Last weekend I finally got the round shrubs planted next to our garden steps that we'd been talking about for a year! It was a good time to do it, because I had coupons to our local nursery, giving us half off our purchase. So, the shrubs which are usually $30 a piece were $30 total!
Even better, they're called Mr. Bowling Ball! Isn't that the best name? We debated among lots of options, mostly varieties of blue spruce or arborvitae. Mr. Bowling Ball is an arborvitae variety. They're very hardy, soft to the touch and just the right size - maxing out at 2.5 foot spheres - so we shouldn't have to do much, if any, pruning. And arborvitaes are generally about half the price of spruce, so that's a plus as well.
Steps before Mr. Bowling Ball
Steps after Mr. Bowling Ball
The only downside - for some reason I planted them in the middle of this huge heat wave. I suppose that's the reason for the generous discount - what fool is silly enough to want to dig 2' holes in July??????
It was nearly 100 degrees at 8:30 in the morning - not fun gardening weather. They look great nonetheless, so the short-term pain was worth it.
They're a subtle accent, but I look forward to seeing that sweet shape year round. The other perennials I plant along the wall all die down once the ground freezes, leaving the area fairly lifeless. These little guys will keep our steps company even on the chilliest of winter nights!
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