We had a good experieince with mixed wildflowers (some for sunny areas and others for the shade) this year. We planted a small family orchard of two apple, two pear, and two cherry. One of the cherry died which we are now replacing. Next year we are planting corn and bush beans in our veggie garden. We will plant bell peppers, peas, and tomatoes in protected cages on the deck next year.
Wild critters (raccoons) climbed over the 8' garden fence and ate all our tomatoes this year. We had really good luck with sunflowers, black eyed susans, bee balm, russian sage, catmint, lavender, hollyhocks, field lilies, and hardy glads. From previous years our butterfly shrubs and butterfly plants did well. Of course our iris beds had to be thinned out. I plant stuff on our deck that is deer proofed so many of the other things here have proven to be deer resistant. We are starting a compost heap this fall just to see how that works for us. By the way we did a few last year and this year did 36 plants in our many hanging planters:
petunias ... "the wave." They did great. I planted some infusion with the petunias...awesome!
By the way, "the wave" did so well that I had to trim the plants back twice. For some reason, not as in the past, the deer didn't bother this petunia on the front deck that is not deer proofed. Our local nursery, Native Grounds, in Mt. Shasta has a good handle on Lake Shastina's needs. We are also planting two (one tall and one tall/flat) flowering cherry trees. I love all our pine trees, but I thought a different color from other trees might relieve the monotony. I do love our gardens. After fifteen years here they continue to be a "work in progress" and a challenge from weather and critters, large and small. Happy Fall and Winter to all. Your neighbor, Rusty.