A Little Bit of Jungle

Penelope Rose is a beautiful shrub rose which begins its bloom in May and will repeat bloom through the summer and into fall:There are many flowers blooming in the garden now, but already I sense the sweet promise of spring is gone. I only hope we can survive the onslaught of high heat, bad bugs, viruses, mildew and molds that come with summer. Will I have the energy to face the thugs that hover over me and breathe down my neck? I break into a sweat just thinking about it. Overnight, weird weeds will spring up, and if I turn my back they are likely to tap me on the shoulder, then laugh when I discover my prized plants smothered by their tendrils. 

My garden is a refuge from the wild areas that encroach all around. It was carved out of tangled overgrowth, and a little bit of jungle remains. Warm temperatures and rain promote rapid growth, and the thicket would return quickly, if I let it.

I recently discovered black spot and white flies in my vegetable garden, along with invasive bamboo shoots sprouting up through its soil, so my gloomy mood is justified. But briefly, for I am always an optimist. Mornings are still cool, and the humidity is just beginning to rise in the afternoons. The weather of the past few days has been pleasant, and the garden is looking good. Here's a quick review of my little bit of jungle:

In the gardens that surround the lawn in front of the house:

Below are some of the late spring/early summer bloomers:

Row 1: Flowers by the parking court; Anthony Waterer Spirea. Row 2: Rosa Mutabilis; Penstemon Huskers Red. Row 3: Purple verbenas; McKana Hybrid Columbine. Row 4: Calla Lily; Rosa Palustris.

Top: Amaryllis and Gazania. Bottom: Gazania; Hibiscus

Of course I love all these flowers, but my heart remains with beautiful foliage:Row 1: Red Banana plant; Chinese Fan Palm. Row 2: Hosta Francis Williams; Caladium. Row 3: Whitewater Redbud; Tropicana Canna Lily.

No plant has prettier foliage than the red banana plant, and I am happy to report that mine has returned, despite its marginal hardiness in my area. It remains my favorite plant purchase from last year:

In the top photo below you can see what is just a few steps beyond the woodland garden. Below that image are photos demonstrating what happens when a determined gardener intervenes!

Have a great week, and don't let the weeds get you down!   Deborah

Confederate Jasmine for a Fragrant Layer in the Garden

A beautiful garden is multidimensional, containing layers that cover the ground, mound and stretch, lean and weep, leap and reach heavenwards. This comes with age. A vine covered structure is an easy way to add dimension to a younger garden that still feels flat.

Trachelospermum jasminoides, also called Confederate jasmine as well as star jasmine, is a beautiful vine for the purpose. I have an old metal arch over the pathway that leads from the patio around the side of the house to the front. Over the years I have had several roses and a hyacinth bean growing on it. None have been as successful as the confederate jasmine I planted a couple years ago. A single plant has completely smothered the arch and hides its rickety, rusty imperfections.

This vine has lustrous, evergreen leaves, and in spring it produces myriads of highly fragrant white flowers. The flowers are less than an inch wide and are shaped like little pinwheels. I am not surprised that high end perfume is made from the blossoms. Every year I look forward to the olfactory experience of walking under the blooming arch.

Trachelospermum jasminoides is a relatively easy care vine. It grows in hardiness zones 8-10 and can handle heat, wind, and the occasional drought. It will bloom in sun to shade and likes rich, well draining soil high in organic matter. While it likes moisture, especially during the hottest part of summer, it may develop fungus in soil that stays soggy. It usually doesn't need a lot of fertilizer but may benefit from an application of a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year.

This vine grows on the previous years's growth, so it should be pruned after it has finished flowering. It will reach 10 to 20 feet and grows best when planted on a structure such as a fence, pergola or arbor, though it can also make a satisfactory ground cover. Pruning is beneficial to control its size and spread, and cuttings may be used to propagate more vines. Those who live outside its hardiness zone can grow confederate jasmine in a pot. Inside it does best in bright filtered light.