BEFORE (30 April 2006):

AFTER (16 June 2006):

Steps taken to create and plant the bed:

1. Cut and remove sod.
2. Dig trench 12", removing larger rocks as encountered.
3. Fill trench with well-rotted manure.
4. Mark plant location hash, separated 24".
5. Plant, separating roots and keeping roots moist.
6. Lightly grade and smooth surrounding area, removing rocks.
7. Install border.
8. Apply Peat Moss as mulch, approx. 2" deep. Spread uniformly and smooth.
9. Clip a good deal of the upper foliage off the individual plants, to encourage more basal growth.

This was a fun and fulfilling project, and I enjoy showing my work 8-) It should look really nice in about two years when the hedge is higher, somewhat filled in, and formally sheared, Obviously additional plantings at the front will be needed to fill the copious void. But I've got this nagging feeling I've missed something. Manure pH is 6.3. Peat moss is generally low pH. Will I need to work some lime into the manure as well?

Being Boxwood, it hasn't changed much over the Summer/Fall other than a little bronzing. I've filled the front border with a line of Mondo Grass, still haven't decided what goes in the middle.

The Box is still green, and seems to be doing OK.

Are you aware that you can get soil testing kits at Lowe's, HD, WalMart, or about any garden center?

Or you can get samples of the soil and carry it to your local county extension office for analyzing. This is what I did in the past, but I've found the soil testing kits are a lot more convenient (no waiting).

These kits test for fertilizing requirements as well as ph.

Please keep us posted with photos of this beautful site!