Wow, DC! The forecast is calling for a perfect weekend to get out and clean up the yard! I know I’ll be out pruning, cutting back perennials, and pulling some pesky weeds. Savor the moments outdoors and TGIF!
Perfect Weekend
Planting Time!
‘Sky Pencil’ Holly
Coreopsis
‘Lemon Lime’ Nandina
Pansies
‘Neon’ Sedum
Yes, this is the perfect time to plant. The weather is mild, you don’t need to break the bank with the water bill, and plants get a chance to winter over before bursting back to life in the spring. Head to the garden center to find your inspiration!
Outdoor Lighting
Here’s a great article from Houzz on outdoor lighting…
Almost Planting Time!
Well, this summer went way too fast for me, but one good thing I can say is, it’s almost fall planting time! Autumn is really the best time of year for getting new plants in the ground. Once they winter over, you’ll be amazed how great they look when they come up in the spring.
The Land of Morning Calm
We’ve had a wonderful summer in Asia, enjoying all the sights and sounds. This beautiful garden was a real highlight of our trip. It has multiple, themed garden areas, all wonderful, but this one was my favorite.
Groundcover for Charm and Function
A stone landing tidies up the connection between the driveway and fenced bin area.
Mazus reptans will quickly fill in between the stones.
Second season Mazus reptans groundcover filling in nicely.
So-called “steppable” groundcovers are widely available at garden centers. These are plants that can be walked over without significant damage. They’re great for filling areas along walkways and they add so much charm. Mazus reptans is one of the most common. As you can see, it will definitely do the job!
So much beauty everywhere!
Clematis
Styrax japonicus, Japanese Snowbell
Fuschia
Hosta
Entrance border, private garden
Hydrangea quercifolia, Oakleaf Hydrangea
Everywhere I look, things are blooming and thriving. I have so many beautiful photos that I thought I’d just post a gallery. Our rainy May is really paying off, but hot dry weather is coming- don’t forget to water!
Salvia ‘Ultra Violet’
I love Salvia greggii varieties, and this one is new to my garden this year. As I learned from the Digging Dog Nursery website, this is a “hummingbird-initiated cross” between Salvia greggii and Salvia lycioides. I love that! It’s also deer and rabbit resistant, which has become important in my garden these days.
Would you rather grow Tradescantia or Spiderwort?
I planted clumps of Tradescantia about 8 years ago, and they still come up and bloom for 4-6 weeks every spring. They’re so graceful, opening overnight and then slowly closing up as the day goes on. Their common name is Spiderwort! Take a look at this great essay on the awful name. (“Wort” is an old word that was applied to plants with herbal or medicinal properties. It’s still in use in the brewing industry.)
I didn’t even know Mr. Tradescant was a person. Fascinating! I learn so many new things every day.
Perfect Peonies
Paeonia suffruticosa
Tree peony
Peonies photo by Little Acre Flowers.
Few flowers are as stunning as peonies. And when I see them I want to make tissue paper flowers! Many are blooming around the DC area already. If yours (like mine) are only in part sun, they are probably still in buds.
Don’t forget to pick them and enjoy them in a bouquet if you have them in your garden!