As fall slowly approaches in Zone 9b – I will be in the garden starting in October, I’m planning out my garden to-do list. Yearning for more simplicity due to entering a very complex stage of life I’ve entered since my dad passed away earlier this summer, I am in need for some simplicity in other areas of my life right now – including the garden. While I love tending to the garden and need the distraction, there will always something to tend to, I have 75 roses after all!
Several of our Japanese boxwoods have died from the heat and the intense direct sun has been tough for their survival, and so I asked Instagram for their advice on what to plant as a hedge. I wanted to share this with you if you are looking for hardy heat tolerant plants for a hedge! We are in Zone9b in Phoenix, HOT!
Sharing a quick list on how I plan to keep it more simple this fall – I can add more in spring if I wish.
- Focus on planting more perennials opposed to annuals.
- Transplanting boxwoods into planters and adding drip, opposed to planting perennials.
- Add a few geraniums in red or white in containers and they will last me through late spring.
^^ Transplanting the struggling roses on the corner along the front pathway and replace with dwarf myrtles or little ollies, I read the ollies can withstand reflected heat and light from pavement which is the issue with this area.
^^ Simplifying this area, either keeping it covered with mulch or a ground cover for winter.
I think there is a time for rest, not overcomplicating things or pulling back depending on where you are in life. For now I might put down some mulch where I would otherwise have annuals. And if it’s time to seed, I will scrape up the mulch and add more seeds to plant!
There’s a lot going on with planning, life changes and adjusting, but I can’t wait to be outside and active again, just need this weather to start cooling down soon.
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