Meditation Circle at 7:00 a.m. July 5, 2016
Cathy at Words and Herbs‘ Tuesday View encourages garden bloggers to post a photo of the same view of the garden week by week.
For my Tuesday view I have selected the meditation circle which at 20 feet in diameter covers a large portion of this 70 foot wide by 50 foot deep garden. The labyrinth is viewed from the top steps of the screened porch, facing west.
The house blocks the earliest morning sun, but soon light slides down on either side and spills along the edges into the garden.
Meditation Circle at 7:51 a.m. July 5, 2016
This past week I purchased additional Angelonia ‘Serena White’ and completed the planting along the outside right path of the circle. This replaces the last of the fall-winter violas and pansies.
Angelonia ’Serena White’
Angelonia ’Serena White’
At the same time I laid in fresh hardwood mulch and cleaned off the pavers, though multiple rains since then muddied the effect. If I had a do-over I would build up the soil and raise the meditation circle to improve drainage.
Angelonia ’Serena White’
Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ finished blooming weeks ago leaving behind interesting seed heads.
Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’
I usually leave them until they flop over, which has happened, and am rewarded with new plants.
Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’
Self-seeded young Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ between Angelonia ’Serena White’
Several types of thyme planted in the center and between the paths of the labyrinth are coming into bloom. Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’ is the only one I can identify.
Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’ (Pink chintz thyme)
Pink Chintz thyme has no fragrance nor culinary value but it flowers stand erect and draw pollinators (although none would pose this morning).
Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’ (Pink chintz thyme)
Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’ (Pink chintz thyme)
This very finely textured pass-along thyme is likely ‘Elfin.’
Pass-along Thyme (probably Elfin)
After encouraging these thymes for a few years now I am asking them for restraint as they overflow the pavers. I have been trimming back gradually but when they are in flower I find it difficult to do (not to mention it is a tedious task).
Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’ (Pink chintz thyme)
The blue gazing ball sits exactly on center of the meditation circle. This section is lined with Angelonia ‘Serena Purple.’ I like the way it picks up the hues of the Husker Red Penstemon and the soft lavender pink of the thyme.
Angelonia ’Serena Purple’
Angelonia ’Serena Purple’ and Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’ (Pink chintz thyme)
Angelonia ’Serena Purple’, Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’
Angelonia ’Serena Purple’
Thanks to Cathy at Words and Herbs for hosting the Tuesday View. Check out her featured view and those of other gardeners.
pbmGarden 
The circle still looks so lush and fresh, here the ‘golden brown’ look is beginning!
The circle has improved greatly over last year, mainly due to the frequent rains. Last year I seldom bothered to show it at all.
Prettier and prettier.
Thanks John. Grateful for rain this year–it makes such a difference.
It looks fresh as a daisy early in the day Susie. Love the white Angelonia, and the photos of the Thyme from low on the ground… I wonder if there was dew on it, or is it just so silvery. Lovely in any case! Thanks for joining me. 😀
Thanks for hosting Cathy. You’ve encouraged me to take a closer look at the circle than I have in several years. The thyme is dotted with dew, you’re right. Dew seems to make anything photograph more nicely.
Yes, I love your low point of view! The rains have really made a difference here too…in fact, I am thinking that my shade garden is getting just a little bit TOO overgrown. Just when I think I should turn on the watering system, down come the torrential rains! It’s pouring right now (6PM on Tuesday!) I love the Elfin Thyme too, but mine has not been very succesful…
Thank you Libby. What a difference between this year and last. The rain caught me by surprise today. We don’t have a watering system so I’m happy for these showers.
What a beautiful garden. So serene and peaceful.
Thank you. It is a nice place for contemplation.
I love the view of your meditation circle, Susie. The Angelonia is a beautiful complement for the thyme.
Thanks Kris. Both the thyme and the angelonia are making me happy this summer.
I have always loved the concept of your meditation circle, it must be wonderful walking through the thyme.
HI Brian, After struggling to fill in for many years the thyme found its groove last year and this year is just lovely. Can’t imagine the garden without the meditation circle. It’s the anchor for calm and peace that I find in the garden.
The angelonia are doing well for you, they seem to enjoy your summers and I hope my own few plants will take off shortly as well now that the heat and humidity are up.
My thyme would come and go depending on it’s mood. The culinary thyme is hanging on, but the groundcovers would frequently rot away.
I noticed this morning some of my thyme is turning brown too. Maybe to much rain with storms nearly every day. Can’t say enough good things about Angelonia.
well that’s not what I wanted to hear. Sorry.