Vignettes for Six on Saturday

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.

Ample Options for Vases on Monday

I'm cheating again for this week's In a Vase on Monday: The arrangements in this post were from about a week ago. But all these species and varieties are still blooming here, and I had the photos, so...



For the main arrangement above, I included a few cuttings of Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta). They've been stalwarts in my tiny "sunny" garden for more than two decades.



A favorite for nearly as long as Rudbeckia is 'State Fair Mix' Zinnia (Z. elegans). Plants are so easy to start from seed in the sunroom in March, and transplant to the garden in May. And this particular variety is large and tall (3-5 feet).



I grew Gladioli (Gladiolus grandiflora hybrids) many years ago, and stopped for a while. I don't remember why, but I'm glad they're back in the garden because they're excellent cut flowers, and great frames for arrangements.



I planted the Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus 'Rocket Mix') from purchased seedlings, and while I love them, I might take a break from them next year. I have limited space and sun in that little garden, and they've underperformed (small blooms) and crowded out (too tall and floppy) other plants this year. 



I'll probably always make room for Cosmos (C. bipinnatus 'Sensation Mix').



Cosmos are so easy to grow from seed scattered right in the garden. And the flowers, buds, and foliage are delightful!



What can I say? Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) are amazing native plants that must be in the garden--for so many reasons.

In addition to the main arrangement above, I potted up a few other cuttings for smaller pots:



My 'Stargazer' Lilies (Lilium orientalis) are just about finished blooming in the garden for the season. They're definitely the "stars" while they last, with their large, flamboyant blooms and lovely scent.



More Cosmos and mixed, sunny Zinnias make a great combo in a little pot.

Finally, a prematurely and accidentally broken Gladiolus bud and some 'Zowie! Yellow Flame' Zinnias are perfect toppers for this little vase. Little corner cuttings are the best.

For more floral arranging ideas from around the world, visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.

Six on Saturday in Seattle

We recently returned from a trip to Seattle, and I thought I'd make that destination the focus of this week's "Six on Saturday," hosted by Jim at Garden Ruminations. The plants were incredibly robust and happy in Seattle and it was hard to narrow down the list, but here goes:



1. Beach Rose (Rosa rugosa): Wow, they seemed bigger than they are here in Southern Wisconsin. And they were stunningly beautiful.



2. Beach Rose hips: I mean, these guys seemed giant, too. I should have taken a picture of my hand next to them, but they seemed like they were larger than one inch in diameter. I was tempted to pick one and eat it right there.



3. Other beautiful Roses: OK, I didn't get the name of this one, but it was a lovely example of the stunning blooms throughout the city.



4. Bear's Breeches (Acanthus mollis): This is a fun plant, isn't it? I've seen it many times during travels, but it seemed especially happy in Seattle, for some reason. Unfortunately, it's not hardy to USDA zone 5b, so I can't grow it.



5. Sweetshrub (Calycanthus 'Aphrodite'): I can grow this one! But again, the blooms seemed huge in Seattle. A lovely shrub to consider...



6. Hydrangeas: Oh gosh, they were amazing! There were so many varieties all around the city. Most of them were blue or purple or dark pink because of the area's acidic soil. Gorgeous bloomers!

Amazingly beautiful, large, and healthy plants were everywhere we went, including at the famous Pike Place market. It was a fun trip, and I hope to visit Seattle again in the not-too-distant future.

To join in the "Six on Saturday" meme, head on over to Garden Ruminations.

A Vase Full of Warm Colors

It's time for "In a Vase on Monday," the meme hosted by Cathy at Rambling in the Garden. I'd intended to use pink and purple and other cool-colored blooms, but the first-blooming Gladiolas were a warm red. This called for warm companion elements. The photo above shows the selections.

As mentioned, these Glads (Gladiolus grandiflora hybrids) are dramatic. They're the first I've cut for the season. They're healthy, and full, and ready for display.

I used three large Hosta leaves to frame the bouquet.



Next, I added False Sunflowers (Heliopsis helianthoides) as accents throughout the arrangement.



And ivory Asiatic Lillies (Lilium asiatica) added grace and structure.



While most of the Zinnias (Z. elegans) currently blooming in the garden are cool colors, there were a few warm ones, including this large 'State Fair Mix' red bloom: a nice companion to the Gladiolas.

Also, I included some 'Zowie' Yellow Flame Zinnias, full of bright, warm colors.



Finally, graceful 'Invincibelle Lace' Hydrangea (H. arborescens subsp. radiata) blooms added elegance and more structure. 

Tee hee: Notice how tall the Gladiolas are? I'll have to clip the stems every few days as the blooms on the bottom fade.

Thanks to Cathy for hosting In a Vase on Monday! Head on over to her blog to see more vase arrangements from around the blogosphere.