See Morning Walkabout 1 for the introduction to this series. (Click on each image for larger view.)
The Flag Pole Garden is the newest and smallest of the garden areas, established this spring (2015). The flag pole sits in the middle of the yard in front of the house. I first transplanted some gladiolus bulbs into the small space, and then found some interesting iris bulbs at the local garden store. Later, wanting some immediate color for an event, I purchased some small (four-ounce pot) Vinca and Celosia.
The Flag Pole is located in the center of the yard and visible to anyone entering the drive.
The iris were the biggest surprise. First, they promptly sprouted and soon bloomed. I had (and still have) no idea of the variety of iris, but they are very attractive and striking.
The Iris were the first to bloom. Does anyone know the name of this variety?
They are perennials and should return next near, hopefully having increased in number.
When I first planted the Celosia and Vinca, they were so small that they seemed lost in the bed. I planned to add more plants or additional flowers to fill the empty spaces, but procrastination set in and I never “got around to it.” Just as well.
The Vinca overtook and crowded out the Celosia.
After about four weeks, the Vinca really began to grow, crowding out the Celosia, which never really got started.
The flag pole bed is a small feature in the yard, but its central location makes it one of the first visual features for anyone entering the drive.
The gladiolus (“glads”) were the last to really flower. Purly by chance, they were all a deep rich purple—very pretty. I may have to set up a dedicated cutting garden for the glads.
All of the Glads were this rich purple. There should be more next year.
For next year, I plan to expand the area and add some taller plants, maybe some tall grass. But I also want to preserve the iris and increase the gladiolus.
