perennials – Page 7 – Fine for Friday

Hints of Autumn 8 Sept 2023

The temperatures are forecast for to be a little cooler this week. The days are measurably shorter. The rainfall has declined. These are features to be expected in Alabama this time of year.

It is time to begin some fall chores and think of some spring planning. There are spent plants to remove and some leaves to rake. The dry conditions mean some watering needs to be done.

I have returned from a trip to Canada for a 50 year med school reunion and a visit with family. It was wonderful to reconnect. Time to re-engage with the garden.

So come join me for a little tour of what’s in the garden today. It feels a little cooler. We can sit in the shade if you like and visit as we talk about several of the individual plants. Here are the photos of the week:

The limelight hydrangeas continue to impress with their beautiful panicles of blooms. The bloom color is mostly white but shades of copper are appearing which is striking against the lime green leaves.

The American beauty berry (Callicarpa Americana) has been a reliable garden feature this year. It is now giving that extra show with the purple berries. I have not seen any birds feasting on these yet.

The chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are putting on quite a show. I will be watching them closely and intend to chop the tops off before the seeds spread. That will save a lot of work later.

The sedum is definitely beginning to show its fall bronze.

The obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana) is quite happy in its location near the fountain. Its royal color blends nicely with the remaining yellows of the Black eyed Susans

The gardenia is slowly recovering this year from the historic cold of last December. I am optimistic. It has a good chance to thrive and become its majestic fragrant self in the years to come.

I will be joining the #SixonSaturday group tomorrow. If you have the chance, swing by and look at around the world gardeners sharing their photos. It can be found at this link, https://gardenruminations.co.uk hosted by Jim Stephens each Saturday morning.

Happy Gardening!!

Its Labor Day Weekend

I am out of town this week but I took the liberty of taking some photos last week. It has cooled down a little. It is feeling more like fall. It seems that summer has hurried by but that may only been another illusion of mine.

We have had an irrigation problem at the Corner Garden. I will show you a photo that I took illustrating the source.

Come take a stroll with me through the garden. We can sit in the shade whenever you like. I might even be able to provide you with a glass of “sweet tea”. It will be refreshing. If you are able, come join us Saturday morning when Jim Stephens hosts us at this website https://gardenruminations.co.uk/. This will allow you to join the Six on Saturday crowd as we tour gardens throughout the world.

The Stokesia is blooming again. It is feeling the cooler temps that are approaching.

The Blackberry lily continues to produce some beautiful blooms.

The crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia sp) is blooming madly. Less prolific this year but still awe inspiring.

The Gomphrena “strawberry fields” has been outstanding this year.

The Encore Azalea (this one may be “Autumn Royalty” is nicely blooming. This variety has 3 blooming periods a year although this has been this year’s first blooming.

The Limelight hydrangea is in its first year and has been blooming for 3 months now. This cultivar is “Bobo”

I mentioned an irrigation issue and here it is. This is at the Corner Garden and we will need some professional help here. Keep you posted.

Happy Gardening everyone!!

Fall Approaches 19 August 2023

The days are still hot but the plants are showing signs of fatigue. Most of the blooms are spent and the seedheads are prominent everywhere. Some plants have gone through the yellowing phase and now are approaching the brown phase.

There has been a lack of rain this past week so I have had to do some watering. As you will see, I have run into a problem with the irrigation system that I hope to be able to have fixed soon.

The Ginger Lily is just beginning to show signs of blooming. It is beautiful. It was a gift from another gardener but I do not know the cultivar.

The dahlia is magnificent and is nicely standing out against the rudbeckia in the background.

The Hardy Hibiscus has given some late blooms. It struggled this spring so I am really proud of this one.

The Purple Heart is related to the spiderwort which is a native with blue flowers. This variety spreads easily with a low ground cover like habit. Pink flowers are very striking against the purple stems.

The Obedient Plant is a fall blooming native which is just beginning to bloom. It is also known as false dragonhead of the mint family. It is easy to grow as it is a self seeder.

Picture number 6 is an unexpected problem. I am now trying to get this irrigation leak sorted out. I will let you know next week.

The weather should cool some over the next few weeks and I hope to show you fall bloomers as well as leaf color.

Join us on #SixonSaturday with our host Jim Stephens. Here is the link https://gardenruminations.co.uk/.

Until next week, happy gardening!!

Fall Approaches 11 August 2023

The recent rains and continuing warm temperatures have allowed the garden to keep blossoming. It is lush and full of blooms. Keeping up with the weeds is another story.

Seedheads are becoming more abundant which the birds especially a group of goldfinches seem to be very happy about.

The black-eyed susans are definitely the showstopper again this week. These are a new addition from a local nursery. I misplaced the cultivar name.

The oak leaf Hydrangea quercifolia is beginning to show the bronze coloring of the fall foliage.

The limelight hydrangeas have been magnificent this year. The American beautyberry is just visible to the left. They are fronted by bearded iris and roof iris. The bluebird house was occupied twice this year.

The hardy mums are beginning to bloom. The cultivar is again an unknown.

The lorapetalum had been a 12 foot shrub but it was decimated by the December freeze. The new growth seems healthy so the trunks were cut back to two feet.

This is the other Rudbeckia which has done so well. The “Indian Summer” did suffer from the winter cold and several plants were lost but those which survived have been so beautiful.

Hope to have you join us on Saturday morning for our Six on Saturday group. Here is the link https://gardenruminations.co.uk/

Happy Gardening!

Summer Heat 4 August 2023

This week, it continued to be hot but today and for the next 7 days at least the forecast is for cloudy conditions with daily rain chances. That will bring some relief. I was even able to get out into the garden this afternoon to begin to catch up on some much needed weeding. The fall catalogs and seed house emails are beginning to entice with offerings for fall and spring. I even have hopes to get a start on a fall garden.

The glorious summer perennials are definitely past their prime. The summer ball is over. Before long, they will be memories.

Here are my six for today. If you are available, check out the Six on Saturday gathering of gardeners from all around the world. It can be found at this link https://gardenruminations.co.uk/. It is hosted by Jim Stephens.

These Black eyed Susans have definitely taken the prize for spectacular this year. Purchased at Barton’s Nursery https://www.facebook.com/bartonsgh/, I am unsure of the cultivar but being perennials, I will be anxiously awaiting their return next year.

The spider plant is a surprise. I had one in a container at the front door and the next year, this one appeared in the flower bed nearby. It is very near the step and derives enough protection there that it has become a permanent resident. This is the first year that I have noticed the blooms.

This liriope caught my eye. They are frequently used by homeowners as an edging plant. The inflorescence is pretty although the plant itself can be a nuisance because it spreads readily.

The blackberry lily grouping were prolific this year. I entered this photo because the seedpods resemble Habanero peppers.

The Prairie coneflower is a native but it is fitting well into my perennial bed amongst the lantana and the lilies. It is past its prime but the seed cones are well loved by the local goldfinches.

The milkweed seed pods certainly resemble okra. These okra bugs certainly love to hand out on them. These pods will soon begin to dry and crack open revealing the seeds with their parachute like attachments.

Until next week, Happy Gardening!!

Summer Heat 28 July 2023

We will be at or above summer norms for the next 10 days. It is mid 90’s today so 35 C. Our group of workers were out this morning at the Corner Garden early. By 830, it was 90 or 32 C. There were thunderclouds to the west of us but despite the noise and a couple of bolts of lightning in the distance, there was no rain on us. The irrigation system will have to suffice for now.

The garden is past its peak now. The plants look fatigued from all the heat but it is still very beautiful.

Here are my six for today.

The Canna Lily is a showstopper even though it has morning shade. These have been transplanted from an area which seemed to suffer from leaf roller disease. They are happier here.

The salvia is still thrilling. I named it blue because I couldn’t find the full name. It looks wonderful against the yellow of the Black eyed Susan.

The coneflowers are definitely fading in color. I have left the seedheads on since the yellow goldfinches love to feast on them in the fall and winter.

The daylily is still producing. Unfortunately, not sure of the name here.

The Lamb’s Ear has the tall flower stalk. It blends well with the Shasta daisies behind.

The sedum is beginning to show some bronzing of the flower head which will become more pronounced as the days progress.

Saturday mornings a group of gardeners from around the world share their 6 best photos in the forum hosted by Jim Stephens at https://gardenruminations.co.uk/. Come join us, bring your cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the beautiful plants.

Happy Gardening!!

Hot Summer Days 21 July 2023

The last few days have been hot and humid here in the American South. Average daily highs in the mid 90’s and 50 % plus humidity tax a gardener’s physical strength. The formula, of course, is to start out early, drink plenty of water and seek the shade as much as possible.

A few mid summer bloomers have appeared and there are a couple of interesting visitors that I have to show you today. The perennials are blooming at their peak. The rainfall has been sufficient and well spaced. They are certainly enjoying this weather.

Coleus Kong Lime Sprite with
Wizard Scarlet Swallowtail

I started six different coleus from seed this spring and have them in containers. They are loving a shady spot on the deck which receives morning sun. I am glad that I went to the effort.

The caladium is from bulbs that I saved from last year. I kept them dry and dark over the winter. I planted them this spring once the ground temp was above 60 degrees. They just emerged 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately, I managed to merge them into one grouping and lost the name. They look wonderful in this shady bed alongside the Southern shield ferns.

I started the Rudbeckia triloba from seed this year. It is an Alabama native and it is just beginning to flower this week. It seems to be thriving in an afternoon sun area.

The Coral honeysuckle is also and Alabama native that I bought from a local native plant nursery. It is gorgeous and well loved by the hummingbirds.

The purple coneflowers, another Alabama native, have been prolific this summer. This one is being also enjoyed by this bumble bee. I leave the seedbeds on the plants throughout the winter for the finches which seem to thrive on them.

One of my Shasta daisies is being enjoyed by a pearl crescent. It is a medium sized butterfly and it was feasting on the nectar. Its host plant are the Asters.

Every Saturday morning come join us on Six on Saturday. This group of gardeners from around the world are hosted by Jim Stephens at this link https://gardenruminations.co.uk.

Happy Gardening!

Summer 14 July 2023

The garden is lush, healthy and bloom filled. We have had sufficient rain to keep things that way. The butterflies are increasing in number and the air is filled with the buzz of insects. The hummingbirds are regularly seen getting their fill.

The dilemma is that the heat keeps my outdoor tasks restricted to the mornings. The afternoon heat is too energy sapping. We were out of town for several days and upon returning it is noticeable that the weeds are getting a little out of control. A need a few days of effort to right the ship.

Here are my photos for this week.

The Casablanca Lily has really shown out this year. The stalks are about 4 feet high and I have had to stake them to keep them erect. You can see the repurposed fountain in the background. It became non functional so it is now a succulent planter.

The Rubeckia ‘Gloriosa Daisy’ has a blend of colors. It has been a great performer.

The Dahlia ‘Gallery Singer’ is a first timer for me. It is in a grouping of 3 Dahlia Singers and 3 Dahlia Serenade. The deep color is a standout.

Two varieties of Buddleia here. The white natchez shrub grows over twenty feet. This one is still small so the blooms are easily seen. The watermelon red is well established and lines the driveway very majestically. The crape myrtle is the staple shrub here in the American South and I think these photos say why.

The oak leaf hydrangea is a native shrub. The blooms in pannicles come out white and then the color becomes reddish to bronze in summer and fall. The blooms remain as an appealing brown during the winter. This is a good look at the pannicle.

The Buddleia is a Sungold I think. It is 3 years old and beginning to assume an admirable shape. The butterflies and insects are attracted to it.

That’s the round up for this week. We are still at peak summer. Soon the inevitable slow fade will begin so I am enjoying the beauty as much as possible.

Every Saturday a group of gardeners from around the world share photos of their gardens. This is hosted by Jim Stephens at this link https://gardenruminations.co.uk/

Come join us and see what is happening.

Happy Gardening!

Summer 7 July 2023

The Fourth of July is over. This marks the middle of summer. We had plenty of food including a steak done on the grill. We like to watch the concerts that are on the Capitol Steps in Washington D.C. and from the harbor in New York City with views of the Statue of Liberty. Of course, this was ended with spectacular fireworks in both locations.

It has been a hot gardening week. The perennials are in full bloom now. The Limelight hydrangeas are magnificently blooming. My potatoes and onions are officially done. A few tomatoes are beginning to appear.

Here are my photos for this week.

The hardy hibiscus is new to me. Planted last year, it almost expired during the December deep freeze. There are two others in the same raised bed and this is the most advanced.

The Dragon Wing has been a stalwart. It is an annual but I keep it alive during the winter in the cold frame. In the spring, I take cuttings and manage to propagate enough to fill another planter and my window boxes. It is my most reliable annual.

The Big Red is shy. This is its first blooming of the season but when it does, it really shows out. It is also a cold frame resident and I have also managed to propagate several more containers of it from cuttings.

The coreopsis continues to shine. It is very happy in its container and is content to have some mid day shade.

The calla lily is at the front door. It is in the location where I intend to have a White Garden. A mature white azalea is right behind it. I need a third white bloomer to complete the grouping. Have not made a decision on that as of yet.

The Shasta daisies are in full bloom now. As usual, they are spectacular.

I am really enjoying the garden this summer. The heat limits the work but the majority of that was done this spring.

Before I end this weeks post, here is a watercolor done by my friend Walt in celebration of Independence Day.

Come join us Saturday morning when Jim Stephens hosts our Six on Saturday group. Here is the link https://gardenruminations.co.uk/.

You will be able to enjoy gardens from around the globe.

Happy gardening!

Summer 30 June 2023

It is hot this week! It is very hot this week! The county warned of poor air quality. Temperatures will be near 40 degrees C both today and tomorrow. The forecast is for some increased rain probability over the next week and that will lower the temps down a little perhaps to as low as 35 degrees.

The garden is at a maximum. The plants are green and lush. The blooms are abundant. The butterflies, pollinators and birds are very busy.

Here are my efforts for this week.

The crocosmia photo is a little blown out but you can see that this cultivar is aptly named. The foliage is gladiolus like and it does want to lay down from rainfall or the wind. The plant is a little agressive and I have to pull up plants on the advancing edge of the thicket.

The ruellia does have a beautiful color. It is another plant that minds its manners the best if kept in a container.

The Stokes aster is in its glory. It is doing so nicely with a little shade at mid day and with the backdrop of the Southern Shield ferns.

The coleus are in a container in the shade garden. They do get enough morning sun to thrive. They did not like the coolness of the spring but they are thriving now.

The limelight hydrangeas are a showstopper. They are a very popular shrub in our area now. They are not afraid of the sun like other hydrangeas. This is the original and they are tall. Smaller varieties are now available like ‘Little Lime’ and ‘Hobo’ which are smaller and can be grown in front of other shrubs.

As promised last week, here come the Shasta daisies. This cultivar is ‘Becky’ I think. You can see that there are a lot more buds waiting to open this week. This daisy always puts on a good show.

One more photo for you today.

This is the ongoing project of the propagation of limelight hydrangeas from cuttings that began in March. 5 hydrangeas are progressing well. It may be these will be used to replace some of the azaleas that suffered damage from the December deep freeze.

Every Saturday, Jim Stephens is hosting Six on Saturday. Join us and see gardens from all around the world. Sip on your coffee or other beverage and enjoy. Here is the link https://gardenruminations.co.uk/.

Happy Gardening!!