Gardening is proving to be a challenge this month with the lack of rainfall during the Spring, temperatures near record highs, and then a deluge of over 13” of rain in May. Luckily, I was able to take a garden trip to the Chelsea Flower Show and the most exquisite English private homes where I inhaled the beauty of the natural landscapes and colorful border gardens, luxuriated in temperatures between 45 and 65 degrees, and able to ooh and ah, and gush with other garden aficionados. One of my favorite find during my garden tour was a variegated Lily of the Nile in one of the most popular Royal Horticultural Society’s Wisely gardens. I want one! (or three).
Variegated Lily of the Nile. Agapanthus africanus.
The English rose gardens were outstanding! Hundreds of blooming roses from garden to garden.
From top to bottom, left to right. ‘My Valentine’, ‘The Lady Gardener’, ‘Lagerfield’, ‘Aphrodite’, ‘Lyda’ Rose, ‘Lady of Shalott’.
The wide expanses of lawns to wander through, with dandelions and wildflowers popping up in the meadows. Very soothing to see all the various shades of verdant grass, under your feet and across the patch-work of hills. It was just what I needed.
Returning home, I was pleased to see landscapes full of beautiful impatiens blooming everywhere, hardworking periwinkles showing off their pink and white petals. Pinwheel jasmines climbing to the sky. The Tuscarora crapemyrtles are going gang-busters and even turfgrass is responding to the heavy rainfalls. Those of you who work in your yard to make them look amazing, kudos to you! I love seeing the benefits of your hard work.
Check out what to do in your landscapes for June (and even into July). Make sure to drink lots of water, at least a cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes. Wear a hat. Have a towel handy and I even like to use those moist towels that stay wet and cold at the same time to wear around your neck.
My plant of the month is a full sun perennial from Proven Winners. Looks great as a groundcover, in hanging baskets, and as the spiller in containers.
The producer of my gardening show, Better Lawns and Gardens, Lizzie has had a great Spring vegetable garden! I was the beneficiary of her onions, okra, and brown turkey eggs. Delish! Turkey eggs make great omelets and quiches. Lizzie shows them off in Lizzie’s Garden Adventures!
You know you love your work when it means playing in the backyard. I had a fun landscape renovation for a young family who had no place to play. Thinking creatively helped me on this project. Read Teresa’s Design Tips here.
As always, Landscape Malpractice can be disappointing. It is even sadder when it is a commercial landscape with natives and approved by the architect and the building department. I do not approve!
It is just the beginning of summer, hang in there! We have four more months to get to Fall. W If you are looking for a break, join Tony and I on a garden tour. You will come back refreshed, inspired, and full of garden ideas! We have room for a special few. Art in Bloom Garden Tours.
Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show - Chelsea Pensioner Veteran with Teresa Watkins.