As September comes to a close, I’m moving to a slower pace and taking more time to “just be.” A former colleague was the master of this and this “busy bee” learned the value of slowing down. It is not easy for me to do but I reap the benefits.
Yes, there’s plenty still to do in the garden but I’m taking more time to enjoy and appreciate. This has been a wonderful week of sunny skies mixed with drenching rain that we have needed for a long time. The cooler temps predicted for the next few days will be the perfect time to start bringing in my topiaries and scented geraniums, take a few more cuttings and harvest herbs.
Part of the slower pace includes assessments. Mr. G says I say the word “assess” a lot. The fact that he even mentioned it, tells me I do! 🙄 It’s true, I do enjoy “assessing the situation” and making a plan.
Previous year’s “assessments” led to a plan of adding more flowers and shrubs that are beautiful way into fall. Before, I had so focused on spring and summer (since they are my favs) and didn’t think as much about fall. The plan is paying off. Even with the drought, this has been a great year for late summer and fall bloom. Plants I’ve added that have made a difference in late beauty:
- Caryopteris (Bluebeard) I have two varieties Beyond Midnight and Little Miss Sunshine from Proven Winners
- Dahlias
- More Autumn Joy Sedum
- Lantana
- Adding to the Hydrangea collection
Petit Pink thinks it is June! 
Beyond Midnight 
Little Miss Sunshine 
Don’t know the name for sure but LOVE this dahlia. 
The Faun 
Flamenco Rosita & Victoria Blue Salvia
The pollinators have noticed! Their pace has not slowed!
All the Rage 
NEW ROSES
I am also “assessing” the roses I’d like to add next year. With my overcrowding problem, I am finding new homes for some current roses to make room for new ones.
Christian Bedard sent me the list of Weeks new releases and they look outstanding! See what you think…
FOREVER AMBER (Tom Carruth)
A medium-size Floribunda with old-fashioned form and fruity fragrance.
POP ART (Christian Bedard)
A medium-tall Grandiflora with spreading habit and old-fashioned form and strong citrus fragrance.
MIDNIGHT FIRE (Christian Bedard)
A miniature rose with very good disease resistance, very double old-fashioned flowers and a mild tea fragrance.
CHANTILLY CREAM (Christian Bedard)
This rose is a medium-tall Hybrid Tea with large blooms that have a strong fruity fragrance.
Sweet Madame Blue (Christian Bedard)
A Floribunda with rounded and bushy growth. Flowers are lavender with magenta centers and have a strong citrus & spice fragrance.
For more information on these roses, read on here.
LATEST PODCASTS
My last two interviews have been with Matt Douglas of High Country Roses. I think you’ll enjoy them.
NEW ROSE STANDOUTS
Matt shares about some of the newer roses on the market that are proving to be standouts! He also gives us a “peek” at new roses soon to be released! A rose that’s perfect for your garden just might be on Matt’s list. LINK
PRESERVING THE CLASSICS
Matt talks about a new venture he is involved with… finding and bringing more roses back into commerce. LINK
You can access these as well as other Rose Chat podcasts on the media player below…
JAPANESE BEETLES – Rose Chat Podcast
THE BEST
This weekend Mr. G and I celebrate 44 years of marriage. My “assessment” of him is that he is the very best! ❣️
