My Lovely Weed and Other Summer Flowers

I have fallen in love with an invasive weed. It was an impulse buy. Only after I had paid money for it and then proudly planted it in my garden did I discover its classification, at least in neighboring Florida, where its cultivation is prohibited. This doesn't apply to my own state of Alabama. Yet. The offending flower is Bush Morning-Glory, Ipomoea fistulosa. It is more likely to become invasive in wet sites, which it prefers, though it will grow and behave itself in well drained situations. It is a native in tropical America and is reported in a number of southern US states, as well as in Puerto Rico and Hawaii. 

The bush morning glory looks similar to the morning glory vine, with pink to purple flowers opening only in the morning, but there are important differences. The bush has a thick stalk which can grow seven to eight feet tall. It has beautiful heart shaped leaves on sparse branches and funnel shaped flowers, which are three to four inches across. In Brazil the hollow stems are used for making pipes. Whereas the vine is an annual, here the bush morning glory is hardy and will return each year.

I will watch my bush morning glory closely. I don't think it will be a problem for me, though with all the rain we have had lately, I wonder!

Meanwhile, I am enjoying some other summer flowers. In semi-shady areas assorted hydrangeas continue to bloom:

Here is a combination of white impatiens and colorful caladiums, also growing in a partially shaded site:

Monarda and Veronica bloom in sites that receive morning sun and some afternoon shade:

While much of our property is shaded, we do have some areas that receive full sun. Flowers in these areas are heat lovers that can take our sultry conditions. Below in both upper and lower photos are Tropicana Canna Lily, on the left, and Pavonia Hastata, on the right. These are reliable beauties in my hot summer climate.

This is my first year to grow tropical hibiscus. It will not be my last!

Many summer flowers are commoners seen at every garden outlet. I am not a plant snob. Toughness and survival count for me. I love marigolds!

Finally, I don't always depend on plants for color. This is my flower bug. Call it whimsical, gaudy, cute, whatever.Bring on the heat!

Patterns in the Woodland Garden

White sun may be glaring beyond the trees, washing out the details of summer; but inside the woodland garden, shadows and light create intricate patterns and points of interest. Light shines through the foliage of a Chinese fan palm in the woodland garden. It is one among a handful of palms that can survive the winter in my 8a hardiness zone.It is a mysterious place where I can easily imagine hidden eyes peering out from corners of darkness. It is no coincidence that many fairy tales are set in woodlands.This is a recent photo of the deep green summer woodland garden.

From the above photos, one could think that green is the only color in the woodland garden. That is not far from the truth, but there are spots of other colors, even a few flowers. One must pause along the path to find them; they do not shout for attention.Top: I have long ago forgotten the name of this lily, once an Easter gift. Below the lily are Snowflake Hydrangea and a purple Calla Lily, and at the bottom are a Variegated Hydrangea and a Gardenia. The fragrance of the gardenia bush fills the garden. The subtle color of Snowflake Hydrangea is echoed in the background by a variegated redbud, 'Whitewater'.

Flowers come and go like ethereal mists, but foliage is always the star in the woodland garden. The top photo below is hosta 'Sum and Substance'. The others are seedlings whose parents are Francis Williams and Elegans.

My deep green summer woodland garden is full of little surprises, thanks to an assortment of plants with colorful foliage: 

I always pause to examine their dots and splashes and stripes and frills. The woodland garden is dark and green, but never dull. Happy gardening!