The June Garden, 2014

Summer has arrived with predictable humidity and temperatures hitting the 90s; but with plentiful rain so far, I can not complain. The June garden is lush with deep green bowers edged with orange, purple, pink, and red summer flowers.

Here is a long view across the arbor by the patio:

A different angle catches the day lilies now in bloom. Planted about 60 years ago, they were here many years before we arrived. The pink flowers belong to Anthony Waterer Spirea:

Here is another view of the day lilies. Behind is a Lady in Red Hydrangea. This plant is the one of the few macrophylla hydrangeas with any blooms this year, following an unusually hard winter.

Anthony Waterer Spirea is one of my favorite shrubs. It is low maintenance, has a beautiful draping form and wonderful summer blooms:

Below are close ups of three hydrangeas currently in bloom:Clockwise from top: Snowflake, Annabelle, and Forever Pink.

Red Cascade Rose always has masses of blooms through the summer:

Here are a few more summer bloomers:Clockwise from top left: 'Tutti Fruitti' butterfly bush with Persian Shield on the lower right, Sedum in front of Day Lily foliage, late blooming Gumbo azalea, Day Lily.

And some pretty foliage and flower combinations for the summer:Clockwise from top left: Persian Shield and Dusty Miller; Leopard Plant, Maidenhair Fern and Variegated Sedge; Anthony Waterer Spirea, Red Knockout Rose and Rosemary; Variegated Hosta, Coleus and Impatiens.

Foliage is a star in my garden in all seasons. These are a few of my favorites:Clockwise from top left: Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Blue Boulevard', Sambucus racemosa 'Lemon Lace', Trident Maple, Hepatica, 'Lady in Red' hydrangea, Cercis canadensis 'Whitewater', Fatshedera, Variegated toad Lily.

Hosta Francis Williams grows in several parts of the garden:

Nothing can beat Tropicana Canna Lily for powerful color through a hot summer:

A tour of the June garden would not be complete without some views of the woodland garden:

Top: Carex 'Everillo' grows in a pot nestled amidst Impatiens. Middle: This variety of Indigofera spreads as a ground cover and has delightful early summer blooms. Bottom: Woodland rabbit; Windchimes in a tree.Nothing like a tour of a summer garden in the Deep South to work up a thirst! Now, how about a cool drink or a slice of watermelon?

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