Anemone De Caen ‘Mr Fokker’?
Astilbe
Crinum × powellii (Swamp Lily)
Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’
Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’
Echinacea ‘Sombrero Flamenco Orange’
Lily Asiatic Sunset Mix Amid Peony, Dahlias
Lily Asiatic Sunset Mix
Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ear), Lily Asiatic Sunset Mix
Penstemon schmidel ‘Delfts Blue Riding Hood’
Penstemon schmidel ‘Delfts Blue Riding Hood’
Snapdragon
Verbena bonariensis
Rosa (Rose) -Virgie’s Old-fashioned Rose
The garden was soggy yesterday after an afternoon storm that brought wind and rain. Temperatures were in the 80s F. this week, but will be 70s today after the storm. It has been a lovely, long spring in the garden. Often we move from winter right into hot summer days and the blooms don’t have a chance to linger.
My mother’s older cousin, Virgie, passed along many of her plants through the years. This rose is one she, my grandmother, mother, my daughter for a time (when she had a yard) and I think another cousin from my generation all have grown. It is sweetly fragrant.
Rosa (Rose) -Virgie’s Old-fashioned Rose
The underside of this heuchera shows reminds me of a young child showing her colorful petticoat. In back, hellebores continue to provide interest. What’s not to love about a plant that will bloom for months without demanding anything. The heuchera was purchased, but the hellebores were passed along by garden club friend Vicki.
Heuchera villosa ‘Big Top Bronze’ (Coral Bells)
Dianthus is an old-fashioned favorite and has been so perfect this spring. It is planted among Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ (Wormwood), both of which were purchased last spring.
Dianthus Ideal Select Mix and Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ (Wormwood)
More irises have opened this week. Many of mine were passalongs from a former neighbor, Henrietta on Wave Road, circa 1977. (Columbine has spread to every corner of the garden, not always creating the best color combinations. Time to cut it back.)
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris) (bearded German Iris) with Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern red columbine) in background
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris) (bearded German Iris)
Though there are lots of bold colors in the garden, the soft fresh greens of spring are evident everywhere. The redbud in the southwest corner is another passalong from friend, Chase. I spotted two volunteers yesterday I hope to pot up and pass on to another gardener. Passalongs carry happy memories.
Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)
It is time again for Garden Bloggers Foliage Day (GBFD), hosted by Christina at Garden of the Hesperides.
Near the back steps, a passalong dahlia is preparing for its second year in my garden, courtesy of Libby at An Eye For Detail. The foliage looks strong and flowers are forming. I neglected to dig the dahlia last fall so am relieved to see it made it through the winter.
Dahlia
In the upper left of the image above, fragrant Monarda didyma (Scarlet Beebalm) is inconveniently growing up through where the garden hose is stored and needs to be reined back. In front of the monarda, a few dark red leaves of Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ (Beardtongue) are visible. Also here several plants of Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) are pushing upwards through some impertinent clover and a ground cover of Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft). Foliage of Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern red columbine) peek through as well. The Aquilegia’s last remaining red flowers nod their heads.
Here is a closer look at the Echinacea and Aquilegia, with seeds formed on Iberis. The textures were not planned but do look interesting together.
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower), Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft) and Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern red columbine)
The other side of the steps features a long, sunny border fronted largely by Leucanthemum x superbum (Shasta Daisy).
Leucanthemum x superbum (Shasta Daisy)
Across the garden in its shadiest corner, several Heuchera villosa ‘Big Top Bronze’ (Coral Bells) responded well to the recent rains and have grown substantially. Their multi-hued foliage is rich and full for the moment. Meanwhile Brunnera macrophylla ‘Silver Heart’ (False Forget-Me-Not) finished blooming, but the smaller silvery, patterned leaves add a bright pop to this planting area (lower left of image). In back at left fern-like foliage of Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy) and sword-like iris leaves add height and texture.
Heuchera villosa ‘Big Top Bronze’ (Coral Bells)
In a small nearby border with a bit more sun grows more Heuchera villosa ‘Big Top Bronze’. Its companion Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ has similar coloring. A stand of self-seeded Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena) with long green, leathery leaves gives a change in texture and color.
Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ (Beardtongue) and Heuchera villosa ‘Big Top Bronze’ (Coral Bells) with Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena)
Silvery shades of Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ear) and soon to bloom Lavender complement more leaves of Bearded Iris.
Bearded Iris, Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ear), Lavender
Four Gardenia jasminoides ‘August Beauty’ have been planted for about three years. Most are finally getting some size and buds are forming.
Gardenia jasminoides ‘August Beauty’
One of the August Beauty gardenias has been eclipsed by its aggressive neighbors. Soon the monarda will explode with red, inviting hummingbirds to sip its nectar, and dark pink flowers will grace the echinacea. But for now this spot is a relaxing green with Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ providing white accents—a cool, calm, peaceful interlude.
One Gardenia jasminoides ‘August Beauty’ has become swamped by surrounding plants.
Thanks to Christina at Garden of the Hesperides for hosting. Read her foliage update and see more links to foliage perspectives from many parts of the world.
I have been wanting to record some garden views from last Wednesday, May 11, 2016.
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris)
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris)
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris)
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris)
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris)
Bearded Iris Guard Meditation Circle
Lynn’s Iceberg Rose
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris)- black iris
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris)
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris)
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris)
Tradescantia (spiderwort), Phlox divaricata (Woodland phlox)
Phlox divaricata (Woodland phlox)
Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Plant)
Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’
Paeonia ‘Festiva Maxima’
At mid-May there is a profusion of flowers as the garden launches a noticeable shift toward summer. Several very hot days last week signaled it was time, and although the temperatures quickly moderated, the transition was underway.
The days are dry, clear and sunshiny. After the luxury of ample rains throughout winter and early spring, I am having to water some of the new shrubs and other recent purchases.
I am fairly new to the world of peonies and I wonder what took me so long to understand their allure. Paeonia ‘Festiva Maxima’ was at its best this past week. Meanwhile Paeonia ‘Pink Parfait’ is just getting started with its display.
Paeonia ‘Festiva Maxima’
Paeonia ‘Festiva Maxima’
Paeonia ‘Pink Parfait’ (Peony)
Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ has been reliable for years while other clematis have come and gone. I added two new ones this spring. It has been blooming for a full month and continues to add new flowers.
Clematis ‘Jackmanii’
I love having white plants in the garden and have long admired white clematis. This new Clematis ‘Henryi’ is tucked into a corner against the house where the fence begins.
Clematis ‘Henryi’
Also new this spring, Clematis ‘Niobe’ is promised as one that will bloom all summer and I hope eventually it will add interest along the stark white fence at the northern boundary.
Clematis ‘Niobe’
A pass-along yarrow opened up this week in the southern border. Echinacea is opening in the southern side path as well in many parts of the main garden.
Achillea filipendulina (Fern-leaf Yarrow)
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
After a beautiful season many of the bearded irises are looking tired, just as the Siberian iris are gaining strength. These Siberians were, guess what, pass-alongs! A Chapel Hill friend rescued for me from her neighbor’s divisions one year.
Iris sibirica (Siberian Iris)
I pulled out the blue pansies on one side of the meditation circle last weekend and added white angelonia. Already the tamer color scheme appeals to me.
Angelonia ’Serena White’
Even without the meditation circle remains vivid this week as the red snapdragons continue to thrive, making it a difficult choice to remove them. I have more of the angelonia waiting to replace the snapdragons though so I must be disciplined and discard them soon. Adding to the energy in this area are two dozen Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ (Beardtongue). I like the rich foliage topped with delicate white flowers.
Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ (Beardtongue)-2
The original planting in the labyrinth started with about 3 Husker Reds and many Penstemon mexicali ‘Pike’s Peak Purple.’ Only one Pike’s Peak Purple remains but Husker Red has been increasing. I have been encouraging every visitor to the garden to take some home. It is valuable for it evergreen foliage.
Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ (Beardtongue)
Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ (Beardtongue)
Penstemon mexicali ‘Pike’s Peak Purple’ (Beardtongue)
I added several new Penstemon x mexicali ‘Red Rocks’ to the garden this year, though not in the meditation circle. Having either purple or red in the name of a plant does not always mean red.
Penstemon x mexicali (Red Rocks Penstemon)
The view from the garden bench is filled with blooms. Soft breezes stir the chimes. Towhees, robins, cardinals and an especially persistent Carolina Wren add to the pleasure.
Meditation Circle
Garden View
When I am an old garden I shall wear purple
With a red plant that doesn’t go and doesn’t suit me.
–With apologies to Jenny Joseph (read full poem “Warning“).
In my dream garden there are blues of every sort, purples and greens. A few genteel spots of soft yellow, refined and restrained, break up the space. Accents of sophisticated whites highlight the borders.
Iris germanica ‘Immortality’
Clematis ‘Jackmanii’
Baptisia ‘Purple Smoke’
Isotoma fluviatilis (Blue Star Creeper)
Iris In Southern Side Path
Iris germanica
Japanese Iris
Salvia nemorosa ‘May Night’ (Hardy Sage)
But this spring I am loving the over-the-top combinations brought on by a happenstance purchase of dark red snapdragons late last autumn. (A single pink stow-away found its way here too). I grew up believing pink and red did not go together any more than purple and red.
Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon)
Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon)
My mantra for this garden always has been based on peace, calm and contemplation. But every morning when I peek out I smile at the riot of color. It is over-the-top. When I am working outdoors the word gaudy bubbles into my thoughts, but I cannot stop smiling.
Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) in Meditation Circle
When my husband and I take breakfast, lunch and supper on the screened porch overlooking the garden, we sigh in amazement and smile. A garden that makes us smile—what more?
Northern Border
Salvia nemorosa ‘May Night’ (Hardy Sage) and Phlox divaricata (Woodland phlox)
Salvia nemorosa ‘May Night’ (Hardy Sage), Phlox divaricata (Woodland phlox), and Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon) and Iris
Phlox divaricata (Woodland phlox) and Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon)
Phlox divaricata (Woodland phlox) and Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon)
Phlox divaricata (Woodland phlox) and Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon)
So what of this outrageous color? The garden will be 14 years old at the end of May. It is a teenager, not grown old at all, just finding itself.
Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ear) In Southern Side Path
Meditation Circle
Monarda didyma (Scarlet Beebalm) Along the Southern Side Path
In the eastern border that sits against the foundation of the house, Monarda didyma (Scarlet Beebalm) has grown tall, succeeding the Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern red columbine) that bloomed here earlier. The red flowers should draw hummingbirds, as did the columbine.
Monarda didyma (Scarlet Beebalm) In The Eastern Border
Monarda didyma (Scarlet Beebalm)
In the western border of the main garden I have been monitoring the Chuck Hayes gardenias as they try to recover from the severe winter. One appears to be lost, but the others, despite showing the stress, will pull through
Gardenia jasminoides ‘Chuck Hayes’
Meanwhile, a couple of passalong gardenias on the north side of the house recently came into bloom without me realizing it. Rooted from cuttings by my former neighbor, these went quickly from little 6-inch stems to 6 feet tall shrubs. Most of the blossoms have brown spots and do not look very attractive, but even with only a few fresh ones, they all smell luscious.
A Passalong Gardenia jasminoides
Euphorbia ‘Blackbird’ (Spurge) grows in a pot on the patio. I cut it back severely in early spring, doubting it had survived the winter, but it looks healthy now.
Euphorbia ‘Blackbird’ (Spurge)
Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ (Catmint) has been blooming vigorously for weeks and is attracting bees.
Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ (Catmint)
In many spots around the garden clumps of Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) are primed with buds. Just a few have opened so far, mostly along the southern border. These are drought-tolerant plants but they do better in years with plentiful rain.
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
Also along the southern border Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ is just beginning to flower.
Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’
Shasta daisies form a wall of green in a border near the back steps. They have seemed ready to bloom for a while now but are biding their time.
Leucanthemum x superbum (Shasta Daisy)
Leucanthemum x superbum (Shasta Daisy)
At the edge of the shasta daisies is a nice combination of Salvia Dorada ‘Aurea’ (Golden Sage) and English Thyme.
Salvia Dorada ‘Aurea’ (Golden Sage) and English Thyme
This is the type of weather I used to wish for when I was a teenager visiting the beach: beautiful, bright and sunny—perfect for swimming and sunbathing, but not so wonderful for gardening.
For the last five weeks it has been terribly dry. Though some parts of this region had heavy precipitation, here in my garden during all of May there were only two rains, one so brief it seemed a tease. Again yesterday a thunderstorm formed overhead, then passed by without even dampening the ground or pavement. I have hand watered the garden a few times, but it desperately needs a good soaking that comes from some sustained, restorative rainfalls.
This garden turned 13 on May 31.
I really have been letting the borders coast along this year. I have weeded and trimmed but have not done much planning or renewal. A few weeks ago I scattered packets of Bachelor’s buttons and zinnias to brighten several bare spots where several trees had to be removed. So far only a few seeds have responded to my benign neglect.
Anyway, whether it rains this week to encourage the zinnias or not, this garden is so much more. It has come a long way and it has brought me along. Together we have both grown. This quiet personal space I cultivate, cultivates and nurtures me as well. It is a peaceful retreat that brings a lot of satisfaction.
Facing West, Overlooking the Northern Border and Meditation Circle
Mediation Circle With Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ In Bloom, Thyme and Fading Pansies
Early June Garden View Facing Southern and Western Borders
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