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Stepping Into May

Rhododendron 'Klondyke' and Geranium maculatum May is already here and the garden suddenly explodes with growth. We spent the weekend watering (already?) because there hasn't been significant rainfall in a while. We don't have a sprinkler system so it is all manpower, dragging hoses and sprinklers. It takes two days - one for the back and one for the front - to water everything. It is possible to get it all in one day if we start really early. The rhododendrons are beginning now - 'Mandarin Lights' 'Jean Marie De Montague' 'Percy Wiseman' - beautiful but suffers from lacebug. I'm considering replacing it or maybe I will try and treat it. A favorite right now is the Chilean Potato Vine ( Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'). This plant is hardier than you might imagine. Some sources list it as a "9", others an "8".  It is going on its third year in our garden, having been moved once. It is sheltered somewhat by a fence but ...
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August blooms and foliage

There isn't a lot going on in the garden which is typical for August. We have had some relief from the humidity with some really nice days. Next week, however, promised to be a scorcher.

The Sweet Autumn Clematis is beginning to bloom. It always blooms in August. Despite the fact that this vine is in almost complete shade, it does well.

 


impatiens 
It was a dud year for hydrangea blooms (because of the cold winter) but the foliage is looking great as a result of the recent rainfall.

hydrangeas2


hydrangeas

Rudbeckia and Sweet Potato Vine on the lamppost.

rudbeckia


Early morning sunrise


morning

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Lisa at GreenbowAugust 18, 2014 at 11:29 AM

    Your photos do take me down the path and a beautiful one too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. _emily_roseAugust 19, 2014 at 6:00 AM

    My sweet autumn clematis is starting to bloom as well. It's a welcome site as the rest of the garden starts to fade.

    I did get a Buff Beauty this spring! It's small (maybe 16") and hasn't bloomed yet, but it is putting out new growth, and I'm hopeful for next year. It is having some problems with blackspot, and a good section doesn't look like it will put out new growth. I have two questions for you:

    1) Do you have any tips for blackspot other than spraying and picking up infected leaves?

    2) Where will next year's new growth originate from? I've only grown ramblers, and they just shoot up new canes near the base.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Edith KentAugust 19, 2014 at 8:23 AM

    Beautiful pictures of a beautiful garden! My hydrangea had recovered so well. .until a herd of those sweet little deer made a visit! They "only" took the leaves so that shouldn't hinder them from blooming next year....right? Unless the cold weather gets the buds again!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Phillip OliverAugust 20, 2014 at 10:46 AM

    Emily, I don't have many solutions for blackspot. Baking soda is one option that I have heard works well. The new growth comes from both the base and some side shoots. It tends to send out (and up) very long canes.

    Edith, so sorry to hear you have deer problems!

    ReplyDelete
  5. HoehoegrowAugust 21, 2014 at 2:23 PM

    Your garden looks so inviting , I want to see what is down that path ...
    All is looking very fine for so late in the season, I think summer has deserted us here in the UK as it is very chilly and autumnal ... in AUGUST !!

    ReplyDelete
  6. RobinLAugust 22, 2014 at 6:39 PM

    My hydrangeas have been slow to bloom this year too, and I'm sure it was because of the bad winter. But I think they'll catch up, because they are starting to catch up finally. I've fallen in love with Limelight hydrangea this summer, and I've just got to get one. Now where will I put it?

    ReplyDelete
  7. NicAugust 26, 2014 at 6:19 AM

    Our neighbor's beautiful sweet autumn clematis just began blooming as well; surprised that it is as early as yours considering we are so much further north.

    ReplyDelete
  8. _emily_roseAugust 28, 2014 at 5:23 AM

    Thanks for the advice Phillip! I'll look into the baking soda :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. debsgardenAugust 29, 2014 at 8:20 PM

    I hope the weather has continued to be good to you! Our garden is shriveling under the past week's high temperatures and lack of rain. Not a drought yet; we are suppose to get rain tomorrow. Your garden looks lush and very beautiful in these photos. I love the early morning shot!

    ReplyDelete
  10. debsgardenSeptember 12, 2014 at 4:17 PM

    I am NOT an early morning person, but that early morning sunrise over the path would entice me to set my alarm. Your garden is gorgeous, as always.

    ReplyDelete

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