<< nathankramer.com

SUGGESTIONS =>

• 'Doone Valley' -- Thymus doerfleri     (Stepables)
• 'Archer's Gold' -- Thymus citriodorus    (Stepables)
• 'Bressingham' -- Tymus praecox   (Stepables)
• Purple Sage -- Salvia Officinalis 'Tricolor'
• Cuban Oregano -- Plectranthus amboinicus
• Variegated Elephant Bush -- Portulacaria Afra 'variegata'
  African succulent makes a foolproof indoor bonsai.  Full sun, 18" tall.

The plantings in the area are limited to two herbs -- sage and thyme. However, there are a mixture of varieties of each.  The Russian sage is used as a tall "anchor" plant and the thyme is used as a "creeping" plant that fills in the gaps and wonders across the boards.  The sage give some winter foliage as well. The photo on the right shows and idea of how a garden bed can drape over the paved border.
       We tried to accomplish the same idea using a cement "trough" next to the sidewalk and driveway to hold red pebble gravel and a planting area behind it for the herbs.  (See photos below to see the 2005 installation of this cement trough board.)  The trough was counter-sunk to hold the gravel with a lip on the back side to keep it from migrating into the plant area.  The green plants and red gravel, plus the variation of textures really looks great. However, one big problem is that the school children that walk past this area each day love to kick the gravel onto the side way. So, the gravel will have to go.

The Rock Place, 3405 So. 204th St. #6  Elkhorn, NE  68022
402-289-2862
.57 Ton of Cherokee Sand 3/16 x 1/4  $46.74
 

Click photos to enlarge.
	Garden Sage salvia officinalis Shooting up to three feet with its blooms, garden sage is a purple delight Flower color: purple
	Purple Sage Salvia offinalis purpurea Aromatic, oval purple foliage is very ornamental.  Produces spikes of blue flowers.  Plant in full sun.  Grows 18' tall.
	Golden Sage salvia officinalis icterina Can be used in any recipe calling for sage. Fresh leaves make an attractive garnish for roast chicken or turkey.  Flower color blue. Rarely blooms.
	Pineapple Sage salvia elegans While pineapple sage does have a pineappley fragrance, its only real use in cooking is as a fresh edible flower. The flowers are reminiscent of honeysuckle and make a colorful addition to salads, fruit cocktails or any garnish. Their vibrant red color complements many dishes particularly attractive with yellow or green bell peppers. Flowers can be sugared and used to garnish cakes or cookie platters. Great plant for attracting hummingbirds to the garden.  Flower color: bright red. Tubular shape.	2005 Plant Exchange
	Berggarten Sage salvia officinalis "berggarten' Dense, compact growth habit with large, aromatic, gray-green leaves.  Use in cooking and for its decorative effects in the garden.  Full sun.	Started in 2005 Herb Garden
	Cuban Oregano Plectranthus amboincus This aromatic species has fleshy green leaves and a trailing habit when the branches are allowed to grow long.  Cuban Oregano is a member of the same family as Coleus, and as such is not a true oregano. It makes a nice houseplant - especially the variegated type shown above, and is propagated easily by cuttings.	Purchased from HyVee Garden Center Spring 2005
	Elfin Thyme Thymus praecox arcticus 'Elfin' Hall's Woolly Thyme Thymus praecox arcticus 'Hall's Woolly Thyme' Pink Chintz Thymus praecox arcticus	Ordered from Mountain Valley Growers. Squaw Valley, CA Spring 2006
	Elfin Thyme  a.k.a. creeping thyme Thymus praecox arcticus 'Elfin' small closely spaced leaves and lowers makes it not only one of the smallest thymes but also one of the slowest growing thymes. It is a good choice for planting between stepping stones where spaces may be very small.
	Thyme thymus cv. Flower color: pinkish lavender
	Coconut Thyme Thymus praecox arcticus Low growing perennial herb with tiny leaves scented like coconut.
	Golden Thyme
	French Thyme Narrow green leaves yield a spicy, sweet flavor.  Full Sun.
	Lisianthus (Annual)	added Spring 2006