Every gardener desires to have some level of interest in their gardens at all times of the year. Be it blooms, or interesting foliage, the challenge is to “always have something going on”.
On a personal level, it is what drives me mad as I think about my own garden design. If some day you find me face down in the mulch, shaking uncontrollably, just know that this is what caused it. I am in a constant state of tweaking and moving this plant or adding this plant. It is virtually impossible to get it just right; but I’ll die trying.
As I was out in the gardens this past weekend, I noticed a definite shift in what was emerging and what was receding (or dying) into the background. Last week’s heroes, which were in all their blooming glory, were now an afterthought, or a nasty, mushy pile of ugly foliage. I started to feel bad for these “has-beens” and decided to give them one last shout-out before they disappear into the night, or hopefully, neatly tucked behind new perennial growth.
Won’t you join me in saluting their efforts? Here we go:
The daffodils are tired and ready to hibernate for the next 11 months:
But let’s not forget how they lit up the gray skies this spring:
The Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft) are respectfully calling it quits:
But what a show they put on as they stole the spotlight for two weeks:
The Leucojum aestivum (Summer Snowflake) bow their heads in shame and now look like this:
But we won’t forget what an inspiration they were, especially for me as they have been one of the few reliable spring bulbs in my nasty wet clay soil:
The Ajuga ‘Chocolate Chip’ have thrown in the towel and are now laying down as they cannot go on any longer:
We all understand their struggle, they put on a bloom for the ages and you can only keep that up for so long:
The Camassia blooms are valiantly trying to hold on as long as they can:
It’s OK buddy, give into it and we’ll remember you like this:
Same goes for you nodding Campanula (Bellflower); lay down and go into the night in peace:
You rocked it for a while and we’re still smiling as a result:
A time for each to shine and then let the next act on stage!
Love the photos of “then and now” together. So interesting to have an honest look at them that way. Thanks!
we salute those who have served us well! 🙂
Love your photos and clever posting. This is a good way to look at things! My honeysuckle and roses are preparing for a ‘comeback’……
I get so sad when a beautiful specimen has come and is ready to go. I could cry when my lilacs have completed their cycle. Another whole winter has to come along before we can even think lilacs..I continue to take photo’s too..just one more picture!!!
Ha…indeed…I think it’s the curse of all gardeners anymore…the mantra of all-year interest can be more of a burden than it’s worth, I think. I’ve given up thinking my garden has to look great all year. Late winter/early spring after everything gets cut back…it’s just going to look crappy…I’m accepted it…just the price you pay for relying on herbaceous perennials – no room for shrubs on our tiny lot 🙁 Although previously, I didn’t feel like indulging in ephemeral spring bulbs, I caved in last fall, but am so glad I did…it really helps tide you over until the perennials step up! Now it’s the waiting game as I eye the yellowing foliage and bide my time before I can tear it out.
Daffodils are such wimps. As soon as it gets hot, they shrivel up and die. Come on, Man up! Evolve already. Global warming is totally on the way.
I was just thinking about my gardens and how I too am really seeing the shift from once lively to not so much. The lilacs that perfumed the air for weeks are now brown and odorless. Out with the old and in with the new…
I love this review of those spring favorites. It is sad to see them go. But I’m so looking forward to the roses, etc. June is absolutely the best month in my garden. I can not get the “all year interest” for the life of me, so I too have given up on that.
Spring brings so much welcome color. It’s sad to see it go, but new colors emerge! What’s next???
That was a touching salute. It’s sad to see them go. But their colorful grandeur will always stay in our memories.
Jim, that made me laugh out loud..
Great tribute to the first colors of spring!