The Flowering Almond and a New Fower Bed

Flowering Almond

In late winter I decided to relocate my flowering almond (Prunus glandulosa). This relocation would constitute the second move since Mum and I first planted the flowering almond; an offshoot from one that had died from insect or disease damage. Flowering almonds are early spring bloomers; small ruffled pinkish blooms will sprout out from the branches before the leaves appear. They grow to a height of 90-120 cm (36-48 in) with a similar size spread and are hardy to US zones 3b-8. Flowering almond can grow in full sun to partial shade and only need moderate watering although the ground where they are planted should drain well. In autumn the leaves will turn a very pretty yellow-orange colour.

Flowering Almond Before the New Bed

When I relocated the flowering almond, I mixed in lots of organic material, compost and humus, into the clay soil that is common in my area. When I was finished, this created a mound where the flowering almond would be planted; which would help to insure the soil drained well. I had already decided that I would probably expand the area to a new bed. This spring after the flowering almond had finished blooming, I put my idea of expanding the area into a new bed in motion. I mixed in generous amounts of organic material into the clay soil and then bordered the new area with stones from the property, and then added soil to level out the bed.

The Finished Flower Bed

The new bed is in a rough oval; actually it is more of an egg shape, with the flowering almond at the top. I enjoy using the natural stones on the property to create my borders. However, some may prefer to use the more uniform cut stone blocks, or the cast stone blocks you find at garden centres or to even forgo a border altogether. It really is a matter of personal taste. If you are building a raised bed without a border, you simply tapper the soil out to ground level with will increase the size of the bed just a tad.

Now that the bed is finished, I have to decide what I want to plant in it. I have already planted a few perennials that Sisters #1 and #2 gave me, but I want to make sure something is always in bloom. I can view this new bed directly out of the window over my kitchen sink, which is nice when I have to do the washing up.