Pavement Gardening (2)

As I explained in a previous post, the paths in the garden are my version of a rock garden. Tucked in between the stones are small plants, some that survives foot traffic, and others that keep to the edges not to be trampled on. Mazus reptans is one of the tough plants that has been spreading nicely over the years.  I end the post with a mystery plant you can perhaps help me identify.

Mazus reptans spreading

Mazus reptans close-up

Pavement Gardening (1)

The paths between flower and vegetable beds in this garden are paved with the local stone, Great Lakes dolomite. Tucked among these, are numerous rock garden and low growing plants. At first glance, as in the picture below, you might not notice the many small things that grow in between the stones. These paths are my version of a rock garden with some tough plants you can walk on, and, congregating near the hedges, where they are less likely to be trod upon, other slightly bigger or more fragile plants that like a hot spot in a tight space between rocks.

Seeds Galore

For me, the milestones that mark the beginning and the end of the gardening year are the seed lists sent out by the North American Rock Garden Society and the Ontario Rock Garden and Hardy Plant Society for their respective seed exchanges. Invariably, much of the seed I get through these exchanges end up not sprouting or if they germinate I can’t carry the plants to maturity. However, at the ordering stage, all is hope and expectations, every seed I select seems bound to do well and sending out my seed orders is fine way of ending the gardening year on a high note.