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During our fall workdays, we removed the remaining warm season annuals and planned for the installation of cool season annuals. We installed Homestead Purple Verbena, Pink Yellow Columbine, Diamonds Blue Delphinium, Jolt Dianthus – Cherry and Pink Magic, Supertunia Vista Bubblegum Petunia, Sorbet Violas – Lemon Chiffon and Carmine Rose, and Rose Camelot Foxgloves. These winter annuals received a pre-plant fertilizer application at time of planting to assist with plant acclimation and blooming later in the season. In addition to the cool season annuals, we opted to try Frostproof Gardenias and Conversation Piece Azaleas in the front bed to see how they would do. Pine straw was applied to provide insulation to plant roots and to help the soil retain water during irrigation and rain events.
We decided to install several evergreen foundation plants on the north side of the building since this is the side of the building seen by many visitors as they approach the site. We opted for Blue Cascade Distylium for their unique color and relatively low disease pressure. This variety will ultimately end up growing taller than the variety chosen for the front of the building, but that is desired as there are no windows on this north wall.And along the front of the building, two Luna Series Hibiscus (Louisiana Super Plants) were installed in containers to add a pop of color among the Distylium planting.
During our March 2022 workday, the crew prepared the front Louisiana Super Plant bed for April installation of plant material. In April 2022, we installed Little Ruby Alternanthera, Seronita Angelonia – Raspberry and Pink, Intenz Classic Celosia, Flame Thrower Coleus – Salsa Roja and Flamethrower, Ornamental Peppers – Chilly Chili and Calico, and White Lucky Star Pentas. In addition to the warm season annuals, we were finally able to begin adding large plant material to the LSP bed. This plant material included Belinda’s Dream Rose, Purple Muhly Grass, and Peach Drift Roses. The planting area received an application of pre-plant fertilizer before the plants were installed. Fresh pine straw was also applied during this workday.
