Wattle Woods Flaxes (Phormiums)
My garden always has room for New Zealand flaxes (Phormiums), and the Wattle Woods has been no exception. These brilliant foliage plants have always played an important part in the style of the Moosey garden. And it's heart-warming to be able to enjoy so much greenery in winter.
Corner of the Wattle Woods
But I soon learnt that the species Phormiums (particularly tenax) were just too big and bulky for my ornamental garden. Alas, I made quite a few such bulky planting mistakes in the Wattle Woods. Most of these have since been removed.
The Edge of the Wattle Woods
Even some of the hybrids grew too large - for example Yellow Wave, originally planted on the border's edge. I remember cycling to the nursery down the road to buy them. How on earth did I get them back home on my bike?
Yellow Wave Phormiums - 2004
The Wattle Woods are quite dry, and plants need to be survivors. There is patchy sun, and the trees take a lot of the goodness and moisture from the soil. The hybrid Phormium Cream Delight has survived a few snow storms and is still growing well. Cream Delight has a weeping form, and it is reasonably large - better leave enough space for it in the garden!
Cream Delight Phormium in the Wattle Woods
I've planted species green Phormiums throughout the interior of the Wattle Woods. They are slow growing, but in here conditions are very inhospitable. They are good fillers, and again provide beautiful greenery in winter.
Green Flaxes - Phormium Cookianum
I do have a bad habit of placing them too close to the paths, though. Oh well. In that case the path usually has to shift over a bit!