'Likes' and 'Dislikes' in the 2021 Garden

'Summer Beauty' Alliums (A. lusitanicum) bring magic and pollinators to the garden.

One of the best things about a dry, hot summer is the lack of mosquitoes. I can count on two hands the number of mosquito bites I've had during the past two months. Also, the watered parts of the garden are doing well, and the pollinators are still plentiful.

In just about every other area, including the garden, the combination of drought and heat is challenging. I've been thinking lately about the things I "like" and "dislike" about the garden this summer, and many of the dislikes are related to the early onset of high heat in June and being about 10 inches behind average in rainfall for the year. The combination has been rough on the garden in some areas.

From top left, clockwise: What's usually a very large Hosta has been fragmented (probably rabbit lunches) and taken over by Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis); Mayapples (Podophyllum peltatum) are dry and dormant while Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) takes over; Goldfinger Tithonia (T. rotundifolia) is barely hanging on, while it's thrived in this spot many other years; these Daylilies never bloomed and look stressed; I've been watering the Hydrangeas nearly every day, and they're still saggy; Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is sad, although it has produced seed.

As I post this, potential rain is in the forecast for the next few days, which is great, although it's too late for some plants that have gone dormant or underperformed. But there are so many other plants (some in watered areas; others drought-tolerant) and other garden aspects that are performing well and bringing happiness.

Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) is really filling in its spot this year.



As always, the 'State Fair Mix' Zinnias (Z. elegans) are attracting butterflies and other pollinators.



Monarch butterflies are plentiful lately, and it's magical to see them mating among the foliage pockets of the Dwarf Korean Lilac.



I took a chance in partial shade with this patch of Hubricht's Amsonia (A. hubrichtii) several years ago. Every year it seems a little happier in its home. As you can see, it's surrounded by Hostas and caged to prevent rabbit damage.







I ordered several garden ornaments from Etsy, and they're adding little touches of whimsy around the garden.



The Wild Senna (S. hebecarpa) is budding and beginning to bloom as I write this. It's one of only a few plantings in the middle garden bed that has survived rabbit damage and thrived for several years now.



The small sunny garden almost always performs well, with sun and supports and fencing from rabbits.



I added a few plants around the mailbox last year, and they're starting to show their personalities. This sweet little plant, Rudbeckia 'American Gold Rush,' was chewed in half by the rabbits but has recovered. I've repeatedly sprinkled rabbit repellent dust around it, and the lack of rain has kept the repellent in place. I've also since planted Daffodils and Alliums around it, which should help repel the rabbits in spring and summer. Fingers crossed.



Fortunately, the rabbits didn't get to the adjacent Echinacea 'Sombrero Baja Burgundy' plant. The color of this one is bright and varies with the angle of the sun. This morning, just before posting this, I noticed several bumblebees enjoying its nectar and pollen.



I'm very excited about this new native Climbing Rose (Rosa setigera), also protected from rabbits with caging. I've had many plants in this spot over the years, usually annuals, so hopefully this beauty will take up residence, thrive, and bloom for years to come.   



I've read that blooming Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is a cue to hummingbird males to begin migrating. It seems early this year, and our little resident male hummingbird is still very active and keeping us entertained, along with some females (and presumably we'll see some juveniles  after they fledge).

The Surprise Lilies (Lycoris squamigera) are emerging, and likely will be blooming in a few days...believe it or not, they grow inches every day, to a height of 12-24 inches total, and bloom just days after they emerge!

I've planted various milkweeds around the garden for many years, and I'm happy to see several new Butterflyweeds (Asclepias tuberosa) are thriving, blooming, and attracting pollinators. I haven't found monarch eggs on these particular plants, but there are plenty in other parts of the garden.

The garden conditions and results are mixed this year. Since more rain is on the way, I look forward to many more weeks of "likes" and garden smiles in the weeks to come.

Wordless Prairie in Midsummer

July 22: prairie midsummer
[Click on images to enlarge for detail.]

May 31: prairie at end of spring

April: prairie following a prescribed burn

March: prairie just before snowmelt

December: prairie before the snow

Door County, Revisited

I'm cheating a bit with this post. We spent a few days in Door County, Wisconsin, earlier this month, and it was colder than we'd expected. We still had a wonderful time (first post-vaccination vacation), but I didn't take out the camera much.

So this post includes photos of one specific park from our recent visit, and a collection of colorful annuals and perennials photos from our last visit. I figure the floral displays are often similar from year to year, and Door County always shares amazing creativity in all ways, including with art, gardens, and other displays.

So, let's start out in Egg Harbor, a quaint bayside town, with a beautiful little waterfront park displaying many recreational boats and lovely maritime views.



Harbor View Park is a sweet spot to spend some time, no matter what the weather.



The large boulders along the walkway blend well with the sky and waterway scenes.



This is a fun place for boaters, walkers, and wanderers.



The 'Seafarer' statue sets the mood for the historical significance of this town, as a port on the bayside, with access to the larger Lake Michigan and the chain of Great Lakes.



There's a lovely little garden in the park, too. Some beautiful metalwork sculptures, courtesy David Reimer and Angela Lensch Gallery, were on display--incorporated so beautifully into the landscaping.







I really enjoyed the moose sculpture.



And the rooster, I believe on permanent display, by artist William Jauquet.



We visited the park several times during our recent visit, and one of the evenings featured a free, live band. The weather that evening was more comfortable, and it was lovely to see people enjoying the beautiful evening and the music.

So the remaining photos here show some creative displays of colorful annuals and perennials; not from our 2021 visit, but from our visit three years ago. Door County is always vibrant with potted plants and impressive gardens.

We did a lot of hiking, too, but with the rain and cold weather, I didn't snap any photos. No matter what the weather, however, Door County, Wisconsin, is one of my favorite summertime destinations. It's a little piece of heaven on earth.