"A garden is not a gentle hobby for the elderly, to be picked up and laid down like a game of solitaire. It is a grand passion. It seizes a person whole and once it has done so he will have to accept that his life is going to be radically changed." - May Sarton
So true -
My life has been changed by this beautiful place, a place of peace, a place of glory, a place of hard work and challenges. I don't know what I'd do with myself if I didn't have a garden!
My late summer garden looks like this:
Lythrum, much loved by bees, can be invasive. I'm keeping a close eye on it.
I have numerous Verbena bonariensis plants (self-sowing annuals) throughout my gardens. The butterflies adore it.
I planted an heirloom sunflower mix - here's one, and below an even prettier one.
A broader view
Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm' is a staple in my late summer/fall gardens.
The tomatoes are doing great!
A few of my herbs
Pretty cleome
Love this area of the garden. I call it the "Rocky Garden" as there are many large rocks for landscaping there.
Buck rose 'Carefree Beauty'
An unidentified clematis - it was supposed to be 'Louise Rowe', but I don't think so. Pretty nonetheless!
Clematis 'Crystal Fountain'
The phlox are doing well. I deadhead, hoping for more blooms.
The daylilies are slowing down. Still blooming above is 'Planet Max' and below 'Virginia B. Hansen.'
On the left, 'Perfect Pink Princess;' front and center, 'Frans Hals.'
The swamp milkweed prepares to spread. :)
The dainty lavender flowers are apparently from a self-sowing annual. I planted this last year, and it came back; I don't know the name of it.
Sweet Tortie, my garden buddy
I hope you are all enjoying your summer!
