Lots of rain and now the heat and the surprise of how fast all of these lush gardens will dry out. They have put forth an unusual amount of soft growth and will certainly balk at the above 90 degree temperatures. Even though we have rain, extra watering will be required especially for the plantings we put in containers.
Think about the growth on top of these containers, instead of letting the rain through, the plants act as an umbrella and many times keep the soil dry (check them out). As I walk around the garden, I am very aware that it is bug, slug, mildew, insect and very soon Japanese Beetle time. Deadhead what is done blooming and you will be rewarded with many plants another flush of bloom, probably not quite as impressive. Daylilies are just beginning and it does not affect reblooming to pick off the mushies, but it certainly makes the plant look much neater. I cut my daylilies to the ground when done and they put forth new fresh leaves, again much neater looking. I am also experimenting with Plumbago growing beneath the daylilies to take over for the late summer.
In my area, when Becky Shasta Daisy is done it is done, very little reblooming. So, I also cut this to the ground and it makes a new beautiful green mat of fresh growth. No flowers, but it looks neat and I am also trying Plumbago under shastas.
14 comments:
Dear Eileen, Like you I am completely in favour of reducing spent perennials to ground level as soon as the flowering period is over. And, as you say, very quickly one is rewarded with a new mound of fresh leaves and, more often than not, a second flowering later in the year. I find this particularly true of all the hardy geraniums which appear to respond so well to this treatment.
I have a couple of perennial geraniums which do not flower very much, I am thinking of moving them. I have cut them back and not cut them back. It doesn't seem to matter.
Eileen
Oh my stars! Your combinations are just beautiful! Everything is so healthy looking in your gardens.
Your plants look great! The heat is certainly coming. It's supposed to be 96-97 on the weekend - not looking forward to that!
Your plants are divine. Love your Clematis and Hydrangea especially. You really do beautiful herb containers. I'm sure I wouldn't be able to make look so attractive. Very nice.
There are always things to do in the garden, especially after good rains. I would be interesting to know how is your experiment with a plumbago going. Your Comtesse De Bouchard Clematis is outstanding!
Also, I love the planter on the first picture!
Hi Tatyana,
I have a feeling the Plumbago will do much better under the daylilies because there is light going through. I can already see them growing. The denseness of the shastas may inhibit growth. We'll see.
Eileen
Hi Rain Gardener,
I have such a small vegetable garden, I tried the herbs in containers a few years ago and it has worked out well. The large one I found at an outlet store. It is metal and I put a few holes in the bottom.
Eileen
Beautiful flowers. They look so pretty and healthy. I love your Clematis and Hydrangea.
All the photos are lovely!
The Shasta daisies in my garden don't re bloom either. I rather like your idea of shearing them all the way down to the ground.
Your flowers are always amazing to me - love your clematis...thanks for sharing, Paula in Idaho
Sounds like it's definitely heating up ... and I know exactly how quickly things can dry out when the temps. start climbing. All the plants in these photos are looking very happy though ... love the clematis and the Miss Amelia Daylily!
The Plumbago should do well under the daylilies ... it is a great heat tolerant plant.
Your plants have perfect growth. It just shows how well they are taken cared of. I loved the Comtesse De Bouchard Clematis, the flowers seem ed to be evenly placed for a design.
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