Digitalis ‘Dalmatian Purple’ (Foxglove) Near Meditation Circle
Meditation Circle
To finish up a look around my garden at the close of May attention turns to the Meditation Circle. My original vision for this area was to feature the walls of the labyrinth with evergreen or semi-evergreen, flowering plants. Too-narrow planting areas, weather, soil condition, moles and now even fire ants have impacted this area and distracted me from taking this beyond the original concept and the first experimental plantings.
Nevertheless, the two types of Penstemon in bloom since mid-May have contributed greatly to the overall spring garden. As early as mid-March, well before the flowers came on, the foliage was recovered from the stress of winter and looked attractive, especially ‘Husker Red.’ A curving row of low-growing Thyme has filled in well between the stones. Several other Thymes have been added to the center.
Garden View- Meditation Circle Looking Toward Northern Border
Last year Alyssum, an annual, bloomed prolifically into late fall near the house, so I thought to try some along the meditation path. It has been very slow to take hold but I hope it soon will help conceal the mulch.
Alyssum ‘Easter Bonnet Violet’
Near The Back Steps
There have been very few bees so far in the garden this spring but yesterday this one was working its way around another penstemon, this one next to a large stand of Monarda didyma (Scarlet Beebalm) near the house. Flowers are forming but there is no bright red yet on the Monarda.
Bee and Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ (Beardtongue)
Along the house at the opposite end from the Monarda is an Achillea whose color and name I adore: Appleblossom. Usually I would not feature the foundation of the house but I like the way the soft hues of this flower work with those in the bricks.
Achillea x ‘Appleblossom’ (Yarrow)
This Achillea is floppy and defies my attempts to hold it up. It seems to enjoy leaning on the Shasta Daisies in front.
Achillea x ‘Appleblossom’ (Yarrow) With Shasta Daisy
May is done until next year. Welcome June.
pbmGarden 
Thank you for the tour round your garden, I have enjoyed all your posts showing us the wonderful planting that you have. Your meditation circle is wonderful with all the flowers of Penstemon Husker Red, it looks really pretty. May was obviously a successful month for you, I wonder what June will bring!
Pauline, I think May was a good month here in the garden. This is usually the time when there starts being fewer things going on in my garden. I will look forward to watching yours. Susie
Love the Achillea Appleblossom!
So do I–the soft varied colors are nice.
Love the Achillea against the wall. Maybe it is floppy because it has received too much water this year. Christina
Yes, that probably contributes. It seems to consistently flop though. I was charmed by the colors but perhaps should look for a sturdier-stemmed variety. Susie
I adore the circle and how the plants are working…and the foundation with the Achillea is a great combo in colors….nice wrap up of your garden.
Thanks Donna. I found it helpful to take inventory of the entire garden at this one point in time.
Hi Susie, I’m sorry I’m catching up with your latest posts and I comment on this last one. Your garden is looking very pretty, I like in particular the western border and the meditation circle with all that penstemon makes me feel like planting some Husker Red in this garden too.
I also like your achillea, although I didn’t get the link with appleblossom since it’s more on the terracotta hues… From what I’ve learnt about achilleas (tall ones in particular) they need to live in the verge of suffering (heat, drought,…) to perform well and not flop.
Thanks for commenting Alberto. I’ve been happy with the Husker Red. Would like to look for some other kinds to try also. Some achillea grows along roadsides here. Maybe I need to try it in a more open spot. Susie
Yes, that’s what I meant. Although I like it against the brick wall.
What a wonderful space, thanks for sharing
Thank you. So glad you stopped by my blog to visit so I could discover you site as well. Susie
Thanks for visiting me too!