The Summer Garden
by Kathy Alford
Owner, Alford's English Gardens
Volunteer sunflowers in the garden - thanks to the birds!
I know that is the 'Dog Days of Summer' but it doesn't mean we can't have a kick of color in the garden. Even though the weather is warm (no… Hot!) there are a lot plants around to add to the summer garden.
One of my favorites is the salvia greggii. It is amazing the different colors of pink, red, white purple and even blues that are available in this salvia. The colors are stunning and you won't believe how much butterflies and hummingbirds love it. After established, this plant isn't as thirsty. If mixed with lavenders and daisies-- you have an instant garden.
Salvia mixed in the garden adds bright colors
and entices the butterflies and humming birds.
Don't forget to add a burst of color to your pots. Kangaroo paws mixed with some annuals can make a statement. Consider adding perennials like Agapanthus africanus / Lily of the Nile or Anigozanthous flavidus/kangaroo paws as a base plant in the pot. By adding annual color, you can change the look of the pot and cut down on the costs. For summer, a mix of New Guinea impatiens, coleus and other annuals make a bright display. Next season, simply add a new annual and the pot is refreshed.
A pot full of Kangaroo Paws
with New Guinea Impatiens and other annuals.
In the coolness of the shade, ferns and other shade lovers are still shining brightly this summer. Make sure that they have a layer of mulch to keep their roots cool and moist in the heat.
Japanese Painted Fern in the summer shade garden.
Small accents in the garden can be played up with summer color. Plant some coreopsis around a stone for drama. The two elements are complementary to each other. Add a ground cover for additional texture to the garden. Reuse a broken pot or garden object to accent bright color in the garden. It doesn't have to be perfect to grow among the flowers.
A small bridge from an old fish tank is set among
Coreopsis sp. and Armeria maritime / common thrift
to create a miniature vignette in the garden.
Use white to cool down the garden. Accents of white from Lobularia maritima /Sweet Alyssum or Sutra cordata /Bacopa can accent a pot or planter with a profusion of white. White Iceberg roses are still blooming strong - use them to cool off the heat in the garden. Take the cut blooms indoors to enjoy.
The white flowers accent the bike
and with the green of the garden and the shade of the tree,
create "coolness" to the space.
A profusion of white Iceberg roses in late July,
cool off the heat of summer.
Whatever the temperature -- take a moment and relax. Summer fades quickly but the garden doesn't have to. If you need help in your garden please call me- it's not too late to design a beautiful garden for the season.
Comfortable iron furniture for the garden
can now be purchased through Alford's English Gardens.
Call for more information:
(562) 430-3528 office.
www.alfordsenglishgardens.com
Above text compensated advertisement. Represenations and photos from advertiser.
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