Pet the Plants! Stachys byzantina

Lamb’s ears are so charming. They are one of those plants that will attract the attention of everyone, even folks who are not interested in plants, no one can resit petting them. They are great for sensory gardens and children’s gardens. I was just enjoying how they looked in rows at the nursery.

Helen von Stein is a variety that has larger leaves. I think this is one of the ones that doesn’t really flower. So maybe good for a garden with kids who are allergic to bee stings.

Stachys byzantine Helen von Stein

A couple of other varieties were at the nursery today, including ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy’ and ‘Silver Carpet’.

Keep in mind that these guys spread pretty easily, they are not invasive though. Also, do not give them too much water or they get kind of gross and rotten! ew!

Children's Garden

This was a delightful garden to work on. The client had purchased a home with an enchanting, wonderfully quirky garden full of surprises around every corner. As someone who grew up loving the book 'A Secret Garden', I found myself not so secretly envious of the children who would grow up with is garden.

There was an area that was designatied as a children's garden and it needed a redo. It was hard packed dirt and weeds after refurbishing the two story playhouse. Other parts the garden were overgrown, the grape stake fence was overbearing and the gates no longer worked.

The designated children's area needed a complete makeover after the two-story playhouse renovation, leaving behind hard-packed dirt and weeds. Other sections had become overgrown, the grape stake fencing felt overwhelming, and the gates were no longer functional.

Our goal was to open up the space while maintaining its character as a children's haven. Given the shady conditions, we chose kurapia over traditional grass for the lawn. We were fortunate to find sod rather than plugs, creating an instant lawn that would also reduce bee activity in this shadier spot.

We installed a round TerraTrellis as the garden entrance and replaced the heavy grape stake fencing with an airy cable rail system. Both will eventually be softened with climbing vines for added privacy. The design includes a circular gravel seating area with a curved bench, plus natural tree stumps and boulders for play. A concrete patio with a picnic table for crafts, while raised beds provide space for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers.