During the winter I always come up with so many plans for the garden, and it is always right about now that I realize just how many of those didn't come to fruition due to the laziness of the gardener. (I really should fire her...)
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| Lonicera sempervirens 'Tangerine Princess' |
Thankfully it is also easy to overlook all those faults. This time of year the garden is usually bursting with blooms that far overshadow the weeds, and this summer is no exception.
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| Clockwise from top left: hellstrip and front garden, Delphinium elatum 'Million Dollar Blue', Clematis 'Niobe', driveway garden, 'The Wedgwood' Climbing Rose |
And there are some accomplishments this year to celebrate. The overabundance of bulbs ordered in winter might have been planted on the late side of spring, but some are already in bloom, such as this Aztec Lily.
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| Sprekelia formosissima, aka Aztec Lily |
And, thanks to my new gazebo garden that keeps out the deer, I am finally able to grow lilies.
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| Clockwise from left: Lilium martagon 'Pink Morning', Lilium pumilum, Lilium canadense |
The gazebo garden is also full of poppies grown from seed this spring.
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| 'Bridal Silk' Shirley Poppy |
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| a rather full gazebo garden |
I am am so excited to see my 'Princess Kate' Clematis in bloom for the first time this year. I planted it two years ago, but transferred it to the gazebo garden last fall after it kept getting nibbled by rabbits. When I bought it, there were conflicting reports about whether or not it would be hardy in my zone 6 garden. Thankfully, if it made it through last winter with its lack of snow cover, it is most definitely hardy. I love clematises, and this one is such a beauty.
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| Clockwise from top left: Clematis 'Roguchi', C. 'Lemon Bells, C. 'Princess Kate', C. 'Bees Jubilee' (I think) |
There were a few plants lost from the winter, but more than enough in the garden have thrived and grown to make up for them.
Maybe I won't fire the gardener after all.
The gardener deserves a compliment. What some may call laziness, others will call benign neglect. Your lilies are beautiful. I hope the lily beetles will never find them.
ReplyDeleteAt least the benign neglect is working for me so far! (My neighbors might think differently....)
DeleteMy garden also has that lush over-watered look. I think about firing the gardener, but have decided until I find someone who will put in the same hours for the same pay and do a better job, I'll keep the one I have. Your gardens are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYou probably had a similarly wet, cool spring like we did. If only I could find someone to work in the garden for the same pay, ha!
DeleteLoveliness all around! Your gazebo garden is incredible! And I really like your Aztec Lily--so vibrant and shapely!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I was so excited the Aztec Lilies came up this year, as I've tried growing them once before and failed for whatever reason.
DeleteA beautiful garden from what I can see, Indie. It is hard to keep up on all fronts, isn't it? I over-buy seeds, too. Often finding packets months after I bought them and too late to sow. I 'file' them for planting next year and promptly forget them! I went through the box this spring and found dates as far back as 2010, lol! I planted the ones that were newer, purged the rest. Now I have a empty box waiting to be filled again.
ReplyDeleteI really should purge - I have kept some for far too long as well!
DeleteI also have a box full of unsown seed and thickets of weeds but at least I don't have too may things still in need of planting out. The truth to that is I tossed plenty onto the compost or shoved it in wherever I thought there was enough space. It helps with the guilt and lets me move on ;)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy summer, it looks like your garden is doing that already. Love the clematis and the full beds!
Thank you! Enjoy your summer as well!
DeleteI'd say the gardener deserves a raise! And a promotion with a new title - how about Director of Horticultural Fabulousness? That gazebo is great - does it protect the plants from the deer? The selection of lilies and clematis is wonderful. And I love the poppies - why would you want to thin them?
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks! The gazebo does protect the plants from deer. Our goal was to build something pretty that would also keep out all of our plentiful wildlife. So far, so good!
DeleteYour Aztec lily looks striking against such lush green. That dramatic shape says LOOK At Me. My plants were an accidental gift from a neighbour - she gave me red Gladiolus
ReplyDeleteI love brilliant red in the garden. Definitely very showy!
DeleteDon't fire the gardener Indie it is looking terrific.The Aztec Lily looks very interesting.
ReplyDeleteHi Indie, your summer garden is truly gorgeous! The Aztec lily is amazing! Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteIt has been a tough year. I think your gardener should have her salary doubled in fact I think it should be the same deal for mine. Oh wait 2X0 = 0
ReplyDelete