zone 7 gardening
Beautyberry for Autumn Interest
Beautyberry is such an amazing shrub. The berries don’t even look real to me, but of course they are. This is a native shrub in our area.
Perfect Weekend
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
Mr. Bowling Ball- Who Could Resist?
This photo doesn’t capture how cute and fluffy these things are! I think I’ll put one or two in my garden.
Covering ground with Euphorbia
I’ve posted pictures of this Euphorbia (Wood Spurge) before, but since it’s flowering right now, I ran out after a rain shower and took another photo. This is such a great groundcover. It’s evergreen and it spreads to cover more area, but it’s very easy to pull out if you think it’s getting unruly. Check out this article from Fine Gardening to see some commonly available varieties.