How can May be almost over? I still have so much to do before the summer heat arrives…..
First, I would like to join in on the blog of miss c and post the view from my back porch.
The sun rises over this mountain and thankfully I’m an early riser so I don’t miss it.
I’m watching my grandson today so while he’s napping
precious baby
let me show you what’s happening in the gardens.
Allium ‘Globemaster’ is one of my favorite bulbs in the flower beds. It stands about three feet tall, has no leaves but has a very sturdy stalk. I like to plant it with daylilies or behind other plants to cover the stalk.
Allium ‘Globemaster’
People stop me all the time and ask what type of flower this is. When the flower has finished its show, it still adds dimension with the dried flowers lasting until fall. This is a perennial in zones 5-8 and likes full sun and dry weather. And another plus–deer don’t like them!
Allium ‘Globemaster’
My grandmother’s peonies are blooming now. These peonies are believed to be around seventy to eighty years old.
These were given to me by my grandmother
and my grandmother got them from her mother.
Pass-a-long plants are very special to me. It is a special reminder of a person I loved and I think of her even more when these bloom.
The ‘Zéphirine Drouhin’ rose always blooms on Mother’s Day. This is a climbing rose but I keep it in check by cutting back in late winter. It is very fragrant, tolerates some shade is it’s not prone to black spot.
‘Zéphirine Drouhin’
A new coleus I’m growing this year is called Chocolate Covered Cherry.
Coleus ‘Chocolate Covered Cherry’
Coleus is very easy to start from seed and I started these around the middle of January in the greenhouse. I have these in the same bed as my hydrangea ‘Annabelle’ and some white caladiums. Can’t wait to see everything filled out and together.
Another underused shrub that many people don’t know about it Amsonia hubrichtii or Arkansas Blue Star.
Amsonia hubrichtii
This shrub gets about 2-3 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. The blue flowers appear in the spring and the foliage is thread-like
Amsonia hubrichtii
and turns golden in the fall.
It loves hot, dry weather and deer don’t bother it at all. Last year when we had the grasshopper invasion, this shrub was untouched which moved it to the top of my favorites list.
Another native plant I have is Baptisia australis or False Indigo.
Baptisia australis
This is a smaller shrub (?)/ plant that blooms in the spring,
has unique leaves, and produces a seed “rattle” in the fall.
Baptisia seed pods.
When the wind blows, these seed pods sound like a baby rattle
Baptisia seeds
These are also easy to start from seed but grow slowly.
Oh! I almost forgot to show you the living roof on the chicken coop. I finished it a couple of weeks ago and so far the plants have stayed in place even after the massive rains we’ve had from the recent storms. I also painted the ugly white door red. Let me know what you think. I plan on painting something else on it just don’t know what yet. I’m not an artist so any ideas are welcome.
My little sweetie is up so time to get playing
Have a great day and weekend!
Brenda
Brenda I was having these same thoughts about May…late May weather at the beginning….early spring March weather in mid May…summer and now fall…yuck! I adore the same plants you have there and wish I had something in my garden from my parents or other relatives gardens. I love the coop roof and door. And the best is that sweet baby…what a cutie pie!!
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yes, we had crazy weather as well. We had snow on May 3rd of all things! My grandmother was very generous with sharing her plants. At the time, I was a new mother, very busy, and didn’t appreciate them like I do now. I cherish every one of them! And yes, the best is those grandbabies. They are the bestest of all!
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We have many of the same plants: baptisia, Amsonia, and Allium ‘Globemaster’. All great plants. Your grandson is adorable!
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It took me a while to learn the value of native plants. They are almost care-free which is always allowed in my garden. And the grandson is pretty special, too. Not care-free but that’s how I like my babies!
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Wow! Your back porch view is amazing! I love the allium. Great chicken coop too!
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thanks! I so enjoy living in the country. I miss the convenience of town sometimes, but I know it’s worth it when I look outside.
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Love that view in the first photo – what a way to start the day!
And how precious the peonies must be, pass me down plants are simply my favourites. Hope you have a super weekend too!
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I love your peonies and roses. A living roof on the chook house is a great idea – I am wondering what you planted up there and will it need any attention. What about painting yellow eggs on the door? Thank you. Joy
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Joy,I planted 5 different kinds of sedums. I will have to keep them watered the first year and hopefully they will be established by next year. I like the yellow eggs idea, too!
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Great solution for the door – now it looks like it belongs there!
My mom (in Oklahoma) has peonies from my great-grandmother’s garden…I’d love to have a division to plant up here, but fear that they wouldn’t acclimate – they’re Southern Gals, through-and-through!
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Even southern girls can learn to adapt 🙂
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Brenda – Don’t despair. There’s still a week left in May. You could always paint the window frames red to match the door. I’ve always wanted those globe alliums in my garden but, alas, they don’t do Zone 9.
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