Entering the beginning of July and the garden though under renovation in spots is still blooming. Already on its second or third flush for some of the roses while the fushias produce madly and the shooting star hydrangeas are fading away. Change of Heart above is on its third flush of major blooming. I do need to fertilize. Some chores have been woefully neglected.
I love this image of Tamara because it shows you the whole range of colors that you can expect to see from the bloom. Roses are sweet and I love cutting them for arrangements indoors, especially with the price one has to pay for a bunch. Also, I get blossoms in the colors I want and often stores are limited in what keeps well. Alas this sacrifices scent often which is my favorite part of roses. The scent lingers and fills the room.
This tiny plant, Mayflower, one blossom can scent a 12 x12 room by itself. A bunch is decadent and makes lovely potpourri.
A couple of surprises appeared in my garden, I love those. A morning glory I had never planted or if we did the seeds were lying dormant for over five years.
This potted arrangement was ignored and recreated itself while I wasn't watching. The clover and pink speckled plant are self introduced. Amazing what nature will do when left alone.
A bit of the nostalgic West with a chuck wagon triangle. Found it buried in my backyard while digging up old roots. Thought it deserved a spot in the yard so here it is happily surrounded by my bougainvillea which is a delight in the desert west with no irrigation required.
Finally my surprise purchase, a bush fushia has turned out to be very vigorous and requires a firm pruning. About four feet tall and three feet wide it is a solid component of my garden on the northside with part sun exposure.
So...how does your garden grow?
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Comments: 27
I adore Change of Heart. Fed or not everything looks to be healthy and happy.
There is a sad orphan that I took in that, well lets just say, didn't make the photo spread. A riddled rose bush. So sad.
Post a picture Viv, maybe I can help figure out what's wrong.
alas, my garden doesn't grow as well as I'd like. Though the bleeding hearts and morning glory are doing a good job on their part. I just don't have luck (or enough time) to deal with roses, even though I love them. Black-eyed-Susans do well. Love those.
These are gorgeous, Viv!
I love bleeding hearts, too water hoggie for me to plant out here. With the crazed year you've had, the garden sounds perfect.
Not as beautifully as your Viv. Love that Change of Heart Rose and Tamara! All your plantings look happy, healthy and well-loved. Thanks for sharing them. They did induce relaxation and then, yes... the inevitable envy.
Your are welcome to peruse my garden anytime, with none of the work.
Not as well as yours, lol! I absolutely love Tamara. What a lovely range of color. I have a couple containers that reseed themselves every year. I add something to it but most of it is all due to reseeding--very cool.
I only have 5 rose bushes. I tend to look for things that are easy care now days, like Lillys. I always have petunias, marigolds,Echinaes, phlox--which reseed, an old wash tub full of black eyed susans and daisys. Under my huge oak I have hostas and add impatients for color every year. That's about the extent of this years garden.
This is a love group of blooms Viv!
Sounds fabulous Sia. When I get things settled I'll be looking for some self seeders. Right now I have structural evergreens like cypress and mock orange (pittosporum) and ever blooming French lavender as well as the citrus trees. I have some irises, but need some lilies for a summer pop. I've been meaning to put in some sedums too.
Um, my garden grows not at all. Does a pair of potted hibiscus count, especially since I'm not allowed near them, since plants shrivel and die just from me walking by? I do love the Change of Heart rose you picture. Just lovely!
Of course they do. Besides, we know your special talents lie in other areas.
A beautiful photo essay.
Time’s lust for life
I hope it brought you a small token of pleasure in return for your delightful poetry.
Beautiful!
Glad you enjoyed it Kimber.
Well, it grows monster lilies but, alas, no roses. Gorgeous plants, Vivian. I love that Change of Heart rose. So brilliant. Like its owner.
Brilliant? Maybe not, but I'm fine with entertaining. :) Your lilies are amazing.
Wow! Lovely.
Thanks Sheila. I can only imagine with that rainy Portland weather what beauties maybe hiding outside your home.
What a glorious series of images. I particularly like the Tamara rose--just perfect against the stucco wall.
Hoping you see some homegrown veggies this season Sheila. Late is better than never.
We have a bumper crop of green beans and lettuce, though. :-)