Journey: Bed 6
Vision: Continue to create an inviting pathway for guests and pollinators. A priority is recognizable structure (spacing, repetition) for people and drifts of color, texture, food, and shelter for pollinators. Plants should be drought tolerant once established and provide four-season interest.
Plant Wish List (Bed 6b): Amsonia; Baptisia australis; St. John's Wort and/or Dotted St. John's Wort; Little Blue Stem; Bearberry
About Bed 6We started rehabilitating Bed 6a (on the left) in 2021, first protecting the milkweed from the landscape crew, then removing the landscape fabric, and then dividing and replanting the day lilies. The goal is to let the milkweed fill the space between the day lilies - and it's working! Bed 6b (on the right) was inaccessible until demolition funded by this project.
This is the most-viewed entrance to the building as guests attend meetings and events in the lower level conference room several times each month. Attendees step outside during breaks and to take phone calls, standing on the wide sidewalk in small groups. Beds 6a and 6b are bounded by retaining walls, giving the area an intimate feeling. Since this is the public face of Southeastern, the beds need to be tidy, and the design needs to be a bit more structured than for the staff entrance. This space will allow guests to observe pollinators up close without leaving the sidewalk.
Left: Bed 2 in October 2024
Activity Log: Bed 6
Planned:
- Site Preparation: Remove 6 plants, Remove landscape fabric and topsoil
- Planting: Sow 1/4 lb. native seed mix for tough urban sites and full sun; 3-5 perennial varieties
Actual:
- Site Preparation, Beds 6a, 6b (March 2025): Removed 6 junipers, 1 winter creeper, and ~400 sq ft of landscape fabric.
- Planting, Bed 6a (May 2025): Transplanted 6 day lilies from other beds to fill the space after the lone juniper was removed.
- Maintenance, Bed 6a (June 2025): Keep day lilies watered. Dig out Virginia Creeper, nut sedge, and other weeds. Fertilize and prune rhododendron as needed. Spread mulch and ensure evening primrose and milkweed thrive.
Bed 6, March 14, 2025. A view (facing south) of the demolition: 6 junipers and 400 sq ft of landscape fabric removed.
Bed 6, May 2, 2025. It is easier to see the retaining walls at this time of year. Bed 6a (left), the day lilies and milkweed are looking good in early spring. Bed 6b (right) is ready to go. However, it is an easy access point for Bed 5 and continued removal of landscape fabric.
Bed 6a, May 30, 2025. Digging holes to transplant day lilies from other beds around the site.
Bed 6a, May 30, 2025. Installation of transplants completed. Aside from maintenance, the goals for Bed 6a have been achieved. We will let the milkweed and day lilies coexist and move on the Bed 6b.
About Bed 6
Dimensions (Beds 6a & 6b, each): 45’L x 8’W
Sq ft (Beds 6a & 6b, each): 360
Exposure: South
Light: Full Sun
Soil pH: TBD
Soil Texture: TBD
Access: parking lot; sidewalk 8'W
Other: water spigot access
Baseline Plant Survey: Bed 6
Bed 6a (on the left, facing the door)
Keep
Day lily "Stella d'Oro": 21
Evening primrose: scattered at edges
Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca): 15'x8' and expanding
Spiderwort: 1
Rhododendron: 1
Remove
Juniper: 1
Winter creeper: 1
Bed 6b (on the right, facing the door)
Remove
Juniper: 5