Still in denial that autumn is right around the corner.
Keep coming back for more
The Veronica ‘Royal Candles’ are on their third flush of bloom this summer. Even though they look toasted after each bloom period with browning branches and general ugliness, they always bounce back for me.
Nice, but could’ve been better
After years of trying to grow anemone of any sort, I can finally say I’ve had some success. There are a ton of blooms originating from the one plant added here and there’s been massive spread in only a year’s time.
The deer did chow them down along the way this spring/summer so the bloom height is much shorter than expected.
But I’m not complaining.
If at first you don’t succeed …
… plant the Hydrangea in a container and hide it on your elevated deck.
This is ‘Little Lime’ hydrangea and I’m hoping I can keep her in this container year over year because those blooms are killer. I especially dig them right now as the pink hues emerge.
Best option for weed control
You’ve heard me say it many times before, but it’s worth repeating.
Obedient plant (this one is ‘Vivid’) can easily fill in an empty area in the garden in no time and prevent weeds from seeing the light of day. Yes, they are aggressive, but I find them easy to pull out where needed.
They are rapidly transforming into bloom as we speak.
More grasses
Your weekly dose of ornamental grasses stealing the spotlight.
Here is a shot nearing dusk with the Miscanthus ‘Variegatus’ adding a nice pop of light and bright (don’t steal that phrase, I’m trademarking it).
And Panicum ‘Rots’ happily providing a happy background for Joey Pye.
This Panicum may have outgrown its spot but I’m in no rush to move it.
He works hard for the money
Not that I’m getting actual cash for my garden labor, but your feedback is really all the currency I need.
Did you just spit out your sweet tea? Too corny?
Regardless, it’s true.
Anyway, I continue to attack the garden with reckless abandon and fervor as I clean up the weeds, move things around and prune/tweak/deadhead here and there. This little clean-up below resulted in me going through three shirts, two pairs of shorts and about 49 mosquito bites.
Heat and humidity be damned.
It will be worth it if I can fill it in quickly and avoid the same weed issues heading into next year.
Same goes with the photo below.
While I’ve created a new path to traverse in the garden, that wasn’t the intention. I now need to find as many 3 to 4 foot in height perennials as I can so I can finish this section and finally move on.
Tip of the week
Putting apple cider vinegar directly on your mosquito bites stops the itch better than any other topical option out on the market. I may smell vinegary in bed at night, but my wife is spared me waking up multiple times feverishly scratching my legs and moaning.
You’re welcome.