In the foreground above are the Black-eyed Susans which seem to know no bounds. They literally get pulled out by the roots and thrown away or else I would have nothing else growing. They also tend to crowd in on my purple cornflowers (left) which I am much more fond of. The red spires (right) are Lobelia cardinalis, of which I only have one small plant.
Now that the daylilies are finishing their blooms, the hardy hibiscus are beginning to star. These plants have large saucer blooms about 6-8" across.
This is Midnight Marvel
This Blaze climbing rose would normally be blooming all summer. But between the cold winter, the damn rabbits, the Japanese beetles and lord knows what else, it has been struggling.
And speaking of plants that love to take over, this year the physostegia, also known as obedient plant, has not been very obedient. I've had to dig out much of it and replant it elsewhere. Here it is in its original bed. The bees and hummingbirds love it.
The hydrangeas are now the stars of the front yard with this group of Limelight showing off.
In front of these is a 'Pinky Winky'. More pictures to come as they change color.
I'm guessing you thought I ran out of hostas, but have no fear, here are a few August bloomers:
H. 'Regal Splendour'
H. 'Striptease'
H. 'Halcyon', which was blue in the spring as seen below.
H. 'Sugar and Spice', a young plant which has a wonderful fragrance
And H. lancifolia, a very old plant which my mother gave me. I have lots of it. Or had. One plant was chewed to the ground by the rabbits (I'm calling the animal trapper guy tomorrow). Others have been feasted upon by slugs. And this plant has some good storm damage. It's a reliable grower that sends up tons of flowers during August.
So, until next week when I'll be showing my fragrant hosta collection, enjoy your week.
Colorific is definitely the word to describe those blooms! Gorgeous. It's currently too hot outside to go and enjoy the gardens, but I'll live vicariously through your images, instead. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's gotten hot here lately, too. Storms on the way this afternoon. I still haven't watered the lawn this season. The flowers and I are loving this.
DeleteLovely pictures as usual. Hibiscus are one of my favourites. I was thinking of you and your animal problems, we live on the 5th floor and I was surprised to see a squirrel on our balcony. Lots of oohs and aahs and then he disappeared up the wall - no idea how high he went. Later Matt went out to water my geraniums and found the little perisher had been at one of them and broken a lot of the stems. I won't be oohing and aahing at him if he visits again.
ReplyDeleteI called my trapper guy today about the rabbits and he informed me that they are impossible to trap unless you use a foot trap which is dangerous in the garden. Squirrels n the fifth floor? Guess they like the 'high life'.
DeleteJust stunning as per norm. I love the hibiscus-the first picture really is striking to me. I love those purple flowers even if they have taken over-so wonderful to see your garden
ReplyDeleteThat first hibiscus is doing much better since I moved it out of the bed next to that white one. I not only have purple physostegia, but I have white and lavender, though I am sure I did not buy three different colors. I think it has self-seeded.
DeleteWhat caught my eye right away was the Joe Pye (at least that is what it looks like); do you have a cultivated variety? Your garden becomes more beautiful by the day. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThe Joe Pye Weed is one single plant and I don't remember if it was a cultivar or not. I've tried to grow the chocolate variety with no luck. I love to leave the seed heads for the birds but I am constantly pulling up seedlings all summer long. I want to divide this plant, but not sure where I can move it.
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