I usually prefer softer colours in the garden except for these gorgeous bright orange daylilies. They're adding colour right now while the rest of the garden recovers from the high temperatures. They don't mind the heat, in fact, they seem to thrive as the temperatures soar.
It's cooled down a little over the past couple of days and we've been able to get back out to the garden to work. So much needs to be done! At times it's overwhelming but then I remember to take one step at a time and look back to see what we've already accomplished. Most of the weeds have been removed and I'm keeping up with the new ones that continue to pop up. Two very large and overgrown bridal wreath spireas have been dug out, thanks to my husband. I had mixed feelings about removing them. They were beautiful for about a week or so when they bloomed but grew much too large for our small garden. The light the garden is getting now that they're gone was worth the work it took to remove them. And not having to prune them every couple of weeks so that we could find our way to the hose is nice too.
We're putting a lot more thought into what we plant and where we plant it. Anything that grows too large or spreads too much is gone. Invasive ground covers that tend to take over are being dug up. Other plants we want to keep but are either overgrown or planted in the wrong spot are being divided and moved. We're looking for pretty border plants and I'm almost ready for another visit to the garden centre to browse (at least that's what I'm telling my husband!).
Friends gave us a gift certificate to a local garden centre so we could plant a tree in memory of my Mom. We chose a beautiful standard burning bush. It grows around 5 feet high and about 3 feet wide - perfect for our little space. Mom would love the bright red foliage it gets in the Fall.
Still wondering what to do about a very overgrown clematis and a lavender bush that has spread into an uneven and unattractive shape. I cut half of the clematis back last week as it was smothering a beautiful fern nearby. This thing takes up two trellises and overwhelms this section of the garden. I'm tempted to dig it out entirely and replace it with something a little less aggressive. As for the lavender, does anyone know if it can be reshaped without killing it? I've always been hesitant to prune my lavenders, other than removing the spent stalks at the end of the season. Also, if you also have suggestions for plants that will tolerate full sun and that don't grow too large or spread too much, please share!
One last thing ... I get the results of my scan tomorrow. All I want to hear is that my scan is clear and I'm in remission. I'll post a quick update on Thursday.
xo,
Lynda
Oh I'm no help to you in this department as I learn as you have learned, by trial and error. I do love my daylilies, but notice that they must be divided and given away or tossed or they take over the world. I actually made myself another garden on the border between my neighbor and me. It is nice to see a pop of color against all those tree trunks. What sweet friends to gift you that way. A memory burning bush seems perfect. I have a memory rosebush. Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteYou have been very busy in the garden...thank goodness you have a willing helper (your husband)...my sweetie was always a great helping hand too. Don't ya just love all those beautiful varieties of day-lilies...and always so reliable. I am saying an extra prayer that you get a positive report tomorrow. Will be waiting for good news.
ReplyDeleteHello from Ontario Lynda. Vee suggested I visit and offer any gardening help I can but first let me say how fabulous your photos are.
ReplyDeleteMy lavender is all cut back to about 4 inches in the spring once I can see green buds on the wood. After it flowers, I like to cut it back again by a third and then it usually flowers again. Depending on their growing conditions, the lavender plants can get old and woody and it's easier to just replace them after 10 years or so.
In the spring, why not divide the clematis and just leave a small, healthy portion of it? Of course if you don't like it, you could pull it out and plant a shorter growing variety.
For full sun plants that are low maintenance, do you grow native varieties? With the ones I have, they don't need supplemental watering and fend for themselves.
Feel free to email me if you want more ideas for plants or help.
Judith
All we want to hear is that the scan is clear too...so we're keeping fingers crossed and prayers going out! xo Love your day lilies and yes to getting rid of clutter in the garden...so many things can simply take over and the whole point of the garden becomes lost! As for planting in your mother's memory -- what a thoughtful and lasting gift of remembrance. xo
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to your mom, Lynda, and your lilies are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI have needed to reshape one of my out-of-control lavender plants for a couple of years now, and have always been afraid to do so.
You are in my thoughts often, but this will be especially so tomorrow. I pray for good news for you.