joene's garden » salvia

Determination and resolution – a Connecticut Garden in November

joenesgarden — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 13:38:25 +0000

November is at the half-point – the time when garden bloggers share what they find blooming in their gardens through the meme, Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day, run by Carol at May Dreams Gardens. After a cup of warm morning coffee I took a stroll in my Connecticut gardens to see what my camera could catch.

I'm perennially in awe at the plants determined to bloom, even after cold has settled over their beds. The biggest surprise was one particularly determined impatiens that somehow found a spot to self-sow along the foundation of my house where it remained hidden until much larger hosta plants succumbed to autumn's chill. Then the determined heat-lover sent out a flower in one defiant last stand, as if battling for attention next to another volunteer – a foxglove that will find a new home next spring.

Alpine strawberries and salvia are equally determined to continue their bloom, but this is not as much a surprise considering their greater tolerance for cold temperatures.

Then I found this Black-eyed Susan hiding under the protective cover of a large buddleia still waiting for its autumn trim.

Still, most of the plants gracing my gardens seem resigned to the season. Coneflowers long ago went to seed while miscanthus puts on its feathery fall show.

Ilex, covered in berries before birds stopped by for a meal, now hold onto only the well hidden berries. Thankfully, winterberry still shines brightly along the front walkway.

It's easy to overlook blossoms when beech trees steal the show, but November's Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day encourages one to go sleuthing for hidden treasures.

Head over to May Dreams Gardens to witness a bouquet of blooms from others' gardens.

Categories: Bloom Day, Seasons.
Tags: Alpine strawberry, autumn colors, beech, Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day, gardening in Connecticut, Ilex, impatiens, miscanthus, salvia, winterberry.

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Bloomin’ September

joenesgarden — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 09:00:00 +0000

With just half an inch registering on the rain gauge in the last few weeks and minimal watering on this gardener's part, it's a wonder of nature that so many plants are still attractive. Connecticut is officially about 5.5 inches below normal rainfall amounts for the year.

Lack of rain does not stop the need to transplant and tidy, harvest and can, and ready houseplants for their move back inside. Between these tasks I pause at every opportunity to marvel at the beauty of late-season bloomers and colors.

Bright orange tropical hibiscus scream «LOOK AT ME!»

Salvia stands deep, deep blue in front of coleus limelight.

A late lavender blossom tries to show up zinnia angustifolia, an easy-to-grow-from-seed annual that quietly blooms till frost.

Whites and pinks fill my gardens right now.

Here is a clematis paniculata dances above cosmos blooms. The clematis volunteered elsewhere but thrives after careful transplantation to it's current location.

Echinacea peeks out from behind a garlic chive flower. Lady chive must enjoy it's bloom time now before it's caretaker chops off it's head to prevent it from propagating. Don't let this late season beauty fool you – she will spread to all parts of your garden and, once sprouted, she does not give up her ground easily.

Pink carries on in Sedum 'Maestro,' one of the late season blossoms bees love.

But lavender comes to light in curly chives, set off here against the gray-green of santolina.

And, purples show up in hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmer' and phlox paniculata 'Blue Paradise'

Still, autumn's shades are evident as summer draws to a close. Dogwood leaves dress in a fashionable plum and berries of Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red' live up to their name.

Today, garden bloggers take center stage at May Dreams Gardens where Carol hosts Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day. Head to May Dreams Gardens to see the glorious blossoms shining during this last Garden Blogger's Bloom Day for summer 2010. Soon it will be time to embrace the beauty of autumn. Happy gardening everyone.

Categories: Bloom Day, Focus on Flowers.
Tags: clematis, coleus, curly chives, dogwood, echinacea, Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day, gardening in Connecticut, garlic chives, hydrangea, lavender, phlox, salvia, sedum, winterberry, zinnia.

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Lingering …

joenesgarden — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:00:13 +0000

November 4, 2009. Annual salvia and ageratum continue to bloom in spite of the cold. Towering nearby are 6 foot tall cosmos that seem to reach for the sun's dwindling warmth, while the smaller cosmos bloom shown here hugs the ground. South-central Connecticut has seen light frosts, and even a light snow on October 15. The plants most susceptible to 30 degree temperatures have given up the ghost. But lingering still are the hardier garden souls, holding onto one or even a few stunning blossoms while the autumn leaves swirl around them. The photos here were all shot just before dusk today.

Lavender and scabiosa perennials refuse to stop their show until heavier frost forces them to sleep.

This one last hydrangea bloom, intentionally left on the plant so I can observe its progression of color, has looked just like this for more than a month, except now with the leaves turning purple as well, the blossom has taken on new beauty.

And, finally … it is worth the minimal time and effort needed to move blooming gerbera plants into a sheltered spot where they can blossom as long as they choose. I picked this blossom yesterday. Another one is on its way, all because I moved it out of the frosty outdoors and have it sitting on a table near a sunny window in my garage.

Enjoy the last of the season's blooms. Once these are gone, it will be time to focus on nature's other gifts. Are there blossoms still lingering in your garden?

Categories: Focus on Flowers, Seasons.
Tags: ageratum, cosmos, gardening in Connecticut, gerbera, hydrangea, lavender, lingering autumn blossoms, salvia, scabiosa.

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