It isn't often that I worry about plants getting too big. I usually worry about them growing and thriving in the heat with a lack of moisture, This year has been unusual with rain a few days each week. I haven't had to water the lawn or my beds, but I find that the baskets and containers dry out because of the flower coverage that acts like an umbrella. The plantings under my trees have also required water because of that umbrella effect.
I have had to move my rooster container to the back of the garden because the Rozanne geranium grew twice the size it has been for the last three years. It was covering the cascading petunias causing them to not flower. I hope they will be revived. My large patio containers had to be moved out of the shade created by my Autumn Clematis which has already covered the top of the pergola (something it usually doesn't do until August).
My Persicaria is eight feet tall this year, and I have secured it with some thin garden wire, also wired my Miscanthus Udine so it doesn't flop with the excessive rain. The containers by the back arbor and path also had to be relocated in order to receive more sun. The lilies, clematis, phlox and daylilies are so large this year they have overshadowed the Costco containers, so I moved them to the front of the arbor.
It's an unusual season, slugs are out in full force, mildew is settling in, the rabbits are finding lots of juicy stems, but the "garden police" are out there keeping order!
13 comments:
Dear Eileen, Your garden is, as always, so lovely. Were I you, then I should not have a single care - it is as close as it comes to perfection. And the Persicaria, together with the Miscanthus, are absolute show stoppers.
Thank you Edith for your nice comments. I spent some time yesterday on insect patrol. With the rain (again today) they are everywhere. We're not used to this English type weather (foggy this morning)!
Eileen
Another good post... brings to mind a couple of things.. I have mammoth sweet autumn clematis in it's 3rd or 4th year as I bought it very large. It doesn't bloom much so I gave it a lot of bloom fertilizer this year... scant bloom and I'll bid it adieu. I can't imagine what the problem could be... any thoughts. You mentioned siberian iris not blooming... do you think they need division? Larry
Larry, this huge clematis is only in it's second year. It is a very strong grower and tends to bloom only at the top (but very pretty on the pergola). They are strong growers and I did read that they can be cut down each year in the spring for control. I just used a general granular fertilizer 5-5-5.
Interesting note, I was told by a nursery worker that my Karmina geranium was not blooming because I fertilized it and cut it back in the spring. I had more bloom this year because I didn't cut back, but I had already fertilized - so next year,
I am going to relocate and divide the siberian iris and the Magnificum before I give up on them.
Eileen
What a creative and adventurous gardener you are to have planted Persicaria and Miscanthus exactly here your did. I would have fretted needlessly about the eventual size of the plants in that location. You did not worry and were rewarded instead with a beautiful composition that is enhanced by the day lilies nearby. Your garden and the photography continue to amaze me.
Allan, this may be the year that I will regret having them so close to the walkway with all of the rain. So far that garden wire seems to do the trick otherwise I'll be using the hedge shears!
Eileen
Eileen, I think many gardeners would love to have such "problem" - too much grouth! Everything looks lush! Your weather looks similar to what we have here. Moistue, slugs... We are having our first dry week. Love your rooster planter especially!
Thanks Tatyana, It is very lush, so I guess I had better enjoy it and just tie up the tall plants. We're not used to this in the Midwest. Rain again today!
Eileen
Your garden beds look so pretty and lush. I accidentally chopped my Duchess of Albany off when digging up a rose bush this weekend. I am so mad at myself. It was just a couple years old so still little.That's what I get for always moving stuff LOL!
Wow Eileen I love that Miscanthus Udine. How pretty!
All the rain has really made your garden magnificent Eileen - enjoy the growth! But I understand about slugs - the downside to a lush garden. Wonderful photos as ever - Reggie is a sweetie.
Jeanne
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Jeanne, Reggie is a very sweet dog, but he is not using that terrier instinct to chase aways those rabbits.
Eileen
Wow, the garden looks so wonderful and lush. Love the rooster container.
Really gorgeous garden. Your plants are lush and beautiful.
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