‘Sinonome’ toad lily (Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’) begins flowering in early August in this garden, several weeks earlier than other cultivars. When first opened, the tepals do not spread fully, so that bumblebees that are so numerous in the garden must pierce the base of the flower to obtain its nectar (above). Somehow, this seems like cheating, but…
Category: landscaping
Where are the butterflies?
Several butterfly bushes (Buddleia) perished over the winter, and just now at the start of August have I given their loss much thought. One, and perhaps a second died as a consequence of persistent dampness in the lower garden, and since the shrubs died over the winter the first thought is to blame cold for…
Accentuate the positive
The pineapple lilies (Eucomis comosa ‘Sparkling Burgundy’, below) are alive and going strong despite a winter that killed too many plants that are considered more cold hardy. There is no explaining this, at least I can’t, and in the face of conflicting results the gardener is overjoyed by the few improbable successes. Certainly, there are complex circumstances…
Two weeks away
I have just returned from two weeks away. The garden is pretty much as I left it, though more weeds have invaded and the bamboo that was chopped out a few years ago is sprouting with vigor. Several hours labor will be required to get things back in order. I am least concerned while traveling…
Summer doldrums
Not every summer is as easy as this. Rainfall has been ample, and temperatures have been moderate. Certainly, more difficult conditions are ahead, since it seems unlikely that summer will treat the garden so gently. Though several plants are continuing to recover from winter injury, foliage and flowers are lush in mid July. Most likely,…
Trial and error
Occasionally, one plant or another is purchased with enthusiastic expectations, but then it fails so quickly that after a few months it is long forgotten. This happens often enough that the gardener becomes cautious about wasting valuable dollars from his planting budget, but not so frequently that he is discouraged from planting. Often, the same…
Too many to count
I don’t claim knowledge to distinguish between one bee or wasp and another, any butterfly or moth besides the ubiquitous Tiger swallowtail, or even frogs and toads. Toads, I can identify by sound I suppose, and I’m quite certain that the high pitched, agitated squeals I hear today as I walk along the paths that border…
Until a few weeks ago there was every reason to suspect that the Indian pinks (Spigelia marilandica, below) had disappeared along with so many others as a result of the winter’s cold. Some casualties can be blamed on excess moisture that has plagued the lower part of the rear garden for the past few years,…
Unanticipated treasures
I readily admit that many of the garden’s successes are more a result of complete accident rather than efforts on my part. Certainly, some benefit is derived from good planning. Occasionally, combinations of colors and textures work out just as envisioned, but more satisfying are unanticipated pleasures that have nothing at all to do with…
Arnold is lost
Sadly, the large ‘Arnold Promise’ witch hazel (Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Arnold Promise’ below) is now a pile of sticks tossed aside in the rear garden. For now, there are too many branches accumulated from shrubs killed in the winter to get rid of them properly, but eventually the piles will be consolidated and disposed of….
Spruce instead of roses
I’m hoping that the worst of summer temperatures holds off for a few more weeks. Already, there have been days here and there when heat and humidity have discouraged any but leisure activities in the garden, but there are a few projects that I’m almost motivated to get started on. If the heat kicks in…
No lions and tigers, but …..
When wildlife is invited into the garden the gardener must be prepared for anything. Of course, not lions or tigers, but possibly bears (below). The cycle of life that we promote is likely to attract beasts of all sorts, large or small, welcomed or not. Some will arrive for the water, shelter, or berries, and…
Ramblin' through Dave's Garden 