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Bloom Thyme Friday: Winding Down and Gearing Up

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

After a wonderful trip to Southern California, I returned to a dry, dry, dry fall Indiana garden that was ready for a gardener to get her fall self in gear. The to-do list was long but little-by-little the list is disappearing and the chores are winding down.

☑️ Zinnias and other annuals pulled

☑️ Empty annual containers

☑️ Gather Seeds

☑️ Peonies (Dig, Divide, Move)

☑️ Plant Garlic

☑️ Plant Roses (Another Earth Angel, Carefree Beauty, and Rise Up Amberness)

☑️ Plant bulbs

Dig Dahlias

Tie up climbers

Trim back shrub roses to waist high (will wait until is it much colder)

So as you can see, I am making progress but still have a way to go. The weather is so good that it is such a pleasure to be out.

SPECIAL NOTE: We had rain… deep, soaking rain. It had been so long. The garden and I are rejoicing! I think more is in the forecast for next week!! ☔️ 💃 ⛈ 🥳

A SPECIAL FALL MOMENT

I have made my caramel dip for more than 30 years, but it was taken to the next level when Grandboy #1 wanted to be a part of the process. For more fall fun and the recipe… read on here.

DAFFODILS

I know I’m a bit late in this but I’m looking for more white daffodils, do you have ones you would recommend? Even if I can’t find them this year, I can add to list for next year. My favorite white so far is Thalia. Monty Don talked me into that one a few years ago. 🙄 It is exquisite! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

GEARING UP

I simply can’t put one year’s garden to bed without gearing up for another year. As I work in the garden my head is racing with ideas, making new plans, and wish lists. And, there are seeds to buy (before they sell out) and catalogs to pour over. It is such an exciting time. Am I alone?

My first BIG seed decision has been made… which lisianthus seeds to order from Johnnys Seeds! Last year I grew Voyage 2 Blue and from January to today I have loved them. They are still blooming in the garden as I type.

For not year I choose two colors:

Voyage 2 Champagne
Voyage 2 Lavender

Aren’t these gorgeous!!! There are several colors to choose from. Take a look here.

BLOOM THYME

Leading ladies: Mother of Pearl & Prairie Sunrise
Mother of Pearl
Chesnok Red Garlic
Carrots I found hiding under massive Swiss Chard
Thanksgiving Cactus Gearing Up!

ROSE CHAT

The latest series was WINTER ROSE TALES where we featured the gardener, their garden and how they care for roses in winter. I love each of them and am so grateful to those who submitted their winter rose tales.

WINTER ROSE TALE: PART 1 (LINK)

WINTER ROSE TALE: PART 2 (LINK)

I am busy working on the 2023 schedule and there are some great ones coming!

Friends, until next time, whether you are gardening or dreaming… ENJOY

The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not only the body, but the soul.

Alfred Austin

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: CHANGES

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

I don’t know about you, but things are changing quickly around here. Temps dropping by 30 degrees will do that! I talked with a friend today in Wisconsin and they are expecting their first frost this week. That was a wake-up call for me to get busy.

  • Collect Seeds
  • Take cuttings of the pelargoniums (Robers Rose and Attar of Rose)
  • Bring the much-neglected topiaries into the potting shed
  • Put the heater in the potting shed
  • AND, get serious about garden cleanup!

    BLOOMS GOING FOR A BIG FINISH

    A quick walk thru the garden
    and I have these!
    Time to tie up Peggy!
    Break Out
    Milena Fleur
    Thomas E Edison
    Not sure of name
    Creme de Cognac
    Bo Bo and neighbors
    Unknown Dahlia
    Milena Fleur (really more peach than this pic shows
    Asters

    FUN TIMES

    Big thanks to the Colonial Rose District in Virginia for inviting me to their wonderful event. It was so good to be with you all.

    Nothing like a tent full of
    roses and rose friends!
    David Pike of Witherspoon Roses
    The lovely Julie Ashman
    Carol Fox leads the Colonial District
    Connie & Steve Hilker hosted the event.
    Connie leads a tour of the garden
    Connie’s Greenhouse!! ❤️
    Hilker’s beautiful home
    Alice & Dorothy have the best view

    While at the ARS (American Rose Society) Colonial District meeting I met John & Cheryl Smith who hybridize some amazing roses that they were selling! David also told me about their fertilizer (from Microbial Science Laboratoratories) and gifted me some to try next year. Seeing his results, I am very excited to give them a try. Have you used these products? Would love to hear about your experience.

    John & Cheryl were also awarded the prestigious Guy Blake Award for rose exhibition. Many were talking about what great exhibitors they are and how they always take the time to help others! Congratulations!

    Friends, Until next time, I hope you are enjoying your fall days in the garden.

    BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: Fall Beauty🍂

    Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

    Regardless of how hot it is, all you have to do is walk outside and you know it is fall. It just smells like fall. And the biggest sign of fall around here is all the tiny honey locust leaves we find all over our house. They are so easy to “carry in”. This morning at breakfast we watched them rain down out our window. They are everywhere now.

    While I am in the midst of fall work which includes moving roses, adding roses, dividing perennials and in general making a big mess, there is still beauty to see.

    One of the most beautiful sights in the garden right now is Proven Winners Midnight Blue Caryopteris (Bluebeard).

    If you don’t have this shrub and you are in Zones 5-9, treat yourself to one or two or more. I now have 4 and may add two more next year. These late summer blooming machines are outstanding! Link to more information here.  

    I am not the only one around here who loves them. The pollinators can’t leave them alone.

    Buzz Buzz! 🐝

    DAHLIAS

    The dahlias are putting on a show!

    Day Dreamer
    Creme de Cassia
    ??
    Break Out
    Milena Fleur

    COSMOS

    Loving this new (to me) cosmos, Psyche White from Floret.

    They are soooooo pretty!  Floret is showing sold out right now but that might change. It looks like it is still available from Select Seeds here. I’ll definitely be saving seeds from this one.

    STAR OF THE WEEK:

    Desdemona! This David Austin beauty thinks it’s spring.

    This pollinator is loving her too!

    ROSE CHAT PODCAST

    We have a new series starting in October – WINTER ROSE TALES. In this series you will hear from rose growers around the country. They will tell us about their gardens and the roses they grow plus share what they do to care for their roses in the winter. I think you will find all of them fascinating and fun.

    In the meantime you can catch up on other recently released show here…

    WHAT'S NEW AT DAVID AUSTIN ROSES – Rose Chat Podcast

    WHAT'S NEW AT DAVID AUSTIN ROSES Rebecca Koraytem, US Sales Executive     On this episode of the Rose Chat Podcast, host Teresa Byington is joined by Rebecca Koraytem, U. S. Sales Executive for David Austin Roses. This chat is one of our annual favorites as we take a look at what's new in the beautiful and charming world of English Roses. Rebecca will also announce a Rose Giveaway for the Rose Chat community! NEW DAVID AUSTIN ROSES! Bring Me Sunshine   Elizabeth   Eustacia Vye   ROSE CHAT TEAM: Executive Producer & On-Air Personality: Chris VanCleave – http://www.RedneckRosarian.com Creator of the Rose Chat Podcast. Mr. VanCleave is a nationally known rosarian, television personality, speaker and advocate for the rose. Content Creator & On-Air Personality: Teresa Byington – http://www.TheGardenDiary.com Co-Host Teresa Byington promotes roses as an integral part of the landscape, as a Consulting Rosarian, Master Gardener, writer, and speaker. SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to Rose Chat Podcast Updates: http://eepurl.com/hAC6gP    
    1. WHAT'S NEW AT DAVID AUSTIN ROSES
    2. ROOTED IN TIME: Saving Roses for Future Generations
    3. GROWING ROSES IN OKLAHOMA
    4. SPRING IN MY ROSE GARDEN
    5. BENEFICIAL INSECTS

    The latest podcast is an update from Star Roses and Plants where they talk about new roses and new garden trends.

    I’m doing some traveling this weekend to attend the Colonial District Picnic and talk about English Cottage Gardens. So excited to see many old friends and meet new ones!

    Until next time, happy gardening.

    BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: IT’S IN THE AIR

    Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

    It’s in the air friends! 🍂 Time for me to tweak my attitude and prepare for fall. Each year I enjoy this time of year more and more … specially since I retired and have more actual time in the garden in all seasons! Fall will never be spring to me but that’s okay. My attitude was adjusted a couple years back with this quote that appeared on a card I received… 

    Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.
    Albert Camus

    Another thing that has helped is for the last few years I have become more and more focused on late summer / fall seasonal power bloomers. Dahlias have been a game changer for that. They work beautifully with Zinnias and the Non Stop Roses. Add to all of that, many of my roses that took a break from the intense heat are now budding up and primed for a great fall flush. September is going to be a blooming season! Garden excitement and beauty right up to frost! (Here are five roses I consider some of my Non Stop Roses: Mother of Pearl, Petit Pink, Easy on the Eyes, Music Box, and Sweet Drift. These roses are rarely without bloom.)

    BLOOM THYME THIS WEEK

    Bliss Parfuma
    Milena Fleur Dahlia
    Bliss
    Day Breaker Dahlia in front
    Creme de Cassis
    Oklahoma Salmon Zinnias
    Queen Lime Orange
    Mother of Pearl
    Mother of Pearl

    NEW TO THE GARDEN

    I found something new this week at Dammann’s Nursery … Belinda’s Blush. Do you grow it? It is a sport of Belinda’s Dream (Earth Kind Rose) which I do have. I just love the color and fragrance, plus there are very few thorns. If you’d like to know more or purchase one for your garden, read on here. Or if you are local go to Dammann’s – they had several.

    POTTING SHED PUTTERINGS

    It’s seed-saving time and first up is Larkspur. I don’t know the name of my larkspur but it’s the one I love so I save the seeds each year. 

    ROSE CHAT

    The latest Rose Chat is one I think you will really like. I chatted with Teri Speight, a great garden friend who not only released two books this year but volunteers in a variety of places making a huge difference! Teri is so committed to sharing the love of gardening and flowers with as many people as possible and works tirelessly to do. I think you’ll find her inspiring. I sure do – she’s a total delight!

    Listen to the podcast here…

    WHAT'S NEW AT DAVID AUSTIN ROSES – Rose Chat Podcast

    WHAT'S NEW AT DAVID AUSTIN ROSES Rebecca Koraytem, US Sales Executive     On this episode of the Rose Chat Podcast, host Teresa Byington is joined by Rebecca Koraytem, U. S. Sales Executive for David Austin Roses. This chat is one of our annual favorites as we take a look at what's new in the beautiful and charming world of English Roses. Rebecca will also announce a Rose Giveaway for the Rose Chat community! NEW DAVID AUSTIN ROSES! Bring Me Sunshine   Elizabeth   Eustacia Vye   ROSE CHAT TEAM: Executive Producer & On-Air Personality: Chris VanCleave – http://www.RedneckRosarian.com Creator of the Rose Chat Podcast. Mr. VanCleave is a nationally known rosarian, television personality, speaker and advocate for the rose. Content Creator & On-Air Personality: Teresa Byington – http://www.TheGardenDiary.com Co-Host Teresa Byington promotes roses as an integral part of the landscape, as a Consulting Rosarian, Master Gardener, writer, and speaker. SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to Rose Chat Podcast Updates: http://eepurl.com/hAC6gP    
    1. WHAT'S NEW AT DAVID AUSTIN ROSES
    2. ROOTED IN TIME: Saving Roses for Future Generations
    3. GROWING ROSES IN OKLAHOMA
    4. SPRING IN MY ROSE GARDEN
    5. BENEFICIAL INSECTS

    You can follow Teri on Instagram and Facebook.

    IG… here
    Facebook… here

    TERI’S BOOKS…
    Black Flora… here
    The Urban Garden… here

    BLOOM THYME MINUTE

    I am continuing to add short videos to my new YouTube series, Bloom Thyme Minute. You can take a look here. If you like them, please subscribe to be alerted when a new one is released.

    The latest one…

    BACK TO FALL…

    Kudos to Starbucks for joining much of the known world around a seasonal drink. PSL had its first limited launch in 2003. Can you believe that! Want to meet the “father of the PSL? Listen here… (It’s a fun and interesting video from CBS Mornings – about 6 minutes – once you get through the ads.😉) 

    I was a skeptic at first … Pumpkin Spice Latte … Seriously????  Well, that question has been answered and I am happy to tell you that it looks like the 2022 release date for Pumpkin Spice Lattes is August 30 and I’ll be there for it. It’s not a drink I have often as I like my coffee pretty plain but that seasonal “event’ certainly adds fun and flavor to my transition to fall. 

    Until next time…

    BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: Lisi and Me

    Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

    Prior to January 2022, all I knew about Lisianthus was that it was wonderful in arrangements, it was a favorite of my daughter who would be coming for a visit near the time of the first blooms and that I wanted to grow it. 

    Many flower farmers advise not trying Lisianthus from seeds as it takes so very long and germination of seeds is sometimes tricky.

    But, in the dark of January, I was up for the challenge. The long timeline didn’t bother me as I had plenty of time this winter to “baby” Lisi along.

    • Last September I bought Voyage Blue FI pelleted seeds from Johnny seeds. 
    • Jan 20: Scattered seeds in shallow trays (re-used carry out containers) on a bitter cold day! It was toasty warm in the Potting Shed.
    • Feb 3: Seeing a bit of green!
    • Feb 21: Some real growth happening.  I think every seed germinated!  
    • Mar 11: Potted up to Gardener’s Supply self watering trays. These are the best!
    • Apr 4:  Taking on some size now! Finally!
    • Apr 17: Time to start hardening off
    • May 7: Outside they went! Some to the cutting garden, some to the herb garden and a few scattered through the borders. The roots were unbelievable!

    This plant is a true miracle to me in color alone — all of the white buds had me convinced the seeds had been mismarked and these were going to be white instead of purple. Truly they are white until they open to the glorious purple – with a tinge of white here and there! 

    WILL I DO IT AGAIN?

    Yes, if I have time!  However, we will most likely be doing more traveling next winter so I am looking for suppliers who have lisianthus plugs that non-professional growers can purchase. I  sure don’t want to be without these beautiful bokay game changers! Burpee had them this year and I have found a few sources on Etsy that had them too. As this season ends, we will know more what will be available next year. I won’t wait long to order though! And, I’ll have some seeds just in case!

    ONE MORE THING: I will stake them next time! I did get a few staked and it helped so much to keep their long stems from flopping!

    Here’s a bit more about Lisi: 

    Eustoma, commonly known as lisianthus or prairie gentian, is a small genus of plants in the gentian family. They are native to warm regions of the southern United States, Mexico, Caribbean and northern South America.

    From Better Homes and Gardens: Lisianthus, often favored by floral designers when an elegant flower is needed for an arrangement, it is the epitome of a classy, versatile flower. The ruffled petals and elegant buds come in many colors. The delicate-looking blooms are known for not only their beauty, but also their ability to hold up as a cut flower in a vase for up to two weeks or longer. (I AGREE!) Link to more info.

    JAPANESE BEETLES UPDATE

    Seeing fewer Japanese Beetles than last year for sure! There are enough of them to make a mess of the roses but not the “billions” I often see. Maybe the extreme weather conditions aggravated them. (Too wet followed by too dry.)  I sure hope they were aggravated as they sure “aggravate” me!!!

    SOMETHING NEW: BLOOM THYME MINUTE

    I have reprised my YOUTUBE Channel to share short videos of my garden that I am calling Bloom Thyme Minute where I take you on a virtual walk through my garden and we stop for “just a minute” so I can tell you about what we’re seeing. I think that as of today, there are 7 videos and more will be coming.

    Here is the BLOOM THYME MINUTE for Vanessa Bell…

    BLOOM THYME

    The garden was so refreshed by the rain we had this week and the gardener is surely enjoying the cooler temps the rain brought with it. We won’t talk about the heat that’s coming back!

    The Faun
    Thomas E Edison
    Creme de Cassis
    Millennium alliums
    Casablanca overtaking the neighborhood!
    Vanessa Bell
    All the Rage
    Petit Prince
    Put them all together and…
    Bliss
    Milena Fleur
    Formosa Lily reaching for the sky

    Friends, I hope you are having a wonderful week in the garden. Mr. G’s tomatoes are starting to come on and we can’t wait. There is simply nothing like that first BLT when we have homegrown tomatoes! G’s favorite is Steak Sandwich. I grow them from seeds as we never see them for sale. (Link) What are your favorite home grown tomatoes?

    Until next time, I’ll leave you with this greatness…

    BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: Navigating July

    Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

    As usual July is pulling out all its tricks…

    • Throwing out the welcome mat for Japanese Beetles.
    • Putting us on the heat index map.
    • And, this year being ever so skimpy with rain.

    It’s hard to complain as the drought seems to keep the JBs from overtaking as quickly as they sometimes do. It’s a bit harder to “emerge” out of parched ground.

    Today we are getting our first real rain in 4 weeks. I actually walked outside to see the plants celebrate. Guess who else was celebrating… you guessed it, the Japanese Beetles. Their entrance into their best life has been made much easier and they were everywhere. I picked a bunch of flowers while it was raining as I wasn’t sure there would be any good ones left when the rain stopped. You know with the JB celebration and all.

    Mother of Pearl
    Bliss Parfuma out in front!

    Another upside of this glorious rain, I have more time. This morning Mr. G asked me what I was going to do with all the time that I usually spend each day watering! It’s a large garden and we do not have a watering system. I do love to hand water but this weather has put that to the test. I have become one with my Dramm. By the way I think the Dramm rain wand is the best watering device EVER. Gentle deluge for the plants and one that is very calming for me too! I love it so much that I gave Mr. G one for Father’s Day to use on his tomatoes. He loves it!

    ROSE CHAT PODCAST

    Set to release this Sunday (July 10) is an interview I did with Kimberley, the Rose Geek. Be on the look out. It was great to hear her rose story.

    WHAT'S NEW AT DAVID AUSTIN ROSES – Rose Chat Podcast

    WHAT'S NEW AT DAVID AUSTIN ROSES Rebecca Koraytem, US Sales Executive     On this episode of the Rose Chat Podcast, host Teresa Byington is joined by Rebecca Koraytem, U. S. Sales Executive for David Austin Roses. This chat is one of our annual favorites as we take a look at what's new in the beautiful and charming world of English Roses. Rebecca will also announce a Rose Giveaway for the Rose Chat community! NEW DAVID AUSTIN ROSES! Bring Me Sunshine   Elizabeth   Eustacia Vye   ROSE CHAT TEAM: Executive Producer & On-Air Personality: Chris VanCleave – http://www.RedneckRosarian.com Creator of the Rose Chat Podcast. Mr. VanCleave is a nationally known rosarian, television personality, speaker and advocate for the rose. Content Creator & On-Air Personality: Teresa Byington – http://www.TheGardenDiary.com Co-Host Teresa Byington promotes roses as an integral part of the landscape, as a Consulting Rosarian, Master Gardener, writer, and speaker. SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to Rose Chat Podcast Updates: http://eepurl.com/hAC6gP    
    1. WHAT'S NEW AT DAVID AUSTIN ROSES
    2. ROOTED IN TIME: Saving Roses for Future Generations
    3. GROWING ROSES IN OKLAHOMA
    4. SPRING IN MY ROSE GARDEN
    5. BENEFICIAL INSECTS

    NEW BOOK

    Look what just came in the mail. One of my favorite rosarians of all time, Michael Marriott has written a book. If you aren’t familiar with Michael, he spent the last 25 years as the head garden designer and rose expert for David Austin Roses. He is also well known for his expertise in rose fragrance!

    At first look it is beautiful and starts off with a bang … the first chapter is “The Romance of the Rose” and moves quickly to the subject of rose fragrance with the “The Magic of Scent”. I can’t wait to fully dive in!  If you’d like a copy, you can find it on Amazon here.

    An inspirational guide to choosing and growing the best roses!

    Below are links to two of the most recent podcasts I did with Michael. In both, he shares amazing information!

    ROSES IN EVERY SEASON ..

    https://rosechat.podbean.com/e/roses-in-every-season/

    COMPANION PLANTING…

    https://rosechat.podbean.com/e/companion-planting-for-roses-michael-marriott/

    BLOOM THYME THIS WEEK

    Even with all the horrible heat and drought so many plants just keep going! I do water but only a small percentage gets any regular watering. Most just have to make it on their own.

    Mother of Pearl
    A great yellow.
    New starts of Peggy Martin!
    The Clematis have been wonderful!
    Frist trumpet lily to bloom
    Those colors!
    At Last

    There is a question I ask myself every July… Why didn’t I plant sunflowers? I love them but just don’t seem to have a place for them. I’m not big on bright yellow but who can resist sunflowers. Maybe next year. 🌻🌻🌻

    July does give us ups and downs, but it also gives us enough heat to get the dahlias going… big plus!

    Featured Dahlia … Creme de Cognac from Longfield Gardens.

    Thanks for stopping by! 💐

    BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: MORNINGS

    Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

    Most of you are probably like me and in the midst of a heat wave making mornings so very important to us! To spend time in the garden we have to beat the heat! 

    My favorite way to start the day is with coffee in the garden doing my devotions. My devotions this time of year are centered around the garden. Time began in a garden. Jesus went to a garden before the cross. Jesus said I am the vine you are the branches. There’s a flood. There’s drought. There’s rocky soil.  There’s the mustard seed. You can’t go very far in the Bible without bumping into a garden or garden illustration.  It’s very gardeny.

    I was recently asked for recommendations for gardeny devotional books, so here is a list of the ones I have, they’re all a bit different. Several I bought many years ago but they may still be available through Amazon or other online outlets.

    • Garden Mercies by Laurie Ostby Kehler
    • Devotions from the Garden from Thomas Nelson Books
    • A Gardener’s Little Devotional Book by Worthy Publishing
    • Meditations on a Rose Garden by Carolyn Huffman
    • Down a Garden Path by Karla Dornacher
    • A Well-Watered Garden by Harriet Crosby
    • NIV Gardeners Bible  

    POTTING SHED PUTTERINGS

    In the potting shed, I have Foxglove seeds started for next year’s garden. As biennials, in my garden, they make leaves the first year and winter over and bloom the second year. They also are known to be prolific self-seeders and that has worked for me lately but there were many years when we’ve had colder winters that did not happen.  Last year I bought a lovely pot of peach foxgloves. This year in that same area I have 4 peach foxgloves! Self-seeding at its best. Always good to note about this plant ALL PARTS ARE POISONOUS.

    My beautiful self-seeders
    Little miracles

    The seeds I planted are Carousel Mix from Renee’s Garden. They will be a mix of pastel shades.

    BLOOM THYME THIS WEEK

    Many of the roses are laying low, hiding from the heat and the Japanese Beetles. Since my open garden on June 12, we’ve had NO rain! NONE. The only upside to the lack of rain is that the barrage of Japanese Beetles has been stymied due to the hard ground. Only a few brave souls have emerged. We are looking forward to a drenching rain but so far none is in the forecast.

    This time of year it is great to take note of those things that are doing very well. There are some roses and many perennials and annuals that don’t seem to mind the hot dry condition. Here are my BFFs right now – coreopsis, daylilies, coneflowers, daisies, veronica, and phlox. So far my dahlias are doing okay too. I’d not say they are thriving but growing and I’m still hopeful they will be spectacular. The big exception there is Creme de Cognac… I started the tuber inside and it did well and now it is blooming like crazy – way ahead of the others.

    Only for a day – but worth it!
    Self-seeded Larkspur
    Coneflower
    Luminary Backlight Phlox
    Annabelle
    Scabiosa
    Lemon Zest
    Flamenco Rosita
    Creme Brulee Coreopsis
    Creme de Cognac
    Veronica
    Clematis
    Pomponella is beautiful even as she fades

    YOU ARE IN GOOD COMPANY IN THE GARDEN

    Never forget you are in good company in the garden.

    And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; there he put the man whom he had formed. Genesis 2:8   He is the Master Gardener.

    Happy Gardening Friends!

    BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: Open Garden Dress Code

    Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

    This has been a year for the record books. Aren’t they all! 😳

    Leading up to “Open Garden” day, we had torrential downpours almost every day. Some days it rained all day. So with standing water in areas of the garden two days before “open garden” I was close to canceling. I can tell you my master gardener friends were not big fans of canceling. And yes it was raining the day of the big event but not torrential downpours. My thoughts were… if we were England we would not cancel, we would just dress for the weather. So, I sent out a note saying just that and added – bring your umbrella and wear your Wellies it’s garden tour time.

    30 minutes before people were to arrive the rain stopped and the sun came out!!! We had the best time! Did the garden look it’s best…. HEAVEN’S NO! Every bloom had been water damaged. But, that didn’t stop the fun. We had the best time. How can you not have a good time with friends in your garden — it’s just the best. 

    Guest entered the garden through Mr. G’s lineup of tomatoes!
    Deep in thought – answering questions.
    Picking out a Zinnia!

    ZINNIAS FOR EVERYONE

    I just love Zinnias. I tried several “new to me” varities from seed this year plus a few extras to share. A few weeks before open garden day, I had so much fun potting up Zinnia seedlings for visitors to take home. 

    ROSEFEST UPDATE

    Rosefest was a big success. Loads of people and loads of roses. In the Rose Show I saw some of the most beautiful roses I have ever seen thanks to all those who entered … especially John and Donna Hefner. They are such experts and are so willing to help others. They took home the top honors.

    MOONSTONE – Queen of Show
    John and Donna – Moonstone!
    Swirly Pop
    Thanks to RISE UP AMBERNESS (Proven Winners) I won an award for an arrangement. The class was “BIRTHRIGHT… honoring our parents”. In the arrangement I included foliage from the Rose of Sharon shrub from my (deceased) Mom and Dad’s garden.

    ROSE CHAT

    More episodes are being released all the time. Check them out here. When you click the most recent episodes will become linkable. First up you’ll see my chat with Tom Carruth – one of the most successful rose hybridizers in the world. He has brought us classic beauties like Julia Child, Hot Cocoa and the amazing Forth of July climber to name a few. He is currently the currator for one of the most beautiful rose gardens in the world … The Huntington Rose Garden in San Marino, CA.

    WHAT'S NEW AT DAVID AUSTIN ROSES – Rose Chat Podcast

    WHAT'S NEW AT DAVID AUSTIN ROSES Rebecca Koraytem, US Sales Executive     On this episode of the Rose Chat Podcast, host Teresa Byington is joined by Rebecca Koraytem, U. S. Sales Executive for David Austin Roses. This chat is one of our annual favorites as we take a look at what's new in the beautiful and charming world of English Roses. Rebecca will also announce a Rose Giveaway for the Rose Chat community! NEW DAVID AUSTIN ROSES! Bring Me Sunshine   Elizabeth   Eustacia Vye   ROSE CHAT TEAM: Executive Producer & On-Air Personality: Chris VanCleave – http://www.RedneckRosarian.com Creator of the Rose Chat Podcast. Mr. VanCleave is a nationally known rosarian, television personality, speaker and advocate for the rose. Content Creator & On-Air Personality: Teresa Byington – http://www.TheGardenDiary.com Co-Host Teresa Byington promotes roses as an integral part of the landscape, as a Consulting Rosarian, Master Gardener, writer, and speaker. SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to Rose Chat Podcast Updates: http://eepurl.com/hAC6gP    
    1. WHAT'S NEW AT DAVID AUSTIN ROSES
    2. ROOTED IN TIME: Saving Roses for Future Generations
    3. GROWING ROSES IN OKLAHOMA
    4. SPRING IN MY ROSE GARDEN
    5. BENEFICIAL INSECTS

    THey’re back

    Oh, how I hate to tell you that it’s now Japanese Beetle season again. 😫

    You know how much I love my Vanessa Bell roses. Well, the Japanese Beetles chose her to be the first to munch on. So, it begins. 😡  If you’d like to read my article on Japanese Beetles from last year, read on here. 

    PRESSING FLOWERS

    I haven’t pressed flowers for many years but I have been craving to do so this year. Mr. G gifted me with an absolutely gorgeous (and large) press from Gardeners Supply. He loves to buy gifts from there as they have such quality! If you are interested in pressing some beauty too, here’s a link. 

    What am I going to do with the flowers I press??? I’m not sure but I do envision a jar filled with beautiful pressed flowers. We’ll see!

    ROSE OF THE WEEK… BLISS PARFUMA

    What a rose! It has stood up to all the rain like a champ! This rose came to me from Heirloom Roses last year and it is outstanding. A strong, vigorous plant with gorgeous blooms. Like all the Kordes roses in my garden, it is disease resistant. It also has a light fragrance. To read more, here is a link to Heirloom.

    COMPANION OF THE WEEK … SELF-SEEDED FOXGLOVE

    Look at this beauty. It self-seeded from a Foxglove I bought at Lowes last year. Such a beautiful color. I will be saving seeds and making sure some make their way into the ground again!

    BLOOM THYME THIS WEEK

    The rain gave way to torrid heat. I think most of you are in the same hot boat! Many plants are “melting” but some are taking the heat in stride. And, I’m trying to do the same.

    Rise Up Lilac Days
    (NEW Proven Winners)
    Reminicent Pink
    (NEW Proven Winners)
    Carpet Rose
    Zaide
    yarrow
    Lemon Zest

    We will close out the gallery with the boldest of all… one of the newest kids on the block – South Africa.

    Whew, she is making a name for herself. She is positioned right beside the prissy pink Pomponella who may be giving her a side-eye. I might have to find a better place for her “boldness.”

    She’s a stunner

    Friends, glad you stopped by. Stay cool!! 

    Maybe make some lemonade. This is the recipe for lemonade I loved to serve to guests coming to the garden — back when the world was more comfortable with that sort of thing. I sure hope we get back to that soon.

    My kids call it, “LEMONADE THE MOM WAY.”

    For each can of Minute Maid (or other brands) Frozen Lemonade add…

    • 2 cans water
    • 2 cans Canada Dry Ginger Ale
    • 1/2 cup sugar
    • 3 large sprigs of fresh mint
    • 1 – 2 lemons, thinly sliced
    • Add ice and ENJOY!

    BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: Fireworks & Fragrance

    Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

    I am finishing today’s post while having lunch in the garden. Praise to the Master Gardener and giver of all good things. Even in the midst of horrible situations, His handiwork is all around us. 

    My current view…

    There couldn’t be a better day to share the fireworks and fragrance that are going on in my garden… 

    Many of the roses were highly affected by the horrible rains when the buds/blooms were forming and the horrible heat that followed … but like the survivors they are, BLOOM THYME fireworks and fragrance began!

    GHISLAINE DE FELIGONDE

    Let’s start with Ghislaine de Feligonde she is devouring the potting shed in a wonderful way. Every year she is more than I dreamed she’d be when I planted that tiny plant 5 years ago from High Country Roses. 

    THE ARBORS

    New Dawn was one of the roses affected by the rain and probably won’t last as long as she normally does but she couldn’t help showing off with Peggy Martin! I don’t think Sweet Drift (lining the walkway to arbor) was affected at all – these little beauties have never been more beautiful!


    MOTHER OF PEARL

    All 7 of my Mother of Pearls went crazy at the same time! The color. The fragrance. The sturdy shrub. An excellent rose.

    VANESSA BELL

    Vanessa Bell is just the best color of yellow. She is such a full rose that some of the blooms did “ball” instead of opening but not very many considering the weather.  So lovely… She is truly my favorite David Austin. I purchased another one this year and she is budded up and will bloom soon. 

    FUN IN THE SUN

    This is one of my favorite new roses… Fun in the Sun.

    Just look at her and she’s fragrant too. I checked with Matt Douglas from High Country Roses to see if he has any left and he does! I may get another and if you want one too, here is a link to the website… https://www.highcountryroses.com/shop/modern-roses/hybrid-teas-grandifloras/fun-in-the-sun/

    ROSEFEST

    SAT, JUNE 11, 9 – 3 PM

    If you’re local, the Indianapolis Rose Society and Hamilton Country Master Gardeners have teamed up to bring a beautiful day of roses. Roses for sale, demonstrations, garden tour, great speakers, and free Proven Winner’s beautiful roses to the first 40 guests! For all the details, read on here… 

    Rosefest 2022

    NATIONAL ROSE MONTH

    June is National Rose Month! For details on how the rose began our national floral emblem, read on here for a post I previously shared.  https://thegardendiary.com/2021/06/03/june-is-national-rose-month-3/

    BLOOM THYME GALLERY THIS WEEK

    Lady Ashe up close
    Lady Ashe on deck fence
    Sweet Drift as borders to the large arbor
    Music Box
    Bathsheba
    Earth Angel
    Imogene
    The Faun Up Close
    The Faun
    Champagne Wishes
    Easy on the Eyes

    TAKE A DEEP BREATH… we will end with a short video of Madame Hardy. The fragrance is amazing and that cute button eye is what she’s known for. The rain was particularly hard on her but she still has a lot to show!

    Friends, we’ll talk more blooms next week. Until then, HAPPY GARDENING!🌹