I had two areas of New Dawn Rose, on my arbor at the back of my garden and on each side of the pergola.
Needless to say, it was a beauty, but constant maintenance to keep it within bounds. It did not bloom throughout the season for me and was just about to take down the structure with it's weight.
I still have my Persicaria but each year I rethink if I want to keep it along the path. It is very impressive and blooms most of the summer, but the first storms wreck havoc on it. I will try anchoring it to the fence with some thin wire, however, the stems are hollow and bend easily.
I used to have Phlomis tuberosa planted in front of the Persicaria and it was very lovely for about a month. It also was quite fragile and would end up all over the ground. I have ordered a stronger variety this year, Phlomis russelina, although it is yellow.
Pholomis russelina
I still have May Night Salvia but it tends to thin as the years go by. I think it may need a rejuvenation this year because it really does like this hot spot on the south side of my home.
Just because it is a perennial does not mean it lasts forever. They require care, many times more than annuals, deadheading and dividing.
This was my Nepeta Walker's Low with Foxglove Grandiflora coming up through it. I kept the foxglove but the Nepeta went up to Wisconsin. It took over the small pathway, lots of bees and did not look good for most of the summer.
I just love this Echinacea Orange Meadowbrite but it is the least hardy of the bright colored coneflowers. I have replaced it a few times and many nurseries have stopped carrying it. The lighter Mango Meadowbrite is much hardier.
I am going to make some changes on the north side, too many hosta. Some hosta will remain but I am going to insert some various shade plants for more interest. For now, the carex grass will remain even though it takes trimming throughout the summer.
Things are always changing in the garden sometimes by choice and other times by necessity!
Visit Tootsie today for Fertilizer Friday . . .
I love the Persicaria, wow! But most impressive is how lush your grounds are. I can't get enough of your photos.
ReplyDeleteJust a taste of what is to come from your gardens. I am looking forward to the pretty flowers. That is a lot of hosta and they are so pretty and healthy looking. I can understand wanting to add more interest though. Hope you have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteYour gardens are so lush and full. It's rather disappointing to learn this coneflower isn't so hardy. It's colour is so vivid too. Have you grown Double Decker? I quite like that one.
ReplyDeleteWell you have your reasons for changing things up a bit...I for one can see no flaws at all!
ReplyDeleteEileen, your garden is so lush and looks enormous from all the photos. I am so impressed by the way you place plants, I could use a tutorial on garden design from you. Just lovely!
ReplyDeleteI am not familar with Persicaria, but I sure do love it in your garden! Everything looked so lush and plus that year. Here is hoping we all have great summer weather (enough rain) to keep it all looking as good this year.
ReplyDeleteLike ONG, I can't get enough of your garden photos, either.
ReplyDeleteVery similar to the Persicaria is Monarda Lombada...I am trying it instead of the Persicaria as it flops for me, too!! Love your climbing rose, too bad it gave you so much trouble!!
ReplyDeleteThanks ONG,
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have the space for Persicaria. I love it, but on my small property it is a challenge.
Eileen
As others have already said...your gardens are so lush. I love the rose..Balisha
ReplyDeleteHi Becca,
ReplyDeleteThe hosta does well on the north side so I hope I am not sorry that I am pulling some out.
Eileen
Hi Shirley,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry about Orange Meadowbrite mostly because it was produced at the Chicago Botanic Garden and the first of the orange and yellow colors.
I replaced a couple again last fall, so we will see if they survived.
Eileen
Thanks Darla, but when something is too much maintenance or looks a mess for most of the season, it's gone.
ReplyDeleteEileen
Hi Karen,
ReplyDeleteMy garden is very small I just have an enormous amount of plants.
Your garden is spectacular so I am not sure who should be giving a tutorial!
Eileen
Zoey, I am with you - certainly don't want to relive last summer. I am already thinking of some of those hot flowers I can plant.
ReplyDeleteEileen
Thanks Allan,
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get out there and take some photos of things that are sprouting, not much yet!
Eileen
Hi Sissy,
ReplyDeleteI will check into that Monarda. The New Dawn rose was gorgeous, but the bloom time was short, very vigorous grower and we were getting caught on the thorns when walking through the arbors.
It would look great on a large property away from the patio.
Eileen
Hi Balisha,
ReplyDeleteThe roses were gorgeous but they are now history,for the above reasons. I have replaced them with clematis much more body friendly.
Eileen
I love the height you are getting along the fence with the persicaria. V
ReplyDeleteTo my eyes, it all looked fabulous but I can understand why you would want to make changes especially when things become very hard work.
ReplyDeleteWe will all be waiting patiently for the new photos from this year ... and waiting to see how fabulous it all looks with a few tweaks here and there.
The rose was absolutely stunning, by the way!
I know Bernie, I hate to show things in their prime and then say they didn't work out. But, you know what I mean, they bloom beautifully and then peter out.
ReplyDeleteEileen
Hi Gardening,
ReplyDeleteOn a small lot vertical is the only way to go.
Eileen
Love it, Eileen ... 'as the garden grows'!
ReplyDeleteI love your garden photos. Oh how I long for those sunny, bright days once again.
ReplyDeletewe woke up to 3 more inches of snow today!!! HELLO!!! MOTHER NATURE? IT'S MARCH....TIME TO MELT!!!
ReplyDeletethanks for linking in this week!