Border Patrol Early June, 2009
Of The Seasonal Walk Saga
By Tovah Martin
And All Those Alliums
Next in line, the alliums are poised to enter into the dialogue. Although A. christophii and A. schubertii are taking the city’s breath away, other alliums weave into Oudolf’s design. Not quite so otherworldly, but equally energetic are the white blossoms of A. neapolitanum Cowanii Group and the drumstick-like, deep red orbs of A. atropurpureum balanced on slender stems. And the expertise of Oudolf and van der Kloet – is readily apparent where the deep burgundy leaves of Actaea simplex ‘Brunette’ meet the wine colored flowers of Astrantia major ‘Claret’ with the maroon blossoms of A. atropurpureum standing on tall, thin, strands of stem above. In a word, it’s sheer poetry.
But that’s not the only moment where A. atropurpureum makes a statement. It also waltzes beautifully with the deep red stems of Echinacea purpurea ‘Fatal Attraction’ even before the coneflowers come into blossom. Plus, the coral pink Oriental poppy – Papaver orientale ‘Karine’ – is picking up the hue of the newly installed Lilium ‘Pink Twinkle’, as well as holding a conversation with Oudolf’s Salvia ‘Eveline’ just footsteps away. Slowly, the lilies are being injected where space allows.
As soon as they were inserted, their buds began to swell – and that slow but delicious ballet is unfolding slowly and gracefully as buds show color and gradually unfold. But also up and coming are the tuberous begonias and oxalis, infused as plugs. These dance around the annuals such as nemesias, erysimum (wallflower), Dianthus barbatus (sweet William), and foxgloves that were tucked in for color while the border was in intermission. Meanwhile, the annuals are being removed as they bow out. Shortly, dahlias, nerine, crocosmias, babianas, tulbaghias, galtonias, gladiolus, and pretty much the full orchestra of bulbs will be installed – each to dazzle the city, raise eyebrows, and create a stir in its turn.
