Frosty, Sunny and Wet

The above is not a forecast, merely a description 

of photos taken over the space of two weeks, 

from early to mid-November.

First, the "Frosty" ~ From November 6th...

 Frosted Mandevilla ~ still patiently awaiting winter 

vacation on my sunny windowsill ~ Whoops!

Ice?  On the birdbath?  Seriously?

I've still got a garden to plant!

 My pink Knockout rose ~ knocked out for the season 

by Jack Frost!

Purple Smokebush and Blue Rug Juniper

with a light, sparkly layer of frost.

 Frosted Physopcarpus 'Diablo' (ninebark)

'Rhumba' or 'Samba' ~ I've lost track of which dwarf 

Weigela is on the left or right.

And, my autumn flag shimmers 'neath 

the hoarfrost, as the sun rises.

And, the "Sunny" segment?

Scotch Pine ~ "Cloud Pruned"

'Mt. Airy' Fothergilla

Finally, the "Wet".....

Early morning irrigation in the garden center.

© Deb Lambert 2011

An Early Summer Garden Stroll

Whether strolling through your favorite garden center or your own little piece of paradise, there are plants to astound us with lavish displays... from annuals and herbaceous perennials to the woody ornamentals that provide so much substance and character.  Hide away from the relentless summer heat for a few minutes, pour yourself a frosty glass of lemonade and join me on a virtual garden stroll...

Let's start with a glimpse of something shade tolerant ~ Astilbe, in its many heights, colors and flower forms also presents us with foliage that lends beauty and texture to the shade garden.

Astilbe

 Echinacea 'Milkshake'

Verbascum 'Jackie' (mullein)

 Echinacea 'Hot Papaya'

 Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Twist and Shout' (& below)

Buddleia davidii 'Peacock' (English Butterfly Series)

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Alpengluhen' ('Glowing Embers')

 Achillea (yarrow)

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Together' ('Forever & Ever' series)

Echinacea 'Milkshake'

Buddleia davidii 'Peacock' (English Butterfly Series)

Hemerocallis (daylily)

Filipendula rubra 'Venusta'
Queen of the Prairie

Hydrangea arborescens 'Invincible® Spirit' (2 above photos)

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Endless Summer'

Buddleia davidii 'Adonis Blue' (English Butterfly Series)

Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanilla Strawberry'

Hollyhock (Alcea), single yellow

More Astilbes...

Hydrangea macrophylla "Forever & Ever" 'Peppermint'

Buddleia davidii 'Black Knight'

Oakleaf Hydrangeas
(More compact than the species.)

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snow Queen' (2 above)
This one matures at 4-6' high.

Buddleia davidii 'Purple Emperor'

Showy Blooms!

Fabulous Foliage!

Three above photos are of
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee' (2-3' high)

Now, while hydrangeas and butterfly bushes may have
dominated this little flower show, there are other shrubs
and many perennials still making any garden stroll
something to anticipate at this point in the growing season.

I hope you're enjoying some of these old favorites and new
hybrids in your own gardens this summer!

©Deb Lambert 2011