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?