Many years ago while out on an early summer walk, I came across a fairy-tale garden of such enchanting beauty that it stopped me in my tracks.
Hollyhocks (Photo by Kirsten Riemer on Pixabay)
I vividly remember an abundance of towering multicolored hollyhocks and lavender spires of foxglove along with a supporting cast of many other vintage beauties, all combined in a seemingly random but oh-so visually pleasing way. As I stared in awe and admiration, I wondered what it was about this particular garden that spoke to me?
Foxglove (Photo by Holger Schue on Pixabay)
While taking in the beauty of those pleasing blooms, I experienced a wondrous feeling as though I had been transported to a long-ago place and time! In that serendipitous moment, I discovered the old-fashioned style that I wanted to recreate in my own flower beds, one that would connect me to beautiful gardens of the past.
Romantic Roses (Photo by Rebekka D on Pixabay)
An old-fashioned flower garden can include any mix of shrubs, perennials, biennials and annual flowers that have been grown for generations. Some of these plants may bring back fond memories of grandmother’s garden or have an association with a special event in our lives while others carry a delightful fragrance that we simply can’t live without. All are classic plants we’ve come to recognize as cherished old friends!
Fragrant Lilacs (Photo by Sofia Livarinen on Pixabay)
A good place to begin an old-fashioned garden is with some romantic shrubs. Lilacs, Hydrangeas and Vintage Roses are three classics that can create the backbone of your garden. Next, you’ll want to add perennials and biennials such as Bleeding Heart, Peonies, Violets, Lily of the Valley, Forget-Me-Not, Foxglove, Hollyhocks, Ladybells, Lavender and Columbine. Annuals will fill any blooming gaps with ongoing flower power, so be sure to add a variety for season-long color. Some great choices are Sweet Peas, Petunias, Cosmos, Four O’Clocks, Pansies, Marigolds, Zinnias and Heliotrope. If you like to get an early start on blooms, there are also many heirloom flower bulb varieties such as Snowdrops, Daffodils, Grape Hyacinth and Tulips that you can tuck in around your other plants.
Peonies (Photo by Jill Wellington on Pixabay)
The shrubs, plants and bulbs mentioned above are just a small sampling of what you can use to create your own old-fashioned garden. Whether you make it formal and structured or keep it casual and carefree, the only hard and fast rule here is to include plants that you love!
Lavender and Pollinators (Photo by Annette Meyer on Pixabay)
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Succulents are all the rage these days and for good reason. By storing water in their leaves and stems, succulents are able to tolerate extended periods of dryness which makes them popular as low-maintenance houseplants. Many succulents are also super-hardy and perfect for growing outside in Northern gardens. Exotic and stunningly beautiful with a vast array of colors, textures, forms and flowers, they lend themselves easily to creating fantastic works of succulent plant art!
An outdoor succulent garden (Photo courtesy Yen Vu on Unsplash)
If you’re thinking about planting an outdoor succulent garden, look for tough varieties that will overwinter in your hardiness zone. Succulents love sunlight but too much hot sun can burn the leaves, so an area that receives some afternoon shade is best, even up North. Alternatively, growing hardy succulents in pots is a great way to familiarize yourself with different plant types on a smaller scale, and you can easily move the pots around during the growing season as the amount of sunlight they receive changes.
A variety of potted succulents (Photo courtesy Pixabay)
Although succulents are largely touted as ‘low-maintenance,’ that doesn’t mean ‘no maintenance’ for all plants depend on us to supply the conditions they need to thrive. But luckily for us, the needs of succulents are simple: They don’t like to be waterlogged so always plant in pots with good drainage holes, water only when dry, and use a fast-draining potting mix specially made for cactus and succulents. Before you jump in and buy a tray of assorted succulents, however, think carefully about the conditions in your home or garden and where you intend to grow them.
It’s easy to get creative with succulents (Photo courtesy Pixabay)
Since most of us won’t be able to plant outdoors for a few more months, today I’m going to focus on soft or tender succulents, those plants which have less cold tolerance and are better suited to growing in the comfortable warmth of our homes. If you have a south or west-facing window, you are fortunate indeed, because most succulents love and grow best with bright light. Give them your sunniest indoor spot for the best results!
ALOE, ALOE VERA
Aloe Vera plants can grow into impressive specimens (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
One of the most popular succulents by far is the classic AloeVera, a plant that boasts a healing gel contained in its thick leaves which can be used to soothe burns, cuts and skin irritations. For this reason alone, every home should have one, but these aloes are also strikingly attractive as they slowly grow into large vertical accent plants. If you’d prefer a shorter or more chunky variety to grow in a grouped planting, there are many different aloes to choose from, so go ahead and explore until you find the right one for you.
STRING OF PEARLS (SENECIO ROWLEYANUS)
String of Pearls is a little charmer (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
A small but versatile and easy-to-grow vine, String of Pearls is charming grown in a hanging pot where its tendrils of tiny round green pearls will cascade gracefully over the edge. It’s also a great succulent to use as a frilly skirt around the edge of bolder-leaved plants such as aloes or agaves and adds a waterfall of whimsey to potted succulent groupings.
FLAMING KATY (KALANCHOE BLOSSFELDIANA)
Flaming Katy blooms for weeks in winter (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Kalanchoes are cheerful winter bloomers that fill the ‘thriller’ role by adding height and bright color to succulent groupings. They also look great on their own in brilliant shades of orange, red, yellow, pink and sparkling white. However you display them, these plants appreciate a warm room and your brightest window to encourage repeat flowering.
ELEPHANT BUSH (PORTULACARIA AFRA)
Elephant Bush is an unusual and colorful indoor succulent (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
In its native habitat of South Africa where elephants consider it a delicacy, Elephant Bush can grow to 20 feet, but placed on our windowsills with other succulents, these colorful plants are easily kept as multi-stemmed miniature bushes. The teardrop-shaped leaves tend to be small and sometimes variegated and the stems are usually a bright pink or red which complements other plant colors nearby.
BURRO’S TAIL (SEDUM MORGANIANUM)
Burro’s Tail adds a touch of softness to succulent groupings (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Everyone loves the trailing and bushy Burro’s Tail for filling in around other plants where it will eventually cascade over the side. It also makes quite a specimen planted on its own in a hanging pot. With its plump frosted blue-green leaves and trailing stems, Burro’s Tail adds a softness that goes well with other pastel-colored succulents.
GHOST PLANT (GRAPTOPETALUM PARAGUAYENSE)
Ghost Plants have a unique pastel coloration (Photo courtesy Pixabay)
With a classic rosette shape, the Ghost Plant magically changes its subtle coloration depending on how much light it receives. Grown in our homes these plants usually tend to paler shades of pastel blue and silver with tinges of pink or purple. Ghost Plants also sport a waxy or frosty coating known as ‘farina’ which adds to their unique opalescent appearance. Perfect grouped with other rosette succulents or any of the plants mentioned above, they can also be grown singly to become large specimens, slowly spreading and producing more rosettes on trailing stems.
(Photo courtesy Silvia Agrasar on Unsplash)
The beauty of these succulents is that they can all be grown on their own in a single pot or grouped together in a larger pot, depending upon the space limitations and light conditions in your home. Before you begin, invest in a good succulent book for beginners, then start small with 3 to 6 plants from a reputable grower and learn about your succulents’ needs before moving on to more challenging varieties and/or creative projects. I’ve included some helpful links below to help you get started on your succulent journey!
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January is garden reading month, that blissfully quiet time of year after the busy holidays and before the spring chores beg my attention. It’s a time of catalog browsing, planning and looking forward to the new planting season ahead. As the winter winds blow and snow piles up outside, grab a cozy afghan and comforting cup of tea and go digging through some inspirational books of the garden variety!
I love to create indoor gardens by grouping houseplants (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
While recovering from the flu over Christmas, I had a chance to check out some seriously enjoyable plant and garden-related books which I’m convinced helped me to feel better fast. Apparently, even just reading about gardening is good for one’s health!
Tiny succulent gardens take up little space and require minimal care (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
My latest plant obsession is the world of succulents and I just finished a few books I’d like to share with you. Succulents are amazingly tough houseplants that store water in their leaves and laugh at the dry winter air in our homes, making them perfect companions for those who frequently travel or just enjoy a busy lifestyle which doesn’t include coddling plants. There are also many hardy varieties of succulents that will easily fill our water-wise outdoor gardens and make colorful, artsy and unique containers! The following are great reads on the subject:
Designing with Succulents – Debra Lee Baldwin
Growing Succulents Indoors– Cassidy Tuttle
Essential Succulents: The Beginners Guide – Ken Shelf
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Ferns enjoying soft winter sunlight (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
I’m passionate about my houseplants and have quite a large collection of green friends who share my home and every available ray of sunlight. From begonias and delicate-looking ferns to flowering orchids and amaryllis, they delight me with their beauty all year but most especially during the long winter months. Over the years I’ve read many books on houseplants but those written by Tovah Martin are amongst my favorites and include:
The Indestructible Houseplant
The Unexpected Houseplant
Well-Clad Windowsills
There’s no doubt that gardening enriches our lives in countless ways but there are so many books on the subject that sometimes it’s overwhelming to wade through them all. Whether you’re new to gardening or an old veteran, I suggest looking for a specific topic or garden style that’s dear to your heart such as organic vegetable gardening, xeriscaping, growing herbs, native plants and/or pollinator gardens. If you don’t have access to a garden or perhaps have physical limitations that would make digging in the dirt difficult, how about exploring containers or windowsill gardening? No matter what your situation, there’s a gardening book for everyone, so go ahead and explore something new!
Succulents make unique containers (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen, courtesy Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens)
Some excellent general gardening books include:
Gardening Without Work – Ruth Stout
The VegetableGardener’s Container Bible – Edward C Smith
Rodale’s No-Fail Flower Garden – Rodale Press
Hardy Succulents – Gwen Moore Kelaidis
I hope you’ll take advantage of these peaceful winter days and soak up some good gardening vibes through the pages of a book. There is always something new to learn and winter is the perfect time for reading!
For so many of us, Thanksgiving and Christmas are a time of reflecting on our many blessings! As I gather with family and friends this season, I’m reminded how it’s the little things that truly matter in life, for they bring us the most heartfelt joy and contentment.
A peaceful autumn scene
Over the past year, I’ve captured many magical moments in photographs. Come with me on a visual journey as I work my way back through the months and give thanks for all that has brought me to this place of gratitude!
The last Monarch of the season
Whether walking in the woods or tending my gardens, I am always close to nature and continually awestruck by her infinite beauty. It seems that every day there is something new to surprise me! On a late October afternoon, a Monarch butterfly was the last thing I expected to see but my bright orange zinnias drew her to the garden for a final visit.
A Barred Owl took up residence in the yard this summer
Birds, bees, butterflies and other creatures are my constant outdoor companions, but catching them with the camera is not always easy! The photo of the owl was taken one early summer morning when all was quiet and still. I had taken my cup of coffee out on the deck where I stood enjoying the peaceful scene. The slightest movement suddenly caught my eye and there it was! Spotting the large bird sitting in a nearby tree, I had to quietly (and quickly!) rush back inside to grab my camera. When I returned, the owl remained perched on the branch and graciously posed for me!
Hummingbirds are frequent garden visitors
Hummingbirds seem to be everywhere you look during the warm summer months, but their quick darting movements make them difficult to capture in a photo. Flowers, however, are always happy to present themselves in stunning stillness.
Daylily ‘Lady Elizabeth’ is a regal July beauty
There is nothing that feeds my soul like my beautiful flower gardens. I live for the divine thrill of watching buds open! Even though many of my plants and shrubs are old friends, the pleasure I find in gazing upon each fresh bloom never gets old. Every year brings more botanical surprises to delight my eyes as the gardens change anew.
May blooms opening to the sun
As the first snowdrops push through the snow, their tiny white flowers opening to the warmth of the early spring sun, I’m once again struck by the power of rebirth and the circle of life. In spring, the earth is born again and I with it!
Spring blooming bulbs always bring a smile to my face
Today, I give thanks for all the little things that bring me joy, for those special moments that make up each day of my life and for the unconditional love of family and friends that sustains me. There is so much to be grateful for!
No season is without beauty and inspiration
All photos by Nancy Marie Allen
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Winter interest in the yard and garden can be many things. For some, it’s as simple as a piece of standing sculpture, an archway or a birdbath decorated with evergreens. For others, it can be rugged conifers or bare trees with striking bark or branch patterns. Left standing in the garden, dried flowers, seed heads, pods and tall grasses add drama when they catch the first snow. Creating interest is all about drawing our winter-weary eyes to something beautiful in the landscape, but many of the plants and shrubs we grow can also be used in crafting wreaths, swags and seasonal arrangements.
Dogwood branches and berries in holiday arrangements (Photo by Proven Winners)
I’m fortunate to have quite a bit of winter greenery around my yard. There are several large rhododendrons, mountain laurel and andromeda shrubs. Hemlocks and Eastern white pines grow everywhere and range from huge trees towering in height to round little youngsters just filling out and perfectly sized for outdoor pots. I use the evergreen branches of all of these for fresh holiday decorations; but next year I’d like to add some bright colors to my winter landscape, not only to create more interest outdoors but to add some excitement indoors as well.
Dried astilbe flowers and winterberry sprigs in a simple potted arrangement (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Since deer love to browse on holly in my area, I have to look elsewhere for those bright pops of color. One hardy native shrub that is deer-resistant and produces abundant berries is the deciduous holly, ilex verticillata, commonly known as Winterberry. Some varieties to consider are ‘Berry Heavy’ and ‘Berry Heavy Gold’ which grow to about six feet or ‘Berry Poppins’ which grows to about four feet tall. These female winterberries need a male pollinator such as ‘Mr. Poppins’ planted nearby to ensure lots of colorful berries come fall.
‘Berry Heavy Gold’ (Photo by Proven Winners)
Native to North America and deer-resistant, dogwoods make a bold statement in the winter landscape. Red-twig dogwood ‘Arctic Fire’ is another deciduous shrub whose stems turn a fiery red in fall and winter. Its cousin, cornussanguinea ‘Arctic Sun,’ produces stems in shades of coral, orange and gold. These remarkably bright shrubs actually benefit from the yearly pruning that takes place when we gather their branches for holiday decor. Super hardy, they’re also tolerant of some shade and a wide range of soils. They also easily fit into smaller yards and gardens at three to five feet tall.
Cornus ‘Arctic Sun’ (Photo by White Flower Farm)
Evergreen Pieris or Lily of the Valley Shrub is one of my winter favorites and a new kid on the block has recently caught my eye. Becoming available from Proven Winners in 2020, ‘Interstella’ is described as a compact variety that blooms in late winter with abundant dark pink dangling flowers. ‘Interstella’ is also deer-resistant, very shade tolerant and hardy to zone 5. If you’d like to learn more about growing Pieris, check out my earlier blog https://nancymarieallen.com/pieris-a-shrub-for-all-seasons.
‘Interstella’ Lily of the Valley Shrub is a late winter beauty! (Photo by Proven Winners)
These are only a small sampling of the many varieties of plants and shrubs that can brighten our winters inside and out with their beauty. I’m looking forward to adding a few to my own yard this spring and hope I’ve inspired you to do the same!
The dangling flower buds and shiny leaves of this old-variety Japanese Pieris are stunning combined with other greens in holiday arrangements (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
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Walking by my neighbors’ home this week, my eye was drawn to some striking fall color in their flower garden. Inspired by this unexpected beauty, I decided to take a few photos of my own perennials in their final autumn glory.
Many garden plants echo the golds and reds found in the trees around us, but there are also shades of bright chartreuse, copper, bronze and purple.
‘Monsieur Jules Elie’ Peony celebrates fall with bright green, copper-kissed foliage
My humble blue balloon flower, a quiet presence in the summer, becomes one of the most striking plants in the fall garden as its foliage turns to shades of maroon, bronze and gold.
Platycodon grandiflorus, the common balloon flower, dressed in fall colors
Tall perennial grasses become the focal point of many autumn gardens! The little bluestem pictured below is one plant that manages to encompass all the colors of fall.
Perennial Grass ‘Twilight Zone’ is a festival of fall colors
In the herb garden, silvery Berggarten Sage becomes even more attractive in the cooler days of fall.
Berggarten Sage really stands out in the fall garden
Variegated Solomon’s Seal is a popular shade plant known for its white-edged green leaves. By October, however, it transforms itself into one of the brightest spots in the garden with sunny yellow foliage.
The bright yellow foliage of Variegated Solomon’s Seal complements the cool blue of nearby Lamb’s Ears
The common hosta is another plant that ages gracefully, many turning bright gold before dying back to the ground!
A large blue-leaved hosta is boldly rimmed in gold
Penstemon is a hardy perennial plant well worth growing for its brilliant fall foliage alone!
Penstemon ‘Dark Towers’ is striking in rich shades of purple and green
Last but not least are the many native ferns slowly aging to the softest autumn gold.
Native ferns have a delicate fall beauty all their own
Here in New England, we are blessed with some of the most breathtaking fall foliage color in the country, perhaps even the world! As we drive or walk the country roads around us, our eyes are constantly being drawn upwards and onwards toward the trees. But closer to the ground and right in our own gardens, another fall foliage party is quietly taking place and it’s one that shouldn’t be missed!
This beautiful autumn scene is right next door to our property
All photos above taken by Nancy Marie Allen
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For a great selection of gardening magazines and more: Magazine-Agent.com
We’re now past mid-October and have suffered several nights near freezing here in Northeastern Massachusetts. As I walk around the yard and look at the gardens, most of my late-blooming perennials have already called it quits and are bedding down for the winter under a soft blanket of leaves. But wait! Amazingly, there are still some plants blooming, and even more amazing is that they’re all tender annuals!
Tall salvia ‘Rockin Deep Purple’ was a great companion to my large perennials (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Annuals are plants that are not hardy enough to survive New England winters but even though they are short-lived, many are happy to spread their seeds around, so watch for little volunteers come spring. Unlike perennial plants that return year after year, annuals have one season of life but, boy, do they make the best of it in terms of flower power!
A border of Marigolds still going strong in mid-October (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Strongly scented MARIGOLDS are classic cottage garden plants and I’ve grown them every year since I started gardening! Their cheerful blooms can be open discs, prettily ruffled posies or rounded powder puffs in colors that range from white and yellow to dark red and even bicolors. Marigolds are reputed to repel pests in the vegetable garden such as root-devouring nematodes and tomato hornworms as well as rabbits and deer. They also attract beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies and tiny wasps.
Butterflies can’t resist Marigolds (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Annual sage or SALVIA is another long bloomer that comes in colors ranging from white, pink, red and blue to the deepest purple. Although many are in the 12 to 18-inch height range, perfect for pots and the front of the border, some can grow to an impressive 40 inches. You can learn more about the striking salvias I grew this summer in my blog A Tale of Three Salvias but let me just say that as of today all three are still a strong presence in the garden.
Autumn vignette with Salvias, Zinnias, Lamb’s Ears, Solomon’s Seal and Asters (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Sun-loving ZINNIAS are prolific bloomers that come in a huge array of sizes, colors, and flower shapes. In my Zone 6 garden, zinnias can be slow growers until the weather really heats up in July but, once they get going, they’re unstoppable. This year I planted zinnias from the aptly named ‘Profusion’ series and was very pleased with their vigorous habit and abundance of blooms. Heat, drought and mildew resistant, these zinnias are extremely long-lasting in the garden as well as in bouquets, and every garden should include some of these beauties!
Zinnias love a warm, sunny site (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
EUPHORBIAS are not as well known as other annuals but have become more popular in recent years. ‘Diamond Frost’ and ‘Diamond Mountain’ are two varieties that don’t disappoint in their vigor and resistance to disease, heat, drought and even cold. Their delicate appearance belies an extremely tough constitution! The tiny white flowers are produced in abundant sprays all season long and create a cloud of sparkling blooms that contrast nicely with other plants. I like to use euphorbias as an edging to flower beds, as a filler in pots, or as an accent next to bolder leaved companions such as lavender or yucca.
Euphorbia ‘Diamond Mountain’ adds a sparkle of soft white to the garden (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Old-fashioned NASTURTIUMS bloom in colors ranging from the softest creamy white to the darkest red. They vary in habit from well-behaved bedding plants to large rambling or climbing vines, but they all sport rounded blue-green leaves and vivid flowers shaped like a woodland fairy’s cap. Nasturtiums grow best in full sun but they don’t like the intense heat of summer, preferring the cooler days of late spring and fall. Easy to grow from seed once the soil has warmed up, make sure to place them where you want them to stay since nasturtiums resent being moved. In fact, they seem to thrive on neglect, so it’s best to plant them and forget them, then sit back and enjoy the show!
Nasturtium ‘Empress of India’ with ferns (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
These are just a few of the many beautiful annuals available to gardeners every year. This spring, find colors that you love, mix and match with perennials, and plant with abandon for non-stop blooms!
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September and October have been very busy gardening months for me so I’d like to share some of what’s been keeping me outdoors and digging up my yard!
The thing I really love about gardening is that if a design doesn’t work, you can always change it. This autumn I decided to rearrange and enlarge my shade garden, a smallish space that included a birdbath, ajuga, bleeding heart, hostas, ferns, brunnera, a clematis and cimicifuga (bugbane) planted together in a tiny tapestry of color and form. (In the photo below the old-fashioned pink bleeding heart has already gone dormant and the purple clematis isn’t visible) I had originally planted the bugbane off to one side of the birdbath on the right and placed two large hostas behind it but after a few years this large plant overwhelmed the hostas, hiding them from view, and limiting the morning sunlight they received. I had to rethink my design and reposition these plants to enhance their beauty and create a more pleasing vignette. At the same time, I wanted to expand the overall size of the garden using plants I already had on hand.
The original shade garden (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Once the weather cooled off in mid-September I dug up the cimicifuga, separated it into three clumps and repositioned these in back of the garden. Although these plants and most of the green lady ferns have already died back and are not visible in the following photos, they will create a tall backdrop for next year’s garden. The large ‘Royal Standard’ hosta (which you can see behind the birdbath above) was relocated to the space vacated by the bugbane where it will receive the extra sun needed for abundant blooms. A ‘Gold Standard’ hosta was moved to the left and a little behind the brunnera to brighten up that darker area. After moving these plants to their new homes, the stage was set to add more shade plants and expand the existing garden.
Variegated Solomon’s Seal will add a vertical accent and glimmer of white behind the blue brunnera while golden hostas and Creeping Jenny will draw the eye in (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
On the far left side where the shade from a hemlock kept the lawn from growing was a similar sized area just right for planting with more shady beauties. In the spring I’d incorporated some compost into the soil and added some Sweet Woodruff to quickly fill in and cover ground. A layer of mulch kept it moist over the hot and dry summer months. Now, I worked filling the space just to the right of this groundcover with more compost and shade-loving plants. A white ‘Bridal Veil’ astilbe, some variegated Solomon’s Seal, a small white-edged hosta and ‘White Nancy’ lamium were added to the garden while more Japanese painted ferns were repeated, marrying the old design with the new. I continued by spreading the dark purple rosettes of ‘Black Scallop’ ajuga and tendrils of bright ‘Creeping Jenny’ in the foreground to define and soften the curvy edge. When all the perennials were in, I added 50 critter-proof bulbs of allium ‘Cowanii’ for striking white accent blooms in late spring and early summer.
Next spring the newly planted left side of the shade garden will fill in with Sweet Woodruff, Japanese painted ferns, ‘Bridal Veil’ astilbe and more hostas (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Although most of the plants are now beaten and bedraggled from several cold nights, you can still imagine how the garden will look next year when each month will bring something new! It’ll be stunning in spring with the blooms of pink Bleeding Heart, the deep purple flower spikes of ajuga, the delicate blue sprays of brunnera and the white flower clusters of Sweet Woodruff; even the Solomon’s Seal will be sporting tiny white bells along its tall stems. As the season progresses, the feathery white plumes of the astilbe, along with the white flowers of the allium bulbs and ‘White Nancy’ lamium, will share the stage with the purple ‘Arabella’ clematis. Summer will bring spikes of hosta blooms in shades of white and pale lavender while the towering cream-colored wands of the cimicifuga will take up the rear. Behind the stone wall, three new Pieris planted in May will slowly join with the mother shrub to form an evergreen and deer-resistant hedge behind the shade garden, uniting it with the woodland beyond.
Pieris shrubs edge the woodland behind the shade garden (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
The varied shades of blue and purple in the foliage of the ajuga, the Japanese painted ferns, the ‘Looking Glass’ brunnera, and large blue-leaved hosta are enhanced by the sunny greens, golds and accents of white also repeated throughout. Even when little or nothing is blooming, the many colors, textures and forms of the shade plants themselves will keep this garden looking lively and bright!
Creeping Jenny behaves best in pots (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
A word of caution! Golden Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’) is an aggressive spreader and considered invasive in many areas. I like to use it in pots and planters where it’s easily contained and nicely fills the role of ‘spiller’ with its trailing habit. However, in the garden, this innocent-looking plant with its tiny bright leaves can spread like wildfire! Each year, I keep it in check by removing large segments and pulling it back from crowding other plants. I’ve found that the ‘Black Scallop’ ajuga, another vigorous spreader, seems to hold its own next to Jenny since its thick mat of rosettes prevents other plants from easily taking hold.
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“Ah, Sweet September, where summer softly lingers and autumn patiently awaits its turn . . .”
‘Little Lime’ hydrangea turning pink (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
September is one of my favorite gardening months! As temperatures begin to cool and rainfall becomes more consistent, it’s the perfect time for planting. Whether you’re working with an existing garden or starting a new one, the following tips will help.
This ‘Autumn Joy’ sedum will soon be joined by the blooms of purple asters (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
CLEAN UP
By late summer, after weeks of intense heat and only sporadic rain, our spring and summer perennials can look a little worn out. Taking some time now to clean up these plants can give your garden a rejuvenated look for fall. I like to move through each garden area and deadhead spent blooms, cut back brown stems and remove tattered leaves. Daylilies are the perfect example of plants that immediately look better after such attention. While you’re at it, pull out any persistent weeds or diseased foliage and dispose of them away from the garden. Don’t compost the debris for you’ll only be spreading disease and weed seeds!
Early September blooms (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
EVALUATE
Now that your garden has been cleaned up, take a good look at what’s remaining. Are there some plants you would like to have more of? Would a certain plant perform better in another area, with more or less sunlight? Are there spaces where you can tuck in a few spring or summer bulbs? Is there something blooming in your neighborhood that catches your eye? Maybe you’d like to add some new fall perennials or shrubs to extend your gardening season. Whatever you want to accomplish in the garden, September is the perfect month to get it all done!
‘Coral Cove’ rose (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
PLAN
I know this is easier said than done, but a little planning in the fall goes a long way come spring. Dream a little, seek inspiration and ask yourself these questions: How much time do you want to spend gardening? What garden style appeals to you? Do you like the look of romantic cottage gardens or lean more towards native plantings and low-maintenance xeriscaping? Do you love the blooms of early spring bulbs? If so, order now for optimum planting time later this month and into October. When looking for new plants, be sure to check on-line for those that thrive in your hardiness zone, soil type and light conditions. The decisions you make now will help create a garden you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Penstemon ‘Dark Towers’ adds autumn color with its burgundy seed pods (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
PLANT
Any planting is best done on a mild cloudy day and before expected rainfall. This is good for the gardener as well as the plants! Now is the time to divide large clumps of perennials and relocate or share the extras. This is a great way to enlarge your garden using what you already have and love! Maybe you want to splurge on that new hydrangea or add asters, sedums and Montauk daisies for more fall color. Many garden centers and websites have late season sales going on right now so take advantage. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with an even more magnificent garden next year!
Dried astilbe flowers and an allium seed head add autumn drama to this planter with ‘White Nancy’ lamium, ‘Miss Montreal’ begonia, and Japanese painted fern (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
CELEBRATE
For instant gardening gratification, how about having some fun redoing your planters? Reuse plants that are still performing well and replace those that are looking ragged. Check with your local garden center for plants that are cold hardy and don’t be afraid to mix annuals with perennials or even small evergreens. Add pumpkins, cornstalks, seed pods and gourds around your freshened pots for even more seasonal drama. It’s time to enjoy and celebrate Sweet September!
Potted hosta lancifolia blooms in September (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
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Every spring I plant several different annuals amongst my perennials and vegetables, and one that I return to faithfully, year after year, is the humble salvia. In today’s blog, I’ll talk about three different salvias that I planted and enjoyed this summer.
Salvia, ‘Rockin Deep Purple,’ is a magnet for hummingbirds (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Ornamental sage or salvia is also known by the not-so-glamorous name of Mealycup Sage because of the powdery, meal-like coating on the flowers. Native to Texas and Mexico where they can grow into sizable shrubs, they are commonly used in the north as tough and reliable annual bedding plants.
Salvia, ‘Rockin Playin The Blues,’ complements late summer colors (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Salvias are invaluable in the garden for their showy long flower spikes in shades of red, white, pink and blue which bloom non-stop until frost. They aren’t bothered by insect pests, tolerate a wide range of soils, grow in sun to part shade, and are heat and drought tolerant. Deer and rabbits also avoid them which is always a plus in my neck of the woods.
Since my late summer gardens are filled with the open, disc-like flowers of zinnias, marigolds, coneflowers and rudbeckia, the long spiky blue and purple flowers of my featured salvias provide a much-needed contrast in color and form. In addition, the bees and butterflies love them and hummingbirds can’t stay away!
Butterflies are drawn to salvias and zinnias (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Hummingbirds are also frequent visitors to the garden (Photo by Walter Allen)
I’ve always had a weakness for blue flowers and several years ago I fell in love with salvia, ‘Victoria Blue.’ About 18 inches tall, and perfectly sized for growing in pots as a focal point, ‘Victoria Blue’ also makes a stellar companion for hot-colored annuals in the garden.
‘Victoria Blue’ sets off the warm colors of marigolds and zinnias (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
In addition to my old friend, Victoria, I treated myself to two new salvias this year which I have never grown before – one blue and the other a deep purple. They are both Proven Winners varieties, a name I have come to trust for plants that don’t disappoint.
Salvia, ‘Rockin Playin The Blues’ is the perfect-sized companion for rudbeckia, ‘Goldsturm’ (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
Salvia, ‘Rockin Playin The Blues,’ is very similar in appearance and habit to ‘Victoria Blue’ but grows much larger in size, from 24 to 48 inches tall. I thought this plant would be perfect next to my tall black-eyed Susans and I wasn’t mistaken.
The third salvia I planted this year is called ‘Rockin Deep Purple,’ an even taller variety that grows up to 40 inches with flower stalks of such a deep purple that they appear almost black when in bud. Stunning with tall white ‘David’ phlox and rosy pink spider flowers, ‘Rockin Deep Purple’ is a striking presence in my late summer garden!
Salvia, ‘Rockin Deep Purple’ (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)
With salvias, late summer into fall color combinations are almost endless. Try pairing with purple fountain grass, coreopsis, dahlias, autumn sedums and more!
Did you know that salvias can also be dried for fall arrangements? ‘Victoria Blue’ works especially well for drying, similar to lavender. Simply cut the flower stalks to the desired length when at their peak. Mid-morning on a sunny day is the best time to do this, after any dew has dried from the plants. Gather a small bunch of stems, tie with string and hang the bundles upside down and away from direct sunlight but where air can circulate around them. A wire coat hanger is great for this and can hold 3 to 4 bundles evenly spaced. Give them a couple of weeks to dry thoroughly and then use with other dried flowers in bouquets or wreaths!
DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links to the companies listed below. When you click through on a link and make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank You!
