GBBD: Lilies rule!

It’s a good year for Purple Coneflowers, Liatris, Hydrangeas, and Delphiniums...and so many other plants. But the current stars are the Lilies!

I wish I could include all my friends’ amazing photos of Lilies, but then I’d have to contact everyone and get their permission. So, instead I’ll show the limited, but spectacular selection blooming right here in my garden.

The common Daylilies on the hill add a splash of color that I can see while I sit on the screen porch sipping a glass of wine on a perfect summer evening. Or while I’m at the kitchen sink washing dishes…or just gazing into the woods.

The three varieties of Daylilies planted in this problem area are thriving where no other plants (except Hostas) would grow. Their long foliage extends into a dry section under the eaves that gets hot afternoon sun but no rain unless the wind blows it in. Since the roots are firmly planted beyond the roof line, they get the moisture they need.

A stand of Asiatic Lilies took a few years to establish. But they’re thriving now. The problem in the past was rabbits! They'd eat (and still do if they can reach) the plump flower buds (just before bloom!) and then they’d strip the foliage from the stems. Granted, my fencing wasn’t very substantial, and I do plan to reinforce it. But I think the huge, fake snake and the Scallions planted around the Lilies might be keeping the bunnies away.

Unfortunately, they’re still destroying my Stargazer Lily. I really need to transplant it to a different spot!

This is what it looked like one year when the bunnies didn’t get to it:

Darn rabbits!

(Thanks to May Dreams Gardens for hosting Garden Bloggers Bloom Day!)

Wordless Wednesday: midsummer delights

(A sweet blend of Liatris, Hydrangea, and Lilium)

Plant of the month:Cimicifuga (Actaea racemosa)

This one is a conversation-starter! If you want a dramatic addition to your shade garden and have a little patience while it's establishing, Cimicifuga is a good bet.

Bugbane, one of this plant’s common names and the one I usually remember, towers above most other plants in the garden, at 6 ft. to 8 ft. tall.

The foliage, itself, is noteworthy for its feathery form (here, surrounded by Ferns).

Before flowering, stalks rise up from the center of the plant and form circular flower buds.

When the flowers are in full bloom—from midsummer to fall—they resemble exploding fireworks. And after blooming, seed pods form along the stem, so the plant retains autumn interest.

Here are a few facts about Bugbane from various sources*:

• Prefers woodland-type, moisture-retentive soil;
• Thrives in full to partial shade, but tolerates more sun if the soil is moist;
• Good neighbors: Astilbe, Japanese Anemone, Ferns, and Hydrangeas;
• Other common names: Cohosh, Snakeroot, Fairy Candles;
• Grows best in USDA zones three to eight;
• Best propagated by division in the spring, or from fresh seed;
• Native to central and eastern U.S.;
• Repels pests and was used by Native Americans as a snakebite antidote;
• Rarely bothered by pests.

And here’s what I’ve learned about Bugbane through several years of experience:

• Transplanting can be a little challenging. I’ve given several friends transplants, with 50/50 results.
• Planting from seed seems to work as well as transplanting. When the seed pods form in fall, cut a portion of the stalk and plant it upside-down with seed pods in the soil—directly in the ground or in a pot to start.
• The scent is musky and slightly unpleasant—it’s easy to understand why Bugbane repels pests.
• It’s a great anchor plant at the back of a perennial bed.
• It looks ethereal when backlit by the setting sun.

When Bugbane blooms, I know the heart of the summer has arrived. It’s a stately focal point in the garden, it attracts beneficial pollinators, and it repels the bane of Wisconsin summers—the dreaded mosquito.

Planted a moderate distance from the house (to avoid the strong scent), it can’t be beat as a unique addition to a multi-level shade plant garden.


* "Annuals, Bulbs & Perennials," Anness Publishing Ltd., London; "Carefree Plants," Reader's Digest Books, Pleasantville, N.Y.; usda.gov

Fast forward five days

Gosh, change is happening fast and furious around here! With plenty of rain, warm temps, and super long days, the plants are taking off! I hadn’t intended to post today, but then I looked at the sunny garden and realized it might be fun to compare plants from my last post only five days ago. Are you ready? It’s dramatic!

Zinnias…

 Purple Coneflowers…

Drumstick Allium…

The changes aren’t as obvious for the tomato plants, so I didn’t take photos of them today. But I think I see a little improvement in the Cucumbers. Cross your fingers. Maybe they’ll take off and surprise us at some point.

The Onions are a little past Scallion stage, but they should be flavorful. Combined with the chicken wire, they’re keeping the bunnies away. Hurrah!

 I don’t recall the Brown-Eyed Susans even having buds five days ago.

The new Delphinium I planted this year is spiking.

And the marsh hay is helping me with that pesky weeding issue.

(Last month I posted on Hanni's Hope Grows meme about my kitchen garden, so this will be my entry for her July meme. Next month, I'm looking forward to a cool beverage on the screen porch -- looking out into and enjoying the garden.)