The yellow-leafed fleece vine (Fallopia baldschuanica ‘Lemony Lace’, below) is less vigorous in growth this year for reasons not obvious to me. In recent years the vine has spanned the length of two sides of the summerhouse roof but this year it’s only halfway across. (I must note that the summerhouse is not extravagant. It is a cover to escape the summer sun.)

I had concerns when I planted the aggressive vine that it could become a problem, but I presumed that the yellow foliage would slow its growth. Now, all that’s needed is a bit of trimming and none this year. I’ve abandoned thoughts that the fleece vine could one day encircle the structure.

While lingering on the patio beside the koi pond, I am overjoyed by the continued vigor of two Beaked yuccas (Yucca rostrata, below) at the corner of the summerhouse. The two nearly perished in a display garden. Three of varying heights were rescued before their imminent demise in poorly drained clay soil, and two have thrived in the koi pond garden that was planted nearly twenty years ago.

I kick myself just thinking about how short-sighted I was to discard the third, smallest yucca that somehow didn’t fit my ideal design at the time. I should have planted it elsewhere. Yes, I’m an idiot. Sometimes, but most often, things work out for the best, almost as if they were planned.