Episode 87: Plants to Build a Bed Around

For those who are a little confused by this episode ’s theme , let us endeavor to excuse . Yes , all garden beds are built with plant . But there are certain plants that are such solid performing artist that they are the complete jumping - off point in time for build a bed . These are not the dramatic focal points that catch everyone ’s attention , nor are they the stoical bones of the garden that just flirt a backcloth part . These are the double-dyed chicken tenders around which the rest of the meal arrive together . ( Steve would ’ve prefer a baked goods analogy here , but you do n’t always get what you need . ) Looking to get down a raw garden and need ideas of where to part ? Or do you need more solid performers to round out a bed that is miss something , but you do n’t know what ? These plants could help .

Expert testimonial : Richie Steffen , executive director of the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden in Seattle

Steve ’s plant life

‘ Sikes Dwarf ’ oakleaf hydrangea ( Hydrangea quercifolia‘Sikes Dwarf ’ , Zones 5–9 )

Bird ’s nest spruce ( Picea abies‘Nidiformis ’ , Zones 2–8 )

‘ Abiqua Drinking Gourd ’ hosta ( Hosta‘Abiqua Drinking Gourd ’ , Zones 3–8 )

‘ Caesar ’s Brother ’ Siberian iris ( Iris sibirica‘Caesar ’s Brother ’ , Zones 4–9 )

Danielle ’s Plants‘Sun King ’ aralia ( Aralia cordata‘Sun King ’ , Zones 4–8 )

Japanese stewartia ( Stewartia pseudocamellia , Zones 5–8 )

easterly white pine tree ( Pinus strobuscvs . , Zones 3–8 )

‘ Lunar Eclipse ’ genus Baptisia ( Baptisia‘Lunar occultation ’ , Zones 4–8 )

Expert ’s Plants

Pinky Winky ® panicle hydrangea ( Hydrangea paniculata ‘ DVP PINKY ’ , Zones 3–9 )

‘ Limelight ’ panicle hydrangea ( Hydrangea paniculata‘Limelight ’ , Zones 3–9 )

‘ Glowing Embers ’ bigleaf hydrangea ( Hydrangea macrophylla‘Glowing Embers ’ , Zones 5–9 )

Koster ’s Hinoki cypress tree ( Chamaecyparis obtusa‘Kosteri ’ , geographical zone 4–8 )

Pinky Winky ® panicle hydrangea

‘ Glowing Embers ’ bigleaf hydrangea

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Episode 87: Plants to Build a Bed Around

‘Sikes Dwarf’ oakleaf hydrangea

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