Perennials

Bloom Thyme Friday: When the temps drop

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The temps are dropping quicker that I had hoped for — at least more drastically than I had hoped for October. Seems the number 70 has been forgotten… 80 and 90 were very commonly heard from May until Tuesday. Now today we are hearing 50s, 40s, and 30s. I really should not be complaining about the weather as we watch our southern friends crawl out from under the horror that was Michael. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

No, fall is not my favorite. I get so much more excited (many might say tooooo excited) about spring and the rebirth. 😂  By the way, as of today, I believe it is 158 days until spring. But, who’s counting!?!?!

Next for me is to don my coat and do a bit of fall cleanup. I confess to being one of those who doesn’t do much in the way of fall clean up. If you want to read more about what I do, read on here.  I do have bulbs to plant and that’s real exciting. More daffodils, crocus, tulips and garlic! It will be fabulous to see them in the spring! 🌷🌱🌷

 

BLOOM THYME THIS WEEK

Some of the roses are ready for a break, but some have been blooming like crazy. While I should be leaving the blooms on the shrub to calmly, quietly make hips and go to sleep … I find it hard to do that and have been cutting enough for a few bokays!

Even some of the perennials are showing off! Here are some going out with a bang…

Stokes Aster . One of the best rose companions.
Champagne Wishes / Easy Elegance Collection
Fun in the potting shed…

Head Over Heels / Easy Elegance Collection
View this week from my Potting Shed porch

While we are on the topic of weather… I have to confess that I do love the snow. More each year. The days that I spend “cooped up” with Mr. G when the snow is falling are some of the very best. Those of you who know him, know that he doesn’t stay cooped up long. He has to go out and blaze trails in the snow and that is fun too.

Whatever the weather, wherever you are … BLOOM!

Bloom Thyme Friday: Add. Subtract. Relocate. 

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Yes, this week has been about adding, subtracting and relocating.

ADD.

Take a look! I went shopping and found these beautiful plants on sale. Just what I needed for my new project!


New Project: I am adding new perennials to extend my border of cutting flowers. I’ll also add roses, herbs, ground covers and some annuals in the spring! For now I’m getting these beautiful bargains planted! 

Border this July…

Current situation … Buckets, tools and pots everywhere!

It’s Phenomenal!

One of the plants I am adding is a new lavender I found! Phenomenal Lavender is said to be a winter hardy variety that is also disease resistant as well as heat and humidity resistant. I plant lavender every year and have tried several varieties but the “come back” rate is low. Phenomenal Lavender was named Must Grow Perennial for 2013 by Better Homes and Gardens. Let’s hope it lives up to it’s name! Have you grown it?

Jackson and Perkins has “Phenomenal” for sale, if you are interested. Here.

Perle d’Or Rose

Chamblee Roses is sending me two Perle d’Ors next week. I can’t wait to have these roses.

This picture is from the Antique Rose Emporium website (link)

Perle d’Or is a fragrant old garden rose that was bred in France and introduced in 1884. In this country, this rose has been tested through the Earth Kind program, proven itself and came out on top in 2007 when it was named Earth Kind Rose of the Year.  Some articles say it is good for Zone 5 or warmer and some say Zone 6. With this in mind, I plan to keep these little babies in the potting shed this winter and have them in containers on the deck next summer. It may be a few years before I plant them in the ground.

SUBTRACT.

One of the few things I am subtracting this year is a beautiful rose that came down with Crown Gall. I had never had gall in my rose garden before—actually I had never even seen it before except in pictures. Needless to say I am not a fan. I took some good advice and removed the plant. If you want to know more about this yucky stuff, read on. #gross #enoughsaid 😷😳

RELOCATE.

I have been grooming a tiny Peggy Martin Rose I was given to have a prominent place in the garden. The location has been decided … on the trellis by the porch of my potting shed. I know. I know. She could get very happy and engulf the potting shed. But today I am okay with that. Having this rose in this space will bring me so much pleasure. My tiny little plant has grown 4′ this year and is ready to move.

I have not been sure what I wanted in this space since I lost my gorgeous New Dawn 3 years ago to RRD. It was heartbreaking, but now I’m going to give Peggy a chance to add the wow to the entrance to my special place.

Here is a picture of 4-year old Peggy on one of my arbors in early June.

Want to see New Dawn in her prime! Here she is…

Yes, she has been missed but hope springs eternal for gardeners and next spring we will watch Peggy grow!

I don’t know about where you are but our weather has turned cold! I don’t know what this early cold snap says about our winter! Mr. G is hoping for a lot of snow. He might just get it.

I usually wish you a happy bloom thyme Friday. And, I do wish you all the best, but it is hard for me to say the word happy. My friends in Texas are on my mind and in my heart constantly. Let’s keep praying for them and helping where we can.

Bloom Thyme Friday: Fall Cleanup

| Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

UPDATED OCTOBER 2018…

Many people ask … “What do you do with all those roses in the fall?” Really not much … I tend to keep it simple. There are other chores that get a lot more of our attention in the fall than the roses. Like leaves! We have a lot of trees and so there are a lot of leaves. Mr. G has that process well in hand — with power tools like his leaf blower and tractor.

As far as the rose companions are concerned, I don’t cut back my perennials and annuals until the spring–I love the winter interest they provide especially when the snow falls on the different plant shapes. And, those seed pods are very yummy to our birds who hang around.

Now for “all those roses.”  Many of my roses are known to be winter hardy because I know that it is very likely that we will have a harsh winter and I would advise you make decisions on the roses you buy based on your weather conditions throughout the year not just your spring and summer.

  • I will clean up the beds of diseased leaves and debris and add mulch were needed.
  • I will take those in pots into the garage to protect from the winter. They don’t require much, just a drink of water every few weeks.
  • I will provide a heavy layer of much for a few of the particularly tender roses or sentimental favorites that I would hate to lose, by adding 4-5″ of extra mulch.
  • I will tie up the long canes of the climbers. I can look out and see that Peggy Martin and Francis E. Lester has grown some long arching canes since I tied them up a few weeks ago.
  • I will also cut back any of the roses that are extra tall to about waist high to keep them from flapping in the winter winds.

For the rest of the roses, they are on their own. Most can take it, but I know that if we have a winter like we had last year, I will lose a few and it is to be expected. But, you know what that means, once I get over the emotion of the loss, I will celebrate the extra space for the new introductions.

Rugosas are some of the toughest roses I grow. They will be back next spring give us their own brand of fireworks and fragrance in the garden. Oh I just can’t wait. If you want to read more about FIREWORKS and FRAGRANCE in the garden, read on here.

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Roseraie de la Hay
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Blanc de Double Corbert
Roseraie de la Hay
Roseraie de la Hay and Hansa

Have a wonderful week and enjoy the garden down time!

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Bloom Thyme Friday: A Week of Extremes

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This week has been a week of extremes. Extreme heat & humidity; extreme storms (even a tornado touch down within 10 miles of us); and EXTREME visits by the not so welcomed moles.

I have been on an “extreme” Japanese beetle watch since so many of my online garden friends are reporting beetle invasions in their gardens. The last two years we have seen very few and wouldn’t it be nice it that continued. If you are interested in reading more about Japanese Beetles (and who wouldn’t!?!), check out my friend Lynn Hunt’s article–Meet the Beetles.

Back to moles….

Have you ever dealt with moles? Do you have any advice on what we should do?  Mr. G is on “mole” detail and maybe it’s better if I don’t even know what he is going to do about it. Might not be pretty.

But, speaking of pretty, there are some pretty blooms this week. Most of the roses are taking a break but some are keeping on! And, many of the rose companions are just starting to take center stage! (Click on any of the pictures below to start the gallery feature.)

 

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HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND AND HAPPY BLOOM THYME FRIDAY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summerthyme

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Summerthyme Blooms……

Wow, the first day of summer is here. Doesn’t it seem like only yesterday that I was driving you crazy counting down the days until spring through the Polar Vortex. 🙂 You can flash back to that here.

We have had an almost perfect spring. I have hardly had to use my new Flexzilla garden hose or even a watering can!

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Flexzilla demo at Garden 2 Blog… If you  haven’t heard about this amazing NO KINK garden hose, read about it here! http://www.flexzilla.com/

Summer is coming in with a near perfect day that will hover around 80 and the garden is responding with some super blooms.

In thinking about summer I began to wonder just how many Popsicles are eaten every summer. I didn’t find the answer to that question, but I did find these yummy looking Popsicle recipes…

Yummy!
Yummy!

Find the recipes here.  And, if you find out how many Popsicles are eaten each summer, let me know. 🙂

Flowers celebrating …

These are the flowers that are helping me kickoff summer! (Click on any of the pictures to start the gallery feature.)

 


Stay cool and have a Popsicle or two!

Bloom Thyme Friday

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This week most of the roses are taking a break and getting ready for another big flush giving many of the perennials and annuals their “time to shine!” And they are going for it…

See what I mean…

The vines of the Morning Glory have been climbing and twirling around for some time, but this morning the first bloom emerged. Worth the wait!

Morning Glory
Morning Glory

This little bird bath is one of my favorite garden ornaments. It has been in my garden for nearly 20 years. Each year I surround it with something pretty. This is one of the best combinations yet–petunias and euphorbia. What do you think?

Little birds and company...
Little birds and company…

The Pinkie Winkie Hydrangeas are in full bloom … almost to the point of outgrowing their space. Love them! Do you grow this variety? I would highly recommend!

Pinkie Winkie Hydrangeas on the right side...
Pinkie Winkie Hydrangeas on the right side…

Next up are these amazing State Fair  Zinnias–compliments of my garden friend Ron Daniels. Just as Ron said–these Zinnias are blooming machines!

State Fair Zinnias ... THANKS RON!
State Fair Zinnias … THANKS RON!

This Stargazer lily just begs to be mentioned. The Stargazers have had a wonderful and long season this year! And the fragrance … unbelievable!

Stargazer Lily...
Stargazer Lily…

These lovely ladies need no introduction … Say hello to my Black Eyed Susans. They do not know how to be subtle. And, they nestle up to a fence and spill over in the most delightful way ever. And, you know what I think about yellow in the garden—It brings the sunshine in!

Blackeyed Susan making a statement!
Blackeyed Susans making a statement!

Here is the entrance to my herb garden. Love the fragrance of my herbs–love the fence that Mr. G made and especially love the sign that Mr. G made…

Entrance to Herb Garden...
Entrance to Herb Garden…

I’ll leave you with one of my favorite places on earth … My Potting Shed. Another wonderful creation of Mr. G.

L O V E him and all his wonderful creations!

I have never had an unhappy moment in my Potting Shed!
I have never had an unhappy moment in my Potting Shed! The hydrangeas are very happy there too!

Wishing you a wonderful day doing all the things you love to do — surrounded by the people you love best!!

So hot and dry we need a CWO…

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Around here it is HOT & DRY! One week of 95 – 100 degrees and one week of 70 degrees and now back to 90 degrees with no rain has made for some interesting gardening! Since I am the CWO of our clan… CHIEF WATERING OFFICER, me and my garden hose have been up close and personal with as many plants as possible. If the map on my iPhone weather app is correct, there is rain in the forecast for this week. FINGERS CROSSED!

In almost every picture I’ve taken this week, I see a garden hose! See…



While we wait for rain, here are some tips on watering your roses…

  • Roses need about 1″ of water per week or about 2 – 5 gallons depending of the size of your rose. You want to water deeply to send down deep roots!
  • Water at the base of the plant and early in the day. Putting your roses to bed wet sets the stage for black spot, mildew and other diseases.
  • Roses need water but don’t like “WET FEET,” so be sure you provide them with good drainage.
  • Occasionally your roses will appreciate an all over, gentle spray to wash away dirt and insects. Many times while I’m working in the garden I wish for a “gentle spray” of water too! Don’t you?

How is your garden doing so far? Are you the resident CWO?

Bloom Thyme Friday: Frosty News

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Here’s the frosty news report… Last night I got home in time to assess the damage. Yes, there is some. When you have a garden as large as mine, it is difficult to cover. As much as I have enjoyed the early spring, it sure is hard to see burnt leaves and buds bending down that I know won’t get to bloom. 🙁   I guess you would call me greedy when it comes to blooms.

All in all, the damage is very minimal. The 10-day forecast looks good and includes some much needed rain.

More Roses

Last night I also planted Red Drift Meigalpio Roses as a border for my new bed. (Mr. G actually hung a huge flashlight thingy for me! He is the BEST!) I think the little Red Drift blooms look so cute and will be great to use in arrangements.

Red Drift…
Here’s how they will look when they grow up…

Red Drift® has the most petite flowers of all of the Drift® Roses. It is perfect for use in front of border plantings. Red Drift® makes a beautiful statement when it drapes naturally over a rock wall or edge. Mature height is less than 1½’ with a wider spread. Great flower power and disease resistance.

Frost-free Zone

Things in the frost-free Potting Shed are doing very well! Take a look at the Mortgage Lifter tomatoes (seeds from The Art of Seed)… Actually there are a few peppers in this picture too!

Baby Mortgage Lifters!

Nasturtiums are doing great too…

Nasturtiums to put around my potted tomato plants…

Coming Soon!

Soon the roses will be blooming and I’ll be planting tomatoes. Around here we take roses and tomatoes seriously!

From the look of the Harrison Yellow  buds, that rose may bloom in the next few days … and that will be 6 weeks early! 🙂

Frost or no frost, I still love an early spring!

Have you been having frosty mornings in your neck of the woods?

Bloom Thyme Friday: My Favorite Garden Center

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I was recently asked by Garden Chat to write a guest post about my favorite Independent Garden Center. I am pleased to tell you about COUNTRY HARMONY in Brownsburg, IN.

The atmosphere is quaint but also upscale and urban! The location is peacefully tucked away in a corner of natural foliage in the heart of our little town. Very “oasis” like!

They are open year-round, so no matter the season, you can choose from a comprehensive line of home decor, gourmet gifts, garden accessories and plants.

During the growing season you simply must come! Their abilities as garden designers and their vast selection of highest quality plants put them way ahead of any other garden center I’ve visited (and that list is long!).

Another area that sets them apart, is the expert care they give to their plants. Whether it is early in the season or at the end of a very long, hot summer, everything looks amazing. Every plant is hand watered on a plant-by-plant basis. Owner Ryan, Designer Brad and the entire staff are very good at what they do! They are knowledgeable and friendly and are willing to literally walk along side you down the rows and rows of beautiful plants to find the perfect ones for your garden or home.

A few years ago my garden went through a major renovation and one of the first things I did was to contact Country Harmony to bounce around ideas and seek their expertise.

I can say all of this because I am somewhat of a Country Harmony expert … IF frequent visits count as expertise! I am there every week during the growing season … sometimes multiple times a week. If only just to be among the beautiful plants. 🙂 My husband likens my trips to Country Harmony as putting another child through college… Oh it’s not that much, but he’s probably thinking of my garden projects over the last 25+ years. 🙂

Reminds me of a quote by Mrs. Emily Whaley in her book Mrs. Whaley and Her Charleston Garden …

Gardening is not inexpensive. … One successful way to finance your gardening, is to choose carefully whom you marry. A good and generous man is needed. … If you are so lucky to find such a man, you must fully realize and fully appreciate the fact that you have found a “pearl of great price.”

I do and I sure appreciate him. There is no doubt the folks at Country Harmony do too!

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