I hope everyone is having a marvelous summer! I can't believe it is already nearing the end of July. I have had a busy couple of months but have managed to spend a little time outside enjoying my garden. I didn't plant as many annuals this year. Mostly money prohibited me from going all out, but I did manage to add a few new things.
One new addition was this gorgeous Clematis. It is the Kilian Donahue variety.
It has done surprisingly well in its large pot. I am hoping I can trim it back and get it to hold over the winter in the pot. It is supposed to be very hardy. We will see.
It has done surprisingly well in its large pot. I am hoping I can trim it back and get it to hold over the winter in the pot. It is supposed to be very hardy. We will see.
Isn't the bloom just beautiful? Despite our very hot, dry summer it has added new growth and has continued to bloom. I love how the blossom looks like suede and just look at that beautiful Calyx!
Last season I planted several Lavender plants because I really love Lavender. My mom advised me against it because they are generally not hardy enough to survive our cold and snowy winters. If you missed seeing what my house looks like in the winter, click here! You might understand her skepticism.
I chose three different varieties of Lavender: Provence, Grosso and Mitcham Grey. These varieties seemed to have the best chance of living through the winter. I purchased my lavender plants at the High Country Gardens store, but you can order them from their website as well. I highly recommend High County Gardens. You won't be disappointed in the quality of their plants.
I planted my lavenders against the South side of our house hoping the heat would radiate and help keep them warm. I think my theory worked, because not only did they live, but this year two of the three plants have thrived! I'm pretty excited. I just harvested the stems from the Grosso plant and they are now drying inside. I can't believe I forgot to take some pictures before I cut the stems!
Isn't it pretty? My family room smells lovely!
I chose three different varieties of Lavender: Provence, Grosso and Mitcham Grey. These varieties seemed to have the best chance of living through the winter. I purchased my lavender plants at the High Country Gardens store, but you can order them from their website as well. I highly recommend High County Gardens. You won't be disappointed in the quality of their plants.
I planted my lavenders against the South side of our house hoping the heat would radiate and help keep them warm. I think my theory worked, because not only did they live, but this year two of the three plants have thrived! I'm pretty excited. I just harvested the stems from the Grosso plant and they are now drying inside. I can't believe I forgot to take some pictures before I cut the stems!
Isn't it pretty? My family room smells lovely!
The Mitcham Grey didn't do as well as the Grosso and Provence, but it lived and it did produce some blooms. I'm hopeful that it will do better next year. I have dreams of lavender like the photos on my Lavender Pinterest board. Click here if you would like to see it!
Maybe I will have enough to make a gorgeous wreath like this one I saw at Designed on Sunshine!
You must check out Melanie's blog. She creates the most beautiful things!
Looking forward to enjoying some more lovely blooms in my yard before Autumn arrives. It will be here before I know it. What new things are growing in your garden this summer?
