Coops current landscaping project...

[gardencoop]

Hey guys what's shakin?! Here's a long story short. I had to cut down a very large tree in my backyard and the tree trimmers left me with a nice sized stump. Instead of cutting it down further, or even trying to remove it, I decided I want to make it an organic planter and add some style to this corner of my backyard.

I started hollowing out the center of the stump because I want to plant something that will drape all over it. I have lavender around it, so I was thinking about a succulent or something to cover the stump completely... Not sure what to plant yet. I've got more time so I'll keep searching

You can see by the pics that I have done a lot. I removed the old flimsy, dried and ugly wood fence. Added a new composite white fence w lattice so I can have something grow up it. (suggestions anyone) Redid the watering to drip to conserve water and be more efficient and a few other things

Advice and suggestions are welcome with open arms!

Here are some pics w the process

Here it all is from the beginning

Added some lavender and rock boarder (changed lavender out after the tree was removed. Some died and I wanted a diff variety)

Now for some contrasting color w red bark and moisture control and bye bye old rotten fence

Bye bye tree, hello new fence, sunlight and space!

Planted some new lavender

Switched to drip irrigation (have open ports for the stump and stuff to grow on white fence)

Good ol stumpy (width is pretty much there, just need to go a lil deeper. currently about 6 inches in depth)(water helps soften to wood to drill)

Well that's where I am for now. Just gotta finish hollowing the tree, and then planting some stuff and BAM, done!

Thanks for checkin out my post! I am new to landscaping and gardening. Been doin it for about 2 years now and this is my first house! I love it and plan on doing much more! I will post a few other projects I have been working on as well! As always, suggestions, advice and more are welcomed w open arms and a smile!

Thanks,
Greg

 

[RonsGarden]

Very good Greg!
I have a stump from a maple that we had to take down a few years ago.
2 years ago I decided to do as you are doing!
I only made a few large holes and planted sempervivums and a few jovibarba!
They didn't do very well, because fungi started to grow out of the area around where I planted them, and this growth kept pushing the plants out of the holes!
I know now that I should have removed more of the wood and make one large hole like you are in the process of doing.
I removed the plants and placed potted ones on top of the stump, it actually looks good with the pots!
I would suggest that you make a few drainage holes to get rid of excess water.

http://gardenforums.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2856&d=1253978308

 

[RonsGarden]

Check out my thread Re-Landscaping Neglected Gardens on the North Shore of Lake Erie http://gardenforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1625for photos from 2 yrs ago!

 

[gardencoop]

Wow looks great, Ron!

I did add a few drainage holes for that exact reason! Didn't want water to pool up too much!

Now, what to plant for SoCal weather?! Hmmmmmm

 

[RonsGarden]

...now that is a good question!
You are in zone 8/9?

 

[RonsGarden]

I had a look through my favorite websites and found this one for you:
http://www.smgrowers.com/Resources/horticulturalsitelinks.asp
You should get a few good ideas!

 

[gardencoop]

Oh wow thanks for that link, Ron! Much appreciated.

I am in zone 8. Hot, dry Southern California!

 

[Crabbergirl]

I always hate to take out a tree but living in the swamp they often take themselves out. Stumps are costly to remove and I too, make use of them. I do as Ron did. I have several stumps that I have large pots on, and it does add height for flowing plants. I have found if you pour old cooking oil on the stumps, it keeps them from getting termites. Termites will make a home in your pots too. I hope hollowing out your tree works well for you. Maybe being in a drier area you will have better luck. Florida is rife with termites
You have some nice stuff going on. Keep up the great work

 

[Trax]

Wow! That stump's taller than I thought. I needa get some of that red bark mulch, it looks way cool. Good work!

Hey Ron,
That prickly pear cactus I got by the lake is doing great! But wow, you got a ton of it. Does yours make yellow flowers?

Hey Crabbergirl,
You're right. It's hot and dry here too and I never see any termites. I haven't even seen very many bugs period, lol!

 

[gardencoop]

Thanks guys makes my hard work feel even more better seeing your comments. We don't usually have termites too often, but it does happen. The tree had those weird beetles that ate it from the inside out. It was buckled and ready to start crashing down on my property

 

[gardencoop]

Current pic taken right now. Gonna finish drilling the middle tomorrow, then plant. Still not sure what to plant. Any suggestions? I live in Woodland Hills CA zone 9 I believe. Full sun all day long

 

[RonsGarden]

Sedums and other succulants will do nicely! The sedum will grow over the edge (depends on species)!

Josh

Hey Ron,
That prickly pear cactus I got by the lake is doing great! But wow, you got a ton of it. Does yours make yellow flowers?

Mine are a pale yellow (almost translucent) with a reddish centre, and are native to my area! They are a protected species and all the ones offered for sale started from a few seeds taken from the wild!
It is amost time to cut some pads off to keep it tame! I'll let the cut seal and then place them on some loose soil-less mix to root!
All my other opuntias are doing great, and need a few more years before they bloom! I think I have 7, or so, species/cultivars!

There you go Greg!
You can plant an opuntia in your trunk!

 

[gardencoop]

I was doin some research and I think some donkey tail succulents would look amazing once fully grown. Will update as soon as I'm done w the drilling!

 

[lynpenny]

coop that sounds like a plan. I want to see a picture of the donkey tails if you plant them.

 

[gardencoop]

Thanks, LP I will!!

 

[Crabbergirl]

Looking good. You are doing a wonderful job with your projects.

 

[gardencoop]

Update. The stump is as hollowed out as I like. It's about 8 inches in total depth but there are deeper holes for roots to grow. Also, added a vent hole in the back so we don't drown the plants. Will be planting the donkey tail later today.

 

[RonsGarden]

Cool!
That was a lot of work!
Love to see how the donkey tail does!

 

[gardencoop]

Thanks. Me too all planted and done. Now the fun part of watching it all grow

 

[gardensolution12]

It's a perfect place to party with your highschool friends. That's what I see from college movies and stuff. It's a perfect spot to do some parties and all. Well just and opinion though.