Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox)
In unguarded moments and despite the heat, a portent of autumn occasionally drifts through the air and into my consciousness. For now the garden remains green and lush, but the light is changing and days are shortening. I sense a seasonal shift.
For the last few weeks the garden has carried on without much tending, but I am beginning to feel its tug. A few hours of trimming and weeding this week will revive its most sagging aspects.
This has been a happy year for gardening. Phlox paniculata has brought color to the western border for seven weeks, confirming memories from my previous garden that given the absence of deer and drought, Garden Phlox is invaluable for the summer garden.
Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox)
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Irish Eyes’ has towered over the garden’s southern entrance most cheerfully since the end of June, though sadly few pollinators have been around this year to benefit.
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Irish Eyes’
For several weeks now Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ has added its specific light green color and texture to the northern border. It seems primed to put on a good show of fall color.
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ (Herbstfreude) (Stonecrop)
In the late summer of years when rains have been adequate, Hedychium coronarium (Ginger lily) begins a display of beauty and lemony fragrance. It is exciting then to note the first orchid-like flower has emerged. Raindrops coat the shiny leaves after a fleeting shower this afternoon.
Hedychium coronarium (Ginger lily)
Hedychium coronarium (Ginger lily)
pbmGarden 
I’ve been telling Cindy the same thing. The light has changed significantly and I’m looking forward to fall.
Each season can be nice, but I’m a little sad to see summer ending.
We’ve noticed it too! There is more shade in the garden , the light is different, and the air too. I am also looking forward to seeing the sedums in my garden flower soon, and hope you get lots of bees on yours!
Thanks Cathy–I’d love to see more bees. Best of luck with your sedums. Enjoy the rest of summer while you can!
The shift in the season hasn’t really happened here yet although the evenings are shortening and it is more pleasant to be outside at dusk to enjoy the grasses being illuminated by the last rays of the sun. Your showers sound bliss!
It would be nice to enjoy your sunlit grasses in the evening Christina. I would say the shift hasn’t taken place yet but is approaching–I just feel it coming.
You’re right, there’s a different mood and it’s odd, I think, as we’ve only just started August. I too like Phlox but if you don’t have reliable moisture during the growing season it’s not a great performer that’s why I’ll have to do without it. Do you leave the ginger lily outdoors?
Hi Annette. I pulled up all my phlox a couple of years ago because the deer were eating them before they could bloom, but a few persisted and with this year’s rain they have been nice. Next year may be another story as the rains are not guaranteed and I seldom water. The ginger lily does overwinter here. Susie
I’m not ready to say goodbye to summer, say it isn’t so! Beautiful pictures and I always love sedum Autumn Joy.
If I could I would send you some bees from here, we seem to have plenty…. though the butterflies are only just now showing up in numbers.
I’m not ready either. Love summer! Enjoy it while you can though.
I am feeling that tug of autumn and my garden has been on its own all summer…I am feeling an outsider since I still have no time to tend it. Your phlox is amazing.
Yes, it’s still hot and humid but there is a certain something to indicate autumn is nearing. What? Your garden is on its own? I’ve been away and will wander over to your site to catch up. Susie
I agree with you about the value of Garden Phlox in a summer garden. Its beautiful color, mellow scent and drought tolerance make it a perfect addition. Your Ginger lily is very beautiful. I no longer have any hope for mine to bloom, but still keep it for its bi-color leaves.
I’d love to add more phlox next year, but should I tempt fate? The deer are still around I’m sure. Some years my ginger lily didn’t bloom when there was not enough rain. What a disappointment. So I appreciate each flower more than ever when one does appear. Take care. Susie
Lovely phlox you have, mine are just in bud, soon to flower. I don’t think I’ve noticed a shift towards autumn yet but it can’t be far away. Sedums are almost flowering too, they will be good for all the bees and butterflies. Enjoy your last few days of summer!
Thank you Pauline. The last days of summer are to be savored.