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 ...
Stunning October garden!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous, gorgeous photos. Your garden doesn't show any sign of the usual end of summer stress or fatigue. The only clue is the subtle change of color in tree canopies. I love those long shots down the paths, through arbors... The white pine still looks tall and trim: thankfully it doesn't seem to gain in width (or do you give it the occasional snip?).
ReplyDeleteI'm so tire of the smoke and heat. Waiting for a darn good soak on Friday!
chavli
Your garden stands out beautifully against the fog and the regrettable smoke, Phillip. It's lovely to see the wonderful fall color that's largely absent in my part of the country. I hope the nearby fire is brought under control soon.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you've got a wildfire nearby. The smoke is terrible.
ReplyDeleteAmazing how your garden has matured so quickly into something quite wonderful.
All the different foliage colors in the shrubs and trees--i love that, the bronze and blues and chartreuse, not just greens. Besides the many different shapes and textures.
You are 1 awesome gardener.
Gosh, Phillip, your Alabama garden was wonderful but I think you've outdone it with this one. Hard to believe it would be possible but the proof is in the pictures. You have a deft designing hand, marrying textures, shapes and colors into a marvelous garden to behold. Thanks for sharing it.
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