Thursday, June 19, 2014

June makes me happy!


So, the ugly winter is far behind us now, and I think I won't bring it up anymore. But if I did bring it up, I'd say that the nasty winter made most things about a month behind in the garden. Normally, May is when everything is blooming, lovely, and nearly perfect. This year, it's June that makes me happy. I think everything is in bloom at once. And with the soft summer nights, it's the perfect time to sit outside after dinner and watch the bird parade. Naturally, robins are a personal favorite. 
American Robin
Ruby Throated Hummingbird
Bluebird
House Sparrow
My containers are particularly lovely this year. Last year, I did a pot in shades of bright yellow and black, and that's what I was trying to duplicate here. But I accidentally bought a burgundy and yellow petunia instead of black and yellow, so I just went with it. 
 One thing I'm really enjoying is the opportunity to trial some plants for Proven Winners. I expected two or three plants, but I got a lot more than I bargained for. But what fun! Watch for these to come available to the general public in 2015. The annuals have been real winners so far. This is a Black Cherry Supertunia, and the deep, rich burgundy color is hard to catch on film. Trust me, it's gorgeous! And it is blooming like mad.
Black Cherry Supertunia
 Here's a fun one, it's Superbena Royale Cherryburst. It's like peppermint candy in flower form. Look for it next year!
Superbena Royale Cherryburst
This little one is Superbells Frostfire. It also blooms like crazy. I see why all three of these annuals are called Super-something. I've never seen such heavy blooms.And I am thrilled to be able to try these out for Proven Winners! I also have a few shrubs and perennials, but I'll feature them later in the summer after they grow up a bit.
 One thing that is really making me happy is how the roses are making a comeback. Winter was so rough on roses that I was convinced they wouldn't bloom at all. I'm so glad I was wrong! I did lose six different rose bushes, but I replaced them with even better varieties. Now the new ones may not have bloomed yet, but some of them are close. It's all very exciting for a rose lover.
Angelface-a lavender rose!
Zepherine Drouhin-thornless
Oranges and Lemons
Funny Face
Sunny Knockout-fragrant!



My herb garden is very enthusiastic this time of year. Here is chamomile in bloom with its charming little flowers, but if you look in the background, you'll see some mint reaching for the stars. Yes, I have the plant containers in pots sunk into the ground. But it's not helping. These are monster plants!
Chamomile with mint
If you know me, you know how much I like to use Sedum Angelina in my garden. Mostly I use it for the bright colors it turns in cool weather, but in summer it looks like this. I don't generally pay much attention to it's blooms, but this year they have blended with nearby blooms for a nice touch. Chartreuse green is the summer suit for it.
Sedum Angelina





After a slow start, the clematis lamp post looks better than ever! It has really been a bright spot as you pull in the drive.  
Polish Spirit and Jackmanii Supberba
 Because my garden is mostly bright and sunny, I tend to use a lot of drought resistant plants. Yarrow is a good one for me. This one is Apricot Delight. It's new and small, but I do like the way it coordinates with the terra cotta tiles.
Apricot Delight Yarrow
And you might think this one is more of a weed, but it's hard to beat for long lasting blooms. Moonshine Yarrow keeps these blooms for months without losing it's bright yellow color. And if you cut the flowers, they are great to use in dried flower arrangements.
Moonshine Yarrow

Does June make you happy, or would you rather enjoy a different month?

16 comments:

  1. You have such a wonderful variety of plants. What is your secret for growing in pots? Yours look so lush and pretty. Blooms are late here, too. We have had a cool and wet June. After a cold, wet winter, my roses died back to the ground when they usually had rather tall live stocks. I only lost one a david Austin. We just finished pulling all of our chamomile that came in volunteer and dominated the front garden. It will return because as we pulled, we left lots of seeds behind. We will never get rid of it. Have a great week end.

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    1. I think the secret to great containers is overplanting them. Don't listen the plant directions, just cram them all in there. I through a little organic fertilizer in there now and then too.

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  2. Robin your garden and pots are looking super ! ... I wish I was on the list with Proven Winners for trial plants but I think they are less generous with Canadians ? haha
    I like reading your reviews especially for heat/dry tolerant plants and ones that are shorter and don't flop ... that is why i like Strawberry Seduction yarrow .. and planting more with sturdier characteristics.
    My pots .. a few I call "Tuxedo Planting" because they are those amazing black petunias and white annual euphorbia .. they are a stark contrast but I like them in their gray shiny pots on the deck to show off the variety of purple flowers I have .
    Yes girl ... I seem to make more work for myself ... it is because I am so antsy waiting for the landscaping to be done .... BIG sigh ! LOL
    Joy : )

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    1. I love the black petunias, that's what I meant to get. Next year I'll be more careful when I'm buying. I do have floppy plants, so why do I have peonies? LOL

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  3. I love Supertunias -- they are so easy to take care of, as they need little deadheading. I look forward to trying the new ones. I grow Angelina, too. It looks great trailing down the side of pots. P. x

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    1. I am a Sedum Angelina fanatic, I have it everywhere. But I've never grown it in pots.

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  4. I love that Cherry Burst supervena. I have not tried any of them yet. I love verbena so will have to add that to my list for next springs plantings to try it. I think the Burgundy petunia in with the black and yellow is so pretty Robin. I love that petunia. You have a lot of birds visiting to. Bluebirds are always a favorite.

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    1. Supposedly, you can't get that Cherry Burst till next year. But make sure you get it, it's wonderful!

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  5. Hi Robin! I love your plants and especially containers. They are so luscious! And your clematis.... what a star! June is wonderful, isn't it?

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    1. The best part of June is that the pests and diseases have not yet found my garden. I'd like to continue to hide from them!

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  6. Everything looks lovely including the containers with the eye catching flowers.

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    1. My containers have really done well this year, and I think it's because we've had regular rain, for once. I'm so pleased with them!

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  7. June is a gorgeous month, blooms buds and birds...perfect weather. And I agree it was a rather nasty winter wasn't it...seemed like it would never leave.

    Jen

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    1. Our weather has been so pleasant this summer, it's as if we are being rewarded for surviving that extra nasty winter!

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  8. Hi Robin!
    Great to catch up with you & your gardens. It looks like all your hard work has paid off ~ everything looks great. Lucky you trialing for Proven Winners. I love the 'Frostfire' Superbells. It would mix well with a lot of things, I'll have to be on the lookout next year. Also sad you lost some of your roses. It seems like it was a terrible year for them all over the country? I bet you get blooms on your 'Abraham Darby' this year. The summer is young!!!
    Yay for finding 'Violet Tubeflowers' too!!!! I can't believe July starts tomorrow. As usual it is going way too fast. Thanks for your kind comments about my daughters recovery too. We are still working hard at therapy. I'm hoping she'll be back to walking later this month.

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    1. I see a little bud on the Abraham Darby, even though the plant itself is quite small. Believe me, I'll be sure to post a picture. And continued good wishes for your daughter's recovery.

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