Friday, June 29, 2018

The Garden In Late June

Thank you for all of your sweet comments on my last post. It's amazing how this little blog has connected me with so many wonderful blog friends in the three years I've been writing it. I truly appreciate all of my loyal readers and your comments are so precious to me.

I know I've been missing from blogland lately, but it can't be helped - sometimes life just gets in the way. 

Between my job which gets super busy at this time of the year, and the gardens which seem to need constant work, the days and weeks fly by in a blur, it seems. 

I took some time to stroll around the garden after the rain yesterday, snapping some photos to share what's blooming in my little corner of the world. 

Welcome to the garden in late June.  Let's go for a walkabout, shall we?


Looking down from the deck, you can see that the ravine behind the fence is truly a jungle at this point. My house is no longer visible from the road, which is just the way I like it. 

It does mean I did NOT see the gigantic bear walking down the road last night...but my neighbor did, and she alerted me to it. I was on the deck swing at the time, with the pups next to me. Monkey was running from one end of the deck to the other, the hairs on her back standing up, with Molly running along with her barking her little head off.  I thought they were barking at the mama and baby deer that have been lingering around my property lately. Nope, my neighbor said it was the biggest bear she's ever seen...yikes! Good thing I had the gates closed, or they would have taken off after that giant bear! 

We'll have to be extra cautious, that's for sure. Anyway, I digress. 


The Geraniums I overwintered downstairs are really taking off now, flowering like mad. I will definitely be doing that every year, and will share the process in the fall when it's time. 


I love the combination of Geranium, Petunia, and Lobelia in the hanging baskets by the deck doors.  I stuck with a red/white/blue color scheme on the deck, and it's striking next to the bright yellow doors


At the top of the deck stairs, this little grouping greets me at the end of a long day at work. No red in this grouping, but I find the blue and white combination peaceful and especially attractive in the waning evening light. 


At the bottom of the deck stairs, my willow planters are planted with red Geraniums and white Bacopa. The pot by the rail has Violas, red Petunias, and Nasturtium.  The Nasturtiums haven't started blooming yet, but they should be quite striking when they finally do.  I chose the Empress of India variety, which has bright scarlet flowers.


More Violas are planted in my galvanized watering cans, with some white Impatiens thrown into the mix for contrast.  I found these galvanized watering cans thrown around my property when I first bought my house, and knew right away they deserved a place of honor on the patio.  They've been here ever since, filled with flowers in the warm months. This year my stone bunny hopped over to keep them company. 


Across the patio, we step up into the back garden, which is truly a jungle at this point. The Evening Primrose is in full bloom, and is like a spot of sunshine on a cloudy day. Both the veggie garden and the path to the veggie garden are in desperate need of weeding....any volunteers? 


The Cosmos I started from seed back in March are huge, and the first bloom has appeared. I just adore Cosmos, don't you? 


Inside the veggie garden, the peas are flowering and the radishes are ready to harvest. I'll be pickling some this weekend, for sure. 


I added a few new plants outside the veggie garden this year - Oriental Poppies, Larkspur, and Lupine. The Lupine is blooming now and is just gorgeous! I hope it does well - I've never had luck with it in the past, but a friend told me when the flowers dry to gather the seeds and scatter them in other beds. I love Lupines, so it's certainly worth a try!


I lost FIVE Rose bushes this winter, which is so upsetting. This is my last remaining Iceberg out of 4 that I had planted. Fingers crossed it thrives for many years to come.  It's just starting to bloom, and I adore the creamy white flowers and heavenly scent. 


At the corner of the veggie garden hangs another pot of overwintered Geraniums. I think out of the 24 that I put away, 16 made it through the winter and are absolutely thriving. That saves me about $80 at the nursery, and I'm all about saving money whenever possible!


Walking away from the veggie garden, I take a look back to see how lush and green everything is. June truly is a glorious month in the garden, isn't it? 


Now we walk towards Papa's Garden, which is so beautiful and flowering to beat the band. 


The Hydrangea Tree is full of blooms, and they are just starting to turn the pink shade that earns this tree the "Pinky Winky" name!

Ridiculous name but a fabulous tree none the less. 


Papa's Garden is truly the prettiest garden on the property, without question. The white Impatiens really pop against the color of the Garden Cottage, and I adore the contrasting foliage of the Coral Bells, Hostas, Sedum, and Dianthus. 


Heading down the hill towards the front garden I see the final Rhododendron is finally in bloom. For some reason this one blooms weeks after the others. 


In the front garden I admire, as I always do, the beauty of the Bloodgood Japanese Maple. I absolutely adore this tree! I love its form, its foliage, and the way the sunshine glows through it in the afternoons.  When I look at it from this angle I love the contrast of the red tree with the blue and chartreuse Hostas, as well as the yellow Hostas to the left and the Tangelo Barberry and Lemon Candy Ninebark to the right. I really love to use contrasting foliage in my gardens, that looks good even when not in bloom. 



Did I mention I LOVE this tree? 


The Lemon Candy Ninebark and Tangelo Barberry are doing well along the fence line. I need to prune the Ninebark, but shall wait until the blooms are done before doing so. 


Walking over to where Sweetie took out a tree a while back, I have used some contrasting foliage here also. The Hostas were already in the garden but were being swallowed up by other plants, so I moved them to this new bed. It's being overrun by weeds right now, another project that needs to be done. I have yet to re-seed the grass over here, it's also on my very long list of things to do. 

I laugh when I hear people speak of the lazy days of summer. Seriously, where can I find those? 


Looking back to the front garden I once again admire the contrasting foliage. Soon the Bee Balm by the birdbath will be in bloom - it's doing exceptionally well this year without that ugly old tree shading it!


On the wall by the driveway, the Creeping Jenny is in bloom. It contrasts beautifully with the Hens & Chicks.  I keep plugging in little pieces of ground cover along that wall, along with succulents and sedums, hoping someday it will crowd out all the weeds. 

So far, it hasn't happened, although it does look a lot better than when I bought the house. 


The wild Daisies are in full bloom around my property. Technically they are weeds, but I love them so I leave them. How could you NOT love a Daisy? They are just the happiest little flowers. 


Heading up the garden steps, I see the orange Daylilies are just starting to bloom. Some folks don't care for these, but I absolutely adore them. They remind me of happy childhood summers spent walking the country roads with my Mom and sisters after dinner. 


The Dead Nettle is also in full bloom along the garden steps. I love that plant, it's so hardy and easy to grow anywhere. I must take some pieces after it blooms and stick them in other gardens. Mom reminded me to do that when she and I did a walkabout last week.  My parents definitely instilled a huge love of gardening in me, and I thank them for that. 


In the perennial bed, this plant is in full bloom right now. I don't know what it's called...but it grows wild along the roads, so I assume it's a weed. However, I like it so I leave it. It's not Queen Anne's Lace, that comes later...but it's so similar. Any ideas? 

Thanks for coming along on today's walkabout! We're in for quite the heatwave for the next week, so some of those garden chores might just have to wait until things cool off!

Happy Weekend, everyone! xo

40 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for the fabulous garden tour. Such a variety of beauty.
    I'm in western MD & the black bears are plenty and always looking for food. Got to keep the doggies safe.
    Enjoy your weekend.
    Monica

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    1. I'm surprised this is the first time a bear has been spotted at our house this season, Monica - they have certainly not made themselves scarce in the past!!

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  2. Your yard and flowers look so pretty. As far as blogging is concern, just blog when you want to. We will be here to read when you post. Life does have its ups and turns.

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    1. It sure does, Betty - summers are always crazy busy for me, but with my Dad's passing this year I'm just having a hard time focusing on much at the moment.

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  3. Everything looks so beautiful. Lovely garden tour. Today is the first day in weeks that we haven't had monsoon rains. Lots of things are lush and green, but some have really taken a beating.

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    1. I didn't show you all the weeds in the veggie garden....if I showed you that you may think differently! Unfortunately the weather kept me from tackling them this past weekend, but hopefully this weekend I'll get on top of them.

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  4. Your gardens are truly lovely, Debbie! Stay away from that bear...yikes!

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    1. I'll be trying my hardest, Linda, you better believe it!

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  5. Your gardens are always just so gorgeous. You have a landscape designer's eye and an emerald thumb. The willow planters are very unique. If I thought I could keep anything alive in them, I would order them right now. Might have to peek at the shop anyway! And that bear sounds terrifying, but I can't blame him for wanting to get close to your home. It's just so beautiful. xo

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    1. I wish I had a landscape designer's crew to help me dig and weed, Kim!

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  6. Your garden looks wonderful! I definitely need the process to overwinter geraniums!! Last time I tried that it failed. I have four beautiful red ones this year, and I'd like to try again with that in the fall.

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    1. I'll share the process in the fall, Carole! Should be just at the right time as you won't need to tuck yours away as early as I will.

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  7. Your gardens are looking wonderful! Thank you for the walk through!

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    1. Thank you, Penny! They are a bit of a jungle, but I do enjoy my daily walkabouts!

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  8. I love you pictures. I feel like I was 'really' touring your amazing gardens. Thank you for the gift of your blog. Sandy.

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    1. Awww, Sandy, that's so very sweet of you, thank you so much for those kind words!!

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  9. Debbie, Your flowers and garden are spectacular, especially your Papa's Garden! And do be careful for both you and the dogs with that giant bear!

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    1. I take no chances when it comes to bears, Carol - hopefully he will keep his distance. Perhaps all the dogs between my house and my neighbors will keep him at bay.

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  10. Wonderful walkabout, Debbie. I love the way you refresh your garden and keep the nursery costs at bay with your sensible, frugal actions. It makes so much sense. You have some wonderful variety throughout the garden! Just as a matter of perspective....my evening primrose has gone to seed, the bee balm have bloomed and are toppling over from storm winds, and the hibiscus have just started blooming. This week might be lazy in the daytime due to extreme heat, but the mornings and evenings will be busy times tending to garden needs. Seeing a bear along our river is rare, but it has happened. To know they're regular annual visitors would spook me to no end! Take care.

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    1. Are the hibiscus perennial in your area, Rita? I have had them in pots in the past, but they wouldn't last in the garden. They did sell a 'perennial' hibiscus, which I bought for my previous home - and even though it did stay alive from year to year it never once had a flower! So I guess technically it was hardy to zone 5 but it certainly wasn't going to flourish!

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  11. Beautiful flowers and gardens! No wonder you can't keep up to the weeding! I won't volunteer! I can hardly keep up to my little courtyard plus I am afraid of your bears! We are experiencing the heat wave now! Love the cosmos but haven't figured out where to put them. I did save a couple of geraniums last year and will be trying to save more this year. It sure does save money! Have a great week-end! Nancy

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    1. There's just no way I can keep on top of the weeding with a full time busy job, that's for sure. I just have to do the best I can and try to enjoy the beauty rather than look for flaws. It's all I can do!

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  12. Your yard and gardens are beautiful. Love that Japanese Maple. I'll have to pass on helping you with the weeding though - I can't even keep up with my own! Be careful with that plant that looks like Queen Anne's Lace...if it's Poison Hemlock (which looks just like Queen Anne's Lace), it's actually deadly! Hopefully, it's just Cow Parsley. Take a look on Google images and maybe you'll be able to tell which yours is.

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    1. I have tried to figure out what that plant is and it doesn't seem to fit the photos I have found of either Poison Hemlock or Cow Parsley - it's a mystery for sure, Melanie!

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  13. I'd love to have a Japanese maple! Your gardens are gorgeous. Yours are just taking off and mine are starting to dry up in the heat.
    Brenda

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    1. Did you ever look into having a Japanese Maple in a big whiskey barrel on your patio, Brenda?

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  14. Hey Debbie, I think your white flower is Yarrow. It’s beautiful as is the rest of your garden. I always love looking at your photos of it.

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    1. Thanks, Laurie - I looked up your suggestion but my mystery plant doesn't have the proper leaves to be Yarrow, sigh perhaps I'll never figure out what it is!

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  15. Hi Deb,
    Love seeing all your pretty flowers. The landscape of the yard looks so lush and full. Wow about the bear. How scary. Glad you and your neighbors all look out for each other. Have a great weekend.
    Kris

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    1. Hi Kris - lush and full would be the same as weedy and like a jungle, right? :) I love looking out at all that green...so much better than the grey of late winter!

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  16. I so enjoyed your tour, Debbie. I can now place the faces of so many flowers with their names! I love the willow planters, and hurray for you on wintering over the geraniums. I had one plant last three years, bringing it in during the winter. Its a little sad when they simply don't have that energy anymore.

    Love all your garden areas, I know they must keep you busy but the rewards are worth it. As for the bear, I would be looking over my shoulder all the time!! Sharks and bears!

    Jane

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    1. I used to try bringing in the geraniums, Jane, and putting them in a sunny window for the winter months, but that didn't really work - they got leggy and like you said, lost energy. I don't know how many years I'll be able to overwinter these but I'll sure keep trying!

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  17. Very pretty pictures! I feel better that I am not the only one whose flowers are not all bloomed yet....I am waiting for my geraniums to fill in and I love how yours look with the lobelia. I might have to add some into my wood drawer planter. I am with you and just adore the orange daylilies that grow alongside the road....we had them all along the garage in my childhood home. I have one plant in my yard and I have been on the hunt to buy some more to plant as a backdrop. They are not to be found anywhere! I am considering "stealing" some from the side of the road!

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    1. I bet you could steal some from the side of the road, AnnMarie! They seem to grow just about anywhere - I have more at the end of my driveway, growing out of the creek bank which is all rocks - they are hardy little buggers, that's for sure!

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  18. I will weed your pathway if.....I can stay at your gorgeous house and meet the puppies, sleep in the bedroom with the green cabinet, sit on your beautiful porch with a glass of wine, AND if you come to my house and help me re-arrange my gardens so they flow like yours. Debbie, your writing about the lose of your father and your writing of his little garden was absolutely filled with love and passion, it made me weepy for you. Your daddy is so proud of you. Have a blessed day.

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    1. Deal, Cindy!! :) When can you be here? I'm not sure about the flow of my gardens....I guess the ones I start from scratch are pretty tame but the ones that I inherited with the house are an absolute jungle! I love them regardless, but I do think they would do well to be dug out completely and started over from scratch. However, I have neither the time, energy, or budget to do so so they shall stay as they are!

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  19. I like the arrangement of the white geranium and blue flowers in the pot. Cooling and crisp looking . Bear... I would probably not go in the yard again. Gosh that's scary. That thing would have to go....
    Beautiful property you have and overwintering geraniums I have tried with no luck. Look forward to seeing how you do it this fall.
    betsy

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    1. That white geranium has gotten HUGE Betsy! It's taking over the top step, I have to push it back to close the gate to keep the pups up on the deck. It's so hearty and healthy, I just love it!

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  20. What a gorgeous property you have! All your flowers look so healthy and beautiful. I can see why you wouldn't have very many lazy days of summer to enjoy. With the amount of beauty around you comes a lot of work! lol
    thanks for taking us for a walk :-)
    Jeannette

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    1. That is the truth, Jen - a ton of work goes into keeping things running smoothly around here. I'm usually spent by the end of the season and ready to tuck into the house for winter!

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