In summer of 2006, we built a raised flowerbed with a cobblestone wall on the south side of the entrance to Coles Sports Center.

Some of the plants featured were Sedum ‘Autumn Joy,’ Liatris spicata, Zinnia, Cornus alba ‘Bailhalo,’ Heuchera ‘Amber Waves.’ Begonia ‘Sinbad,’ Asclepias curassivica, Coleus ‘Alabama Sunset’ Pennisetum (Purple Fountain Grass), Cuphea ‘David’ and Torenia. The plants were selected according to the flower beds different micro climates. The Eastern end of the flower bed close to Mercer street, features plants that tolerate high moisture. Plants on the western end, closer to Coles Sports Center were selected for their tolerance of drier soil and more sunlight.

The garden was very colorful until first week of December 2006.

The weedy lawn on the north side of the entrance to Coles Sports Center was removed in the summer of 2006 to make way for a flower border.

Some of the plantings included Brillantaisia subulugarica (Giant Sage), Ruellia elegans, Euphorbia, Ipomea batatas (Sweet Potato Vine), Rudbeckia ‘Cherokee Sunset,’ Zinnia ‘Profusion,’ Helichrysum petiolaris, Coleus ‘Alabama Sunset,’ Caladium, Gazania, Centaurea, and Scaevola.

This garden remained colorful until the week after Thanksgiving, when we removed the annuals to make way for bulbs.

In the future, we’ll be adding more perennials and shrubs to this area for year round interest.