The container–window box, actually–above will probably last well into autumn just because it is on the deck, high above the coldest air. It is composed of Supertunia Flamingo, a trial plant from Proven Winners, and Colorblaze Marooned coleus, which was a trial plant from Proven Winners last year and which I liked enough to plant again. It was a really easy-care combination that looked good all summer, just like it does now.
My Favorite New Plant
My favorite new plant is ‘Heartthrob’ hibiscus, which was a trial plant from Walters Gardens. Such a gorgeous color, such a vigorous plant, and in my large scale garden it fits right in. Just look at the color: And here it is in the center of the Slope Garden (click on photo to enlarge): I think that gives you some idea of the size of that hibiscus, and how you can see it from across the lawn. I have been working on the Slope Garden a section at a time, trying to take it back from the weeds and over-enthusiastic garden plants that had infiltrated while the house was between owners. There’s a lot more work to do, but since I recently weeded the edge that you can see, it looks pretty good from a distance. This is one bed where I wish I could see a bit more bare dirt than I do!The Potager
This is the second year for Talitha’s potager, and this year she grew more flowers than vegetables. It, too, is probably at its peak of loveliness.
She grew annual phlox in assorted colors, and they have really filled in nicely:The Front Bed
Finally, no more bare dirt in the front. This particular scene is the result of my finding several packets of seeds that I had meant to sow much sooner. Normally I would scatter peony-poppy, Shirley poppy, larkspur, and love-in-a-mist on the bare ground before the last frost. I don’t remember when I sowed these this year, except it was after the last frost and I wasn’t certain they would germinate. Some time after that we did have some nights down in the 40s(F) and that was enough to get them going. Normally these would be July flowers, but they didn’t start blooming until the middle of August. My sister Ro gave me a few seedlings of ‘Cranberry Isle’ nicotiana. Flowering tobacco takes off in August when a lot of other plants are winding down and it usually looks good for most of September. It is one of those favorite annuals mentioned in my first paragraph because it shrugs off light frost and self sows just enough. It seems to fit in anywhere and makes you look like you know what you’re doing. Longfield Gardens sent me three kinds of double Oriental lily to try. This one is ‘Sweet Rosy’. So far none of these double lilies has fully opened for me, but their fragrance still wafts through the garden, which is good enough for me. The contrast between the chartreuse leaves of ‘Hot Stuff’ sedum and the hot pink flowers grabs your attention. I like how this plant flatters the colchicums that are popping up everywhere. Yes! I have hellebores blooming. Believe it! A year ago I was offered trial plants from Burpee and I focused on choosing hellebores that would bloom very late in autumn or in earliest spring. It takes a while for hellebores to settle in, so I am just beginning to see what these plants are capable of. Apparently ‘Winter Bells‘ is a rare hybrid and has been known to bloom in August. When I planted it, I sited it for viewing from our dining room window, and not for ease of photographing it. I had to go through some contortions to take its picture and all the rest were blurry. H. ‘Thanksgiving Bloom’ has also started, but the only open blossom was chewed by something and not worth photographing. I bought Cyclamen purpurascens several years ago because it is reputed to be the hardiest cyclamen out there. It is doing just fine here and I think I will try C. hederifolium and C. coum, which are supposed to be almost as hardy.That’s it for this month’s bloom day report. I know I got carried away, but it was wonderful to have an abundance of blooms to show to you.
Inspired by the words of Elizabeth Lawrence, “We can have flowers nearly every month of the year,” Carol of May Dreams Gardens started Garden Bloggers Bloom Day. On the 15th of every month, garden bloggers from all over the world publish what is currently blooming in their gardens, and leave a link in Mr. Linky and the comments of May Dreams Gardens.
Kathy everything is growing in so lush and gorgeous…
Wow, Kathy, I can see why you’re so excited about all these blooms–they’re lovely! Most of my annuals look pretty fried and tired right now. I’ve been admiring several hardy hibiscus I’ve seen in local gardens this year–this one is going on my plant wish list!
You and your daughter’s gardens are looking beautiful! I am amazed at seeing a hellebore blooming this time of year.
Hi Kathy, Cyclamen purpurascens is certainly hardy in our Zone 4 Canadian garden (which I think is approximately Z 3 US), while both the fall-flowering C. hederifolium and the spring-flowering C. coum persist and flower well with some winter mulch. There are few better plants for dry shade and they have, of course, marvellous foliage for long periods.
Brian
That is good to know. I expect to get some C. coum at the next rock garden meeting and I will remember to mulch them.
enjoyed your garden! I didn’t know that cyclamen could be hardy to zone 4. Looking forward to following! Michele
Wow, my heart is throbbing for that hibiscus! Just beautiful! I love Nicotiana but never seem to have success with it in the ground. I should buy some seed and try it that way. That is a lovely clump you have growing!
Your garden is looking good Kathy….Now I must go out there and see if I can find anymore colchicums and the hardy cyclamen.
What a wonderful display, Kathy. Looks like all your hard work is paying off nicely in blooms galore. Thanks for joining in for bloom day.
Congratulations on getting rid of the bare dirt, Kathy! It does look lush and full and so pretty. You have put all those free plants to good use, too.
What a fabulous hibiscus – LOVE it!
I garden in the UK and after our very late spring am finding that annuals like cosmos which normally flower from July are just starting to really get going. Dahlias have been a revelation for me this year for late season colour. So many to choose from and sooooo lovely for the garden and vase.
Hi Kathy,
This was a wonderful report of what’s blooming in your neck of the woods! I enjoyed all of the plants featured and realize we do not have any colchicum…must work on that. You continue to inspire me with your enthusiasm and enjoyable writing. I’ve been working on writing much more and your blog makes me want to capture my garden that way with my thoughts and photos.
I love your new garden and your home looks just lovely~
xo