Sunday, August 19, 2012

Blooms for the Blues

Post-vacation blues, the August heat, and a gimpy arm (yes, again!) have had me a little down in the dumps lately, so I thought a look back through some garden pictures might cheer me up a little.  Here are a few pictures before the repeated triple digits took their toll on the plants...and me.


Now that's a cheerful sight for sad eyes and a sore arm :-)  

The Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm' has taken center stage in my garden this summer.   Last year they suffered so with the drought, but this year they have done much better.


Other perennials near the front walk are Summer Phlox, 'Henry' and 'Augusta Duelberg' Salvia, 'King Humbert' Canna, and 'Karley Rose' Fountain Grass.

The Rudbeckia-Phlox-Canna combination is at work in the backyard, too,


And more Rudbeckia blooming on the other side of the backyard with Salvia guaranitica 'Black & Blue' and 'Bengal Tiger' Canna behind


In the front perennial bed, here is the Rudbeckia again, paired this time with 'May Night' Salvia and annual 'Profusion' Zinnias.


Now here are some blues to take away the blues.

New on the summer scene is Clematis 'Jackmanii'.   I am growing this vine on an obelisk surrounded by daylilies that were given to me by a friend.    The daylilies are all in varying peach and yellow tones, and they bloomed in May and June.  



This last one is called 'Parade of Peacocks.'

Some great replenishing rains have come to my summer-weary garden this week, so hopefully it will start perking up again.    

And hopefully I will, too.

Toni :-)



12 comments:

  1. I hope you're feeling better!! At least this summer isn't as brutal as last summer was. Your garden looks great, as usual. :o) I have rudbeckia and phlox planted together, too. It's a cheerful combination.

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  2. My rudbeckia is doing well too, I'm afraid I may lose some plants this year due to lack of rain but maybe we'll start getting some now. We didn't have triple digit temps, but many in the 90's which is hot for us. I had a gimpy arm last year, it really cut into my gardening.

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  3. Nice! My Rudbeckias are doing very well this year, too. I hope you feel better soon! No fun to be injured/ill during the summer.

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  4. So sorry that your arm is hurting again. I hope you feel better soon! Looking back at inspiring photos definitely puts one in a better mood. Your garden is stunning! Love all the summer color!

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  5. Toni... I'm so sorry to hear that your arm is causing problems again... I do understand how discouraging that can be as you know. After a full year, I am starting to get a bit more use out of mine... I guess the lesson is that these things take time so please don't overdo... best wishes from Wisconsin... Larry

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  6. I hope that your arm is better soon. Your garden is looking terrific and that must lift your spirits.

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  7. Beautiful photographs, fantastic flowers, beautiful colours. I am greeting

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  8. Love love your garden! Hopefully, one day my backyard will look as full and vibrant as your beds. Was curious how you use your greenhouse here in Texas, with our blstering heat! I'd like to purchase a small one, but would love to hear how you use yours! Thanks!

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    1. I don't use the greenhouse during the summer other than for pot storage. I store tender plants in it over the winter and use at least a 100 watt bulb to heat it. My green house is only about 3 feet deep and 6 feet wide, so it is very small.

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  9. Toni, we just moved to Rockwall...not too far from you. We came from Edmond, Oklahoma where we had an absolutely beautiful yard and pond. Of course, it took several years to make it look great. I've sure been missing it but seeing your gorgeous yard makes me happy! One great thing is that there are several plants that I love that are annuals in Oklahoma and might be perennial here. Can't wait to find out! Our yard is a blank slate waiting for attention.

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  10. Oh no, so sorry to hear you're gimpy again. Your garden is as usual, stunning. You have a real talent, Toni. Praying that you find some relief soon and until then that you'll have some peace.

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