Something's gotta give.... I know we've all felt that way at some point. Due to family responsibilities we've spent nearly every weekend since November taking care of one thing or another. And so the thing that "gave" was my garden. I didn't have the time or the energy -- the garden was pretty much left on its own. Spring brought the return of the flowering trees and shrubs which were soon followed by the dependable perennial show.
 |
| The last of the perennials to bloom |
But summer? Well the deer ate every daylily bud the night before they would have bloomed (though you can see the ones at J's townhouse "here").
 |
| Hymenocallis sp. |
I finally got around to planting some of the containers in July but the selection was very limited in the garden stores. These haven't really filled out yet although they will continue to grow and bloom
through early October.
 |
| Impatiens hawkeri |
The concrete containers that hold the New Guinea impatiens are more than 100 years old. They originally belonged to Greg's great-grandmother.
I love the design and the patina that can't be replicated!
This one sits comfortably with faux stone planters.
I love capturing the intricate details of flowers! These almost look like orchids.
 |
Evolvulus glomeratus |
These cheerful flowers have graced the houses of everyone in Greg's family since the early 1900's, faithfully divided and passed down. They're plucky little plants, covered in pink.
 |
| Oxalis sp. |
I love the variegation in lantana flowers, ranging from oranges, corals and pinks to vivid yellows, all on one plant.
 |
| Lantana sp. |
These concrete planters also once belonged to Greg's great-grandmother. Love their rectangular shape and design! Thought it was fitting to plant them with her Oxalis.
Deer have been visiting the planters on the front porch. Why are my impatiens tastier than those across the street?! Perhaps I've missed the sign, lol.
I like the French-influenced design of these faux stone planters -- and that they repeat some of the motifs of the concrete planters described above.
I think the blue daze is about to swallow the hydrangea! I moved it here this summer which seems to be more to its liking.
We finally unrolled the outdoor rug we bought last fall. Love the bold design!
And it's pup-approved!
Thanks for joining me in the garden!
Hi!I am so glad I stopped by!Your garden is lovely!It looks like my parent's garden,full of joy and beauty...Some plants are equal,impatients,lantana...Made me smile!Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming! The flowers may not be the trendiest, but I think they're lovely. They make me smile, too!
DeleteSandra, gardening takes so much time and when other important things are going on in life it can’t be a priority. Your containers are looking great, the antique concrete ones are beautiful. Deer are a major problem for gardeners, we have them everywhere with a pair of fawns bedding under our magnolia during the daytime, I am sure momma is close by. I love the rug! Thank you for sharing with Gardens Galore.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pam. I must admit my spirits lifted when flowers were once again blooming around the house. The containers are wonderful -- it took two college guys to lift them so they're definitely staying put!
DeleteSandra, your containers look great and I love the antique concrete planters. Our garden is fenced so we are not bothered by deer but I can imagine how disheartening it would be to have them eat everything. I so enjoyed the photo of your Labs. We lost our Black Lab, Merry 3 years ago this month. She was almost 13 - we miss her terribly.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! Who knew I'd be gardening and squaring off with wild critters in the suburbs! So sorry to hear about Merry; Joey, our yellow lab, is 13. Keeping our fingers crossed
DeleteLove your blue door. My containers have just about said "enough" with the heat. The lantanas still look good which the butterflies appreciate. Your containers are wonderful -- filled with plants and memories!
ReplyDeleteThank you! The door matches our shutters. The color makes me happy! The heat is so oppressive now that the constant thunderstorms are gone. Makes gardening tough!
DeleteI am always thankful for the plants that seem to grow with little help. I didn't know that deer would eat day lilies! Your containers are looking great. Like you I am grateful we can enjoy our flowering plants into October. Thank you for joining the Garden Party!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz! I know gardening can be frustrating at times, but the deer are driving me crazy this year. Last night they nibbled off all those pretty violet flowers on the impatiens! Grrrrrr
DeleteSandra, we've gone through times in life like you are describing and you are right...something has to give. I don't blame you for cutting back on your plantings at all. They are still pretty though! I hope your load is lightened soon and thank you for linking up with the garden party today.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stacey, for your perspective. I've really missed tinkering about in the garden.
DeleteSandra, your containers are full of color but also full of character. I'm so happy you shared the details. I'm always on the watch for interesting containers. I planted the giant spider lily plants for the first time this spring. They bloomed immediately, and I'm happy to say they are surviving the heat. I have them in urns in my shade garden. Such an interesting bloom!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah, for your lovely comments. Even though it took 2 strapping, muscular guys to move them to our house, they were well worth it! I really like their design statement, but for my husband they're a trove of memories.
DeleteAs I age, I love container gardening more and more...you have some lovely plants.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, bj! You can move the containers where they need to be, they restrain some of the more exuberant plants,and they look lovely even when empty.
DeleteWhat beautiful garden blooms you have dear friend ! Lovely containers too, I so like looking for pretty ones for my indoor plants.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your Summer's last days.
Fabby
Thank you, Fabby! The flowers seem to be making up for lost time! I always look for pretty containers, too. They add so much to the design, even when they're empty.
DeleteYour containers turned out very nice and gave you some beautiful colors to enjoy. Too bad about the deer and their eating habits.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Judy! The containers are really filling out now. I'd love to have a conversation with the deer and find out why they eat all my flowers without touching my neighbors'! Sooooo frustrating.....
DeleteWell, your containers are looking beautiful! I absolutely love the concrete ones. Growing up we had two similar to the first ones you showed. they always sat on each side of our porch. None of us kids know what happened to them. Thanks for sharing with the Garden Party.
ReplyDeletehugs,
jann
Thanks, Jann! I know my husband was delighted to find that his grandmother brought them with her the last time she moved, then passed them to his mother.
DeleteThe majority of my gardening is on the cabin deck in containers. With our colder climate most everything is annuals except for my blueberries, rhubarb (I mulch it with newspaper and cardboard), currants and a few herbs. I love bright coloured flowers. I usually plant marigolds (they do double duty to deter pests) and pansies. I wonder of lantana would grow here. I'll have to check the nursery next spring. - Margy
ReplyDeleteHi, Margy! Most of my containers are planted with annuals, too. Except for three pots where I've got a hydrangea and two Pieris. I've also planted tulip bulbs in most of them -- some years they come up, some they don't. I like annuals for the chance to play with color each year and seeing what will work best in my garden.
DeleteThose concrete antique urns are amazing. Your flowers are gorgeous. I love the rug too. Thanks for linking to Keep In Touch.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katie! We were lucky to be able to bring the concrete planters home.
Delete