that are not in our growing area.  The hard part was containing myself when I saw another pretty plant on the page.  (It was kind of like the dog in the movie "Up":-)

So far, I have looked up a couple plants more than once, so that must mean I need to really strongly consider incorporating them into the landscaping.  Some I can just move over there from another shady place in the yard.  I did come home with a couple plants from the plant exchange, but there now needs to be companion plants for them. And some flowering plants.  And plants that the creatures won't enjoy tasting. And plants that will make you want to go over and touch.  And plants that are a little unique.  And then a bit of garden art. And then....

And now you have a clear definition  of a "Gardening Conundrum".

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