Dead and Dying

The demise of my Ilex Crenata Helleri Holly bushes are near complete, and I didn't even see it coming. These were newly planted in early-May, and since we had a very wet Spring I was not in the habit of watering my new installations. The month of July was dry with about a 4wk period of no rain, resulting in a death spiral for these shrubs, and I just didn't see it coming. I am now in the midst of doing an Intervention to try to save some of the other Ilex Crenatas, and I hope it's not too late for them to recover.

Peony Dreamin'

I ordered a half-dozen Peonies from Peony Meadows, a local grower, and I am just bursting with excitement at the prospect of their arrival in the Fall. I will plant them in my front-entry border amongst the day lilies in groups of 3, and it's gonna look awesome! The below pictures are from the grower website, and next May/June I will compare and contrast to see if the pictures match reality. Peonies are next to perfect, their only flaw is that they bloom for so very briefly a time that their pleasure is only fleeting. I staggered the group and hope to be blessed with a full 6-8 wks of Peony flowers, but we'll see...

{{Photos from Peony Meadows website}}

Early/Mid-Season: Red Charm and Pink Hawaiian Coral




Mid-Season:Do Tell and Mt. St. Helens




Mid/Late-Season: Moonstone and Louise Marx

Pretty Norfolk Harbor

I spent the 4th of July weekend in Hampton Roads, where we attended the 33rd Annual Harborfest and watched the fireworks over Norfolk Harbor. During the day we strolled the Waterside Walk, and I was impressed with the wide array of interesting flowerbeds all along the way. Summertime in Virginia can be so hot and brutal that many flowers wilt, but everything in Norfolk seemed so fresh and lively, almost "Spring-like" especially with the Crape Myrtles blooming. This all served as a wonderful inspiration for me, and now I hope to implement a better strategy in my home garden to achieve applause-worthy results. Mainly, I need to always be careful to match the plant with the light that is available, LIGHT IS GOD in a garden. My shady backyard simply won't support petunias spilling from baskets or rose bushes and lilies (my heart is breaking), yet my front yard gets so bright that even the vinca are scorched! Next season, I hope to get it right.