My backyard neighbor's next door neighbor (Got that?)  planted a hedge of bamboo about 3 years ago.  The neighbors decision to plant this has now caused me to have to purchase bamboo barrier and install 30 feet of it behind my hedge of Sweet Viburnum.  I must be proactive because bamboo is very invasive and has already moved into my backyard neighbor's yard.  Which means if I don't place some preventive measures I will have bamboo eating my Viburnum.  I most definitely don't want that!

Obviously this neighbor wanted a fast growing hedge along his fence line.  So did I, that's why I planted Sweet Viburnum.  It's evergreen, fast growing and low maintenance.  I did research on all possibilities before I planted my hedge.  Gardeners need to consider how these plantings will affect their neighbors and while bamboo is a great option for a fast-growing living fence, it is also invasive.  Building a barrier around it will keep it contained. 

If a gardener decides to plant bamboo, he should install bamboo barrier around his plantings.  It will be less maintenance for the gardener and every neighbor within a mile.

The bamboo is creeping toward my viburnum.

Bamboo that has now creeped into my backyard neighbors yard.

I have a saying for the plants in my garden.  "They have to be amazing to stay here."  I know what your thinking, "Wow that's harsh."  Yes, it might be but this garden has been built on a small lot right in the heart of the city.  In other words, every space available to be planted is prime real estate, and the plant is out of here if it's not doing everything I'm asking of it.

Don't get me wrong, I give every plant a chance.  Some do get more of a chance than others, but that's beside the point.  The point being every plant gets a chance to represent itself in my garden but not all will meet my expectations. 

Today I removed the climbing rose Mme Alfred Carrier.  I do love her and am a bit sad that she had to go but she just wasn't amazing enough.  She had been growing at my front door for 2 1/2 years.  Her blooms are beautiful, smell wonderful, and are remontant.  Unfortunately, she is way susceptible to black spot and is constantly dropping her leaves.   Leaving her very leggy and unattractive more often than not.  She just didn't need to be at my front door. 

I'm often complimented on my garden and in the same breath am told how they "couldn't do anything like that.  It's too hard of work."  Yes, I do work hard in my garden but also I have chosen hard working plants to help lighten my load.  Through lots of research and LOTS of trial and error I have eliminated sub-par plants and therefore have been able to enjoy my garden more. 

So it does sound harsh and surprises people when I tell them,  but "they have to be amazing to stay here."

I missed bloggers bloom day for the month of January.  So I'm a few days late, but here is what's blooming in my garden this month.    

Mme Julia Correvon Clematis                                   

Cotton Candy Sasanqua has many buds.  Looks like it's going to have another flush.

Shi Shi Gashira Sasanqua

Mums

Pansys

Rosemary

Violas