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

Good Riddance Cancer Tree, Hello Kitty!

We cut down a malignant tree in the front garden this week. It was only a foot tall when my husband bought it for me years ago. It was labeled Viburnum Augustifolium, but I am not convinced that is what it was. Its evergreen leaves were quite attractive and some of them had pretty fall colors, but this was its only redeeming quality.

Its white springtime flowers were insignificant and did not produce berries. It grew large, over twenty feet tall, and that was OK with me. But its cancerous growth pattern was not. It spread from vigorous underground suckers, invading nearby paths and taking over a daffodil bed. Recently Lou and I examined the thicket of stems spreading out from its base and decided the massive plant had to go.

The viburnum had a strong presence in that part of the garden, and its removal left a large gap.

Opportunity! Now I have a sunny place for some deciduous hollies, which lack sufficient sun to produce their famous berries in their current woodland location. I will also move some coral berry bushes from another part of the front garden, for the same reason. A Japanese maple and a weeping blue cedar purchased during the bargain days of summer have been patiently waiting for a home, and they too will be welcomed to this area. 

I am never afraid to change things in my yard. If I had to live with all my mistakes, I would have a miserable excuse for a garden! But the lesson learned is to know what one is planting and what its future growth is likely to be.

I will post photos of the new planting area when it is completed. Meanwhile, here are a few photos I took in the garden this week. I'm not sure who is enjoying the fabulous weather more, me or the creatures who inhabit the space.Clockwise from top left: Fritillary on zinnia, oxalis growing through artemesia, moon vine, another zinnia in the wildflower area.
Buckeye butterfly

Gulf Fritillary butterfly

Long Tail Skipper

Close-ups of two leaves growing simultaneously on my Red Banana Plant

I'm not the only one drawn to the Red Banana plant! There are many anole lizards in my garden.

Finally, does this kitten belong to anyone out there? She has adopted us. We haven't had a pet since our last dog passed away last year. She is very friendly and likes to chase squirrels. If we don't find her owner, I think she will stay. Lou has never liked cats, but she won him over by following him around and helping him work on the house the other day. She put on sophisticated airs for this photo, but she is quite playful.All of my animals have had garden or flower names. Any suggestions?