For this "Six on Saturday," I'm focusing on plant combinations and "vignettes" that have met or exceeded my expectations this summer. The first is the grouping in the center of the back garden under the middle Oak tree.
At the center, Wild Senna (S. hebecarpa) isn't blooming yet, but its tall, healthy stalks provide structure. In the pot, the purple Shamrock Oxalis (O. vulcanicola 'Zinfandel') is happy in the partial shade. Patches of lavender Alliums (A. tanguticum 'Summer Beauty') flank the sides, and ground covers and Ostrich Ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris) frame the front and back.
My potted plants in this partially shady spot just off the patio are colorful and overflowing, as usually happens by this time of the summer. They get dappled sun, off and on all day. The pots combine a mix of various Coleus, Impatiens, Dracaena Spikes, and Callas.
In the side garden--which gets continuous, western sun all afternoon--the Mexican Sunflowers (Tithonia rotundifolia 'Goldfinger') and the False Sunflowers (Heliopsis helianthoides) are performing beautifully this year, with bright and complimentary colors. While I've planted them near each other in the past, they seem particularly happy this summer.
Nearby, the Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) seem happy, too, paired with 'Autumn Joy' Sedums (Hylotelephium spectabile). I had to plant some new Butterflyweed seedlings (Asclepias tuberosa), because the plants in this spot sadly disappeared during the winter (not enough snow cover?). Hopefully, they'll return and fill in next spring and summer. Fortunately, I have other Milkweeds in other locations for the monarch butterflies.
Another combination I've planted together in the past pairs Tropical Impatiens (I. hawkeri) and Angelonias (A. angustifolia). This duo is SunPatiens 'Compact Purple Candy' and AngelDance 'Violet Bicolor' Angelonia. The colors are luscious, and the plants are great companions in the pot.
Finally, I added 'Summer Beauty' Alliums (A. tanguticum) around the mailbox a couple of years ago. They've filled in, they're VERY happy in this spot, and they're covered with pollinators of all types. More on that later...
Thanks to Jim for hosting the "Six on Saturday" meme! To join, head on over to Garden Ruminations.
Very nice! Love ostrich fern - it has displaced the spires that came with the house and I like it better. I may move mine around a bot now that I have yanked the Spirea so they can fill the area in.
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth: I know...Ostrich Ferns are the best for back borders in partial shade. These were here when we moved in and have graced the spot ever since. They're even edible when they emerge as curled coils in the spring. :)
DeleteThank you for showing us those delightful plant combinations. The area under the tree is so green and lush, and very restful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. The middle, backyard is a fun vignette. I've aimed for fewer plants and more potted ones in recent years because of the rabbits. It is a restful place. :)
DeleteGreat combinations, Beth! I'm still trying to find a spot for some Rudbeckias (even though I know they're unlikely to outlive the summer season). I wish I had your experience with Alliums - despite trying a variety of species I've yet to find any that are really happy in my garden.
ReplyDeleteHi Kris: Thanks. :) The Rudbeckias have always been happy here. While we have hot summers (80-90F most days), the soil is very good, and I do water that particular part of the garden regularly. Re: the Alliums, I don't do much to make them happy...they don't need much water, but perhaps, again, they like the soil.
DeleteLovely combinations, all, but I'm particularly taken with that first shot. The lush green of the background, bisected by the structural trunk of the tree and the partnering-with-nature human touches. A perfect garden vignette! Tina
ReplyDeleteHi Tina: You are sweet. I see that part of the back garden every day out the sunroom windows. It is home, and I will miss it when we move away from here. :(
DeleteHope those Asclepias get going again! I don't know what would make them die out, but if they all went at once, there's something environmental they didn't like. Did you have a particularly wet winter or spring?
ReplyDeleteMe, too. I think the Asclepias (this particular patch or plant) had trouble with the lack of snow cover this past winter for insulation. Maybe there was some frost-heaving, too. There are other factors, too, in that particular part of the garden...too numerous to list here. :)
DeleteOoo - what a gorgeous ‘Six’ Beth! Your opening shot is so lush and so fresh it makes me want to be there and take in that woodland smell. The wild senna is one of those plants that looks good without having to produce flowers. Gorgeous! The colours of the rudbeckias, tithonia and heliopsis are perfect for the season - and I don't see any nibbles on any of your plants!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Catherine. :) The Senna view is right out my back window in the middle of the garden. I see it every day while I work in the sunroom. This year, we've had plenty of rain and warm temps, so it's especially lush and full. The plants are faring pretty well this year vs. rabbits and insects. But the Milkweed has nibbles from the monarch caterpillars, so that's good. :)
DeleteEnjoy the lovely view!
DeleteSome great plant combinations- I like the Impatiens and Angelonias.
ReplyDeleteAnn - thequiltinggardener
Hi Ann: The colors and forms of the Angelonias and Impatiens really seem to compliment each other. They like that spot protected just a bit from the direct sun, but with plenty of afternoon light. :)
DeleteBeautiful Beth, just beautiful. I can feel the change in the air, I am not ready for summer to start tip toeing goodbye.
ReplyDeleteDid you get much rain during the weekend?
My family in Southern Wisconsin got hit bad!!
Carla
Hey Carla: Thanks! Summer's still here for a while! We got lots of rain, but nowhere near what the Milwaukee area received. Wow! My sister and BIL live over there, too, and fortunately their property and their basement are fine. Hard to believe the horrible flooding in Milwaukee and some of the suburbs!
DeleteI love these combinations, Beth. I have been seeing summer blooming Alliums on various blogs lately and I'm intrigued. They seem tough and drought tolerant, and plants that bloom at this point in the summer are always good to have for the dull spots in the garden left by previous bloomers. Eliza
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eliza. :) Yes, I absolutely love all types of Alliums because the rabbits don't eat them! The 'Summer Beauty' and other summer-blooming varieties--including the native A. cernuum, A. senescens, and cultivar A. millenium--are great for the reasons you mention, and many more. :)
DeleteWow so beautiful! I love the flowers around the mailbox! I have been working on some home improvement projects this summer and I might have to add that to my list. Right now we have been working on some kitchen cabinet painting but I might have to try out some gardening next. Thanks for the inspiration!!!
ReplyDeleteHey Jackie: Thanks. :) I just put the flower ring around the mailbox a couple of years ago. There are Tulips there in the spring, and then the Allium foliage, followed by the Allium blooms. This summer, I added one Verbena bonariensis plant in the back, grown from seed. Hopefully, that one will fill in a little more next summer.
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