tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post2254469977829676642..comments2023-08-21T01:41:13.490-07:00Comments on Three Dogs in a Garden: Applying the Principle of Planting Multiples in a Suburban GardenJenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-81206554386218118802013-10-10T06:40:42.538-07:002013-10-10T06:40:42.538-07:00I am trying to remember this rule. It's hard ...I am trying to remember this rule. It's hard not to try to squeeze in one more new plant, and as you say, mass plantings take $. But, oh, they are so effective!HolleyGardenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14892421871044249940noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-15561464418794172452013-10-08T08:17:06.134-07:002013-10-08T08:17:06.134-07:00I see in the forest photo there is bloodroot growi...I see in the forest photo there is bloodroot growing with the blue scilla. Bloodroot is not too hard to find and starts to spread nicely in a couple of years. Granted they are more expensive than traditional bulbs but ever so lovely.Pattyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13191861892726873074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-16268669001804939202013-10-08T06:06:48.084-07:002013-10-08T06:06:48.084-07:00I am still too much of the one-of-a-kind kind of g...I am still too much of the one-of-a-kind kind of gardener, I'm afraid. I remember, though, several years ago seeing a field of poppies at the Chicago Botanic Garden. I was with a group touring the garden that day, and we all were immediately transfixed by the sight. A grouping of a few poppies would have been nice, but it certainly wouldn't have stopped us in our tracks as this did. The only problem with planting bulbs or anything that blooms for only part of the season is what do you do with that area the rest of the year? At the Chicago garden I discovered on a later trip that they pulled all the poppies later in the season and replanted the area with something else. Fine if you have a gardening staff:) But you have given me an idea with the pachysandra under the big tree--I'm trying to convince my husband that if I expand the shade garden under a large tree nearby, it will make his mowing a lot easier.<br /><br />As for the mass planting of snowdrops, maybe you can do it in stages. I've been trying to create a field of crocus, and every year I plant another 100 or more. One of these days it may actually look impressive:)Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01384059342847120951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-54766699299728387962013-10-07T17:37:29.553-07:002013-10-07T17:37:29.553-07:00Like you I have been looking at my issues and lack...Like you I have been looking at my issues and lack of mass plantings...I am rethinking many areas and trying to move, add and rearrange...these are very inspiring pictures.Donnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13420133886162844400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-37635514120395884672013-10-07T13:02:06.750-07:002013-10-07T13:02:06.750-07:00I have the same exact problem and actually wrote a...I have the same exact problem and actually wrote a big note to myself in my fall planting reminders to focus on groups of 3 to 5. I've noticed over the years that my garden felt choppy and didn't have the cohesion that larger plantings offer. I've stuck to my plan as I've redesigned. But some big plants I only grow in clumps of 1 or 2. Here's another question to ponder: are the differences in the expensive snowdrops so significant that they're worth the price? Will they be noticed when they bloom? If not, then go with the cheapies and enjoy the mass planting.Casa Mariposahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16647089868277238456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-41559302876138385932013-10-06T09:20:41.235-07:002013-10-06T09:20:41.235-07:00Bulbs are hard - I always think I am buying enough...Bulbs are hard - I always think I am buying enough, and then am amazed at what a puny show they put on. I tend to go with instant gratification, so if it were me I'd buy the cheap-o snowdrops. But that's why my garden looks like it does. Yours, on the other hand, looks fabulous.Sarah/ Galloping Horse Gardenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01863804034201109102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-38123844060100944712013-10-06T05:52:21.963-07:002013-10-06T05:52:21.963-07:00Hi Jennifer,
The three to five rule is going by t...Hi Jennifer,<br /><br />The three to five rule is going by the wayside. When Piet Oudolf plans he looks more to tying in form and color rather than always a repeat of the same plant. I have a small garden and cannot always do masses of the same plant. I rarely plant just one of a variety but I don't worry anymore about repeating the same plants throughout the borders and try more for color in flowers or leaves. Scilla can be invasive, but these might fill in an area quickly. <br /><br />Your post really makes me want to put in some snowdrops and maybe some crocus (the squirrels will go crazy). I will have to put down my chicken wire!<br /><br />EileenGatsbys Gardenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04228978705943696143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-61062937602810180432013-10-05T20:14:56.389-07:002013-10-05T20:14:56.389-07:00Decisions indeed!!! Your mass planting photos are...Decisions indeed!!! Your mass planting photos are stunning!!!! Such great design lessons here. I have struggled with some of these issues myself. My problem tends to be that I want so many different plants in my young garden that focusing on one plant isn't satisfying enough though I know that having a mass grouping would create a stronger impact. But like you with your bulbs my budget each year only allows so much. I can't wait to see what you decide to do with your bulbs!!! Happy fall friend!!!My Garden Diarieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17295676587780780313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-7267788757695331422013-10-05T18:13:59.654-07:002013-10-05T18:13:59.654-07:00Oh, I wish I had room for at least one of everythi...Oh, I wish I had room for at least one of everything! I try to limit to a maximum of three of a single plant, but most plants I do what you used to, just one of each. The only exception is oriental lilies. I have more than 80 of Lilium regale, but they are nicely slim and tall so don’t take up much space. I long for enough space to do mass planting of French lavender, and a field of heleniums, asters and rudbecias - and a poppy field too. Well, a girl can dream, right!<br />Thanks for the beautiful photos, can’t wait for my new snowdrops to come up, bought 200 in the green this year after they were finished flowering, they are quite cheap here. Thought 200 was a lot, but when planted they didn’t amount to much, even in my tiny garden.HELENEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16112289914239038835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-44969953702149213242013-10-05T13:09:45.121-07:002013-10-05T13:09:45.121-07:00I have my special snowdrops by the path through my...I have my special snowdrops by the path through my woodland and the wild single and doubles further back. By splitting the wild ones every three years, you will soon have the drifts that you yearn for! Over the past few years I have come to the same conclusion as you and am now planting drifts of my favourite plants, before that I just wanted one of everything!Paulinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16057764572761794703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-84759666887700878832013-10-05T11:16:16.303-07:002013-10-05T11:16:16.303-07:00I have a different twist on the same problem. My t...I have a different twist on the same problem. My tendency is to plant three to five of each plant in a given bed - but squeezing in at least one or two more plants than can really fit (in other words, six to ten plants). The result is as you describe, the strongest plants squeeze out the weaker. As to your galanthus dilemma, I know what I would do - go for lots of the cheap ones! But that's just me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-33324963673706338602013-10-05T10:50:32.639-07:002013-10-05T10:50:32.639-07:00Seeing these spring flowers is making me feel very...Seeing these spring flowers is making me feel very impatient already!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-25007103155827848222013-10-05T08:32:00.378-07:002013-10-05T08:32:00.378-07:00Love snowdrops and scilla - beautiful photos!
htt...Love snowdrops and scilla - beautiful photos!<br /><br />http://tinajoathome.com/tinajohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11107966080559159842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-75696917538201522062013-10-05T05:53:59.431-07:002013-10-05T05:53:59.431-07:00You have completely summarized my problems with pl...You have completely summarized my problems with planting -- I have such difficulty with scale, size and massing! LIke you I am now learning to put multiples together and get away from the chaotic look of "one of everything". The snowdrops will multiply, but slowly. You have to be patient over years to get any kind of show -- so plant what you can afford each year to supplement them, and wait very patiently for them to spread on their own as well!Laurriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13657951570419825095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-17766485125570143502013-10-05T05:25:54.426-07:002013-10-05T05:25:54.426-07:00For me it's about getting the most bang for my...For me it's about getting the most bang for my buck - so I would choose the less expensive bulbs and enjoy their beauty. It takes so long for these little bulbs to develop into a blanket of colour that I wouldn't want to wait. I am so blessed to a have a little side garden between the garage and fenceline (about 10' wide) that is covered in scilla in early spring. This little garden is usually ignored, but at it's best with the masses of blue scilla.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17063046271695834588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-1772126705050313922013-10-05T05:20:03.506-07:002013-10-05T05:20:03.506-07:00BeautifulBeautifulunihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13386806055641660602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-71564718649122592982013-10-05T03:20:31.029-07:002013-10-05T03:20:31.029-07:00I also know the mantra, plant 3 or 5 of the same p...I also know the mantra, plant 3 or 5 of the same plant. It is so difficult, when there are so many plants you want. I´m learning it though gradually, and it does look good when you can really see a mass of the same plant. But it also does require a certain size of garden. Snowdrops are expensive here also. I am fortunate that the garden had plenty when we moved in. Gittehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07298668942423841136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-27277279788773335132013-10-05T01:35:38.736-07:002013-10-05T01:35:38.736-07:00That post really hit home. I know that for impact ...That post really hit home. I know that for impact I should be planting more than 1 of each variety, and planting singly will never work in the same way, but I love the plants too much. My partner reminds me of the '3 or 5' rule every time we buy plants, but I cannot buy so many the same. It is the plants themselves that do it for me, and I am like a stamp collector in that I like to have as many different ones as I can. I'm afraid plants win over design every time for me ! I love your 'mass ' plantings and think they look tremendous, just wish I could do it !!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-23203802951424468932013-10-05T00:48:50.033-07:002013-10-05T00:48:50.033-07:00I think that snowdrops! And make gardening less la...I think that snowdrops! And make gardening less labor intensive. My garden isn't big but I love the large areas of one perennials, as scilla, crocus, primulas, chionodoxa, etc. Have a nice weekend!Nadezdahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08159291982383302922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-49280781612743682542013-10-04T21:30:20.970-07:002013-10-04T21:30:20.970-07:00I think I forget about mass planting because my fl...I think I forget about mass planting because my flower borders are not very big. But I did plant three of the same rose in a mass but one of them isn't as vigorous as the other two so I hope it looks okay next year. I am not familiar with the fancy snowdrops vs. plain snowdrops. Are they doubles? If they are unique, I'd rather have it in my garden than the snowdrops everyone else has. I can't wait to see which ones you decide on! Have a great weekend, Jennifer!Stacyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14294624848003071390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-72979053638109684992013-10-04T17:58:09.489-07:002013-10-04T17:58:09.489-07:00When in doubt, go with blue! lol I had the same ...When in doubt, go with blue! lol I had the same difficult lesson to learn as you. I wanted one of everything... I still struggle with that one in my much smaller yard. It was easier on the acreage - I just let things multiply and it looked fabulous AND I could have every plant I wanted. Small yards are tough! Pls send me some sweet woodruff! I didn't take a cutting when I moved and nobody sells it around here. I brought it with me when I moved here from Ontario. I'm crazy like that... :)ANNEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09669855421350031273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-73238436702282860292013-10-04T17:17:47.184-07:002013-10-04T17:17:47.184-07:00How I smiled as I read the first line here, Jennif...How I smiled as I read the first line here, Jennifer!!<br />I planted over 400 bulbs at House #2 in the fall of last year.<br />Following the instructions very carefully, I planted my crocuses 12 inches apart, etc.<br />When they all came up in the spring, I was horrified! They definitely should have been planted in clumps, but I am guessing in 10 years or so, I may have my clumps of crocuses, tulips, snowdrops, etc! :-)<br /><br />As always, your photographs are so beautiful.<br /><br />Have a fantastic weekend!Lisa Gordonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06638444295223502727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-12282377896110747212013-10-04T13:26:19.598-07:002013-10-04T13:26:19.598-07:00Ahhhhhh....snowdrops! I have to say, each year aft...Ahhhhhh....snowdrops! I have to say, each year after the usual dreadful British winter I am always SO grateful to see that little snowy jewel peeping from the ground. Y'know, I'd just get lots of them and let them spread, they don't care if they are fancy or not....and I think they are all adorable.<br /><br />I love planting in multiples but a single wild poppy can be utterly breathtaking too....I think we should all go with our hearts.<br /><br />I do love your posts and always look forward to reading them. You have such a wonderful chilling effect....yes!xxxxSnowbirdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08572555410663928295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-52200189978676330702013-10-04T11:16:05.905-07:002013-10-04T11:16:05.905-07:00Hi Jennifer
You've definitely identified one o...Hi Jennifer<br />You've definitely identified one of the most important principles of garden design: mass plantings. In this world of constant rapid-fire changing images on TV, movies, etc. it's so relaxing to let the eye drift slowly over an area that's filled just one type of plant. <br />Re: the snowdrops. You know the old cliche - you get what you pay for. Therefore go with not as many expensive snowdrops this year and just augment the same ones again next year. They'll probably last longer than the cheap ones.<br />Thanks for the glorious photos as well.Astridhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17208261869410640449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-12418987496160705732013-10-04T11:12:31.147-07:002013-10-04T11:12:31.147-07:00I hear what you're saying, the stronger plants...I hear what you're saying, the stronger plants will always win. I think we all have the same problem. I personally favour mass planting for its impact but as my garden borders are relatively small it means I can only favour a few plants of the same type so I go for planting in three's so I get some sort of impact. My friend though favours one of everything as she is a keen plant collector.I would go for the cheaper snowdrops 'cos as far as I can tell no one can really tell the difference.elaine https://www.blogger.com/profile/17075935631756457901noreply@blogger.com