Day Lily, Sweet William, Clematis - June Blooms

Day Lily

Here we are on the last day of June. We recently made the transition from Spring to Summer and Mother Nature continues to bless us with her beautiful flowers. 

Just two days ago the Day Lillies came into bloom, right on time. This year the lillies are at least 6 - 7 feet tall. When I tried to take a photo I found it difficult to take a photo from above :-)

Daylily is the common name of the species Hemerocallis 
The name Hemerocallis comes from the Greek words (hēmera) "day" and (kalos) "beautiful". These perennial flowers of most species open at sunrise and wither at sunset, possibly replaced by another one on the same stem the next day.

Originally native from Europe to China, Korea, and Japan, they are popular worldwide. There are over 60,000 registered cultivars.

Daylilies occur as a clump including leaves, the crown, and the roots. Once established, it is difficult to remove runner daylilies from the yard. I originally had them planted in various locations around the garden but they multiply so quickly that I am currently transplanting them to their very own border along the entire length of the house where they can do whatever they will without choking out other perennials around them. They require no special attention and are glorious when they are in full bloom.

Daylilies can be grown in USDA plant hardiness zones 1 through 11, making them some of the most adaptable landscape plants.

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)

Name from Greek dios, divine, and anthos, flower, referring to its fragrance

Origin from Europe - introduced into Britain in 1573. Blooms late spring-summer and loves full sun. Propagation by seed. Once established will replace itself with self-sown plants.

Clematis (Nelly Moser)

Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’ is an heirloom hybrid gardened since 1897, & developed from Clematis lanuginosa , a Chinese species. The breeder was Marcel Moser of Versailles, France. He took his first bar-flowered hybrid, named for himself, & crossed 'Marcel Moser' with 'Belisaire,' and arrived at the name 'Nelly Moser.'

This perennial is easy to grow. If you open your hand as wide as you can stretch your fingers, you'll have before you the size of the flowers on a 'Nelly Moser' clematis. This perennial blooms from May to late June, with a second, less profuse bloom in mid-August.( However, in colder climates this cold-hardy vine won't necessarily have the second bloom period.)

These photos show the Clematis at the end of June. the petals have fallen and 

this beautiful seeds  remains.

It thrives in a sunny spot but will still bear colorful flowers and keep their delicate color longer in the shade. When planted in full sun, the flower color fades quickly. The light mauve-pink petals have deep rose-pink central bars.

Prune only if needed, as it blooms on the previous year's canes. 
Propagation: Root softwood cuttings in spring, semi-ripe cuttings in early summer.

When it goes to silvery seed, the tufts are nearly as attractive as the flowers as 

you can see in these photos

Pentstemon - (Beard -Tongue)

This wonderfully ornamental flower has about 250 species. 

Related to the foxglove - many have fringed 'beards' - hence the common name.

 

It it loves the sun  and well drained soil - is about 2 feet high and is beautiful. 

It has been blooming for a month now.

Thrives in zones 4 - 10.

photos by peacesojourner

Coreopsis, Shasta Daisies, Lupine - June Blooms - 2009

Early Sunrise Coreopsis (Tickseed)

Easy to grow perennial grows 1 - 2' high and does well in the full sunshine. Zones 4 - 10.

They grew originally in Southern United States and were introduced into Europe in 1826. They bloom in early summer. They  propagate from seed or by division every two to four years in the spring.

Shasta Daisies (Chrysanthemum Maximum)

These flowers originated in the Pyranees. 

They do well in full sun and are extremely sturdy.

They require hardly any attention and never fail to please.  They grow about 3' high and bloom during the summer months. Good for cut flowers and borders. 

Lupine (Lupinus) 'Gallery White'

I have tried to plant Lupines in the past but seldom have any success. This year I purchased three very small plants and planted them in the front garden. I am hoping that the constant sun will improve the longevity of these Lupines. 

They bloom in late spring to early summer in full sun. Grow 18-20" tall in

 USDA Zones 4 - 10.

They attract hummingbirds.

photos by peacesojourner

Azaleas, Evening Primrose, Cranesbill - June 2009

I visited Exbury Gardens in England recently and here we have the 

azaleas in the magnificent gardens there. These have been around for close to 

100 years and they have acres of them on display.

Azaleas growing in Exbury Gardens

Azaleas are among the most colorful of all flowering shrubs, bearing 3-6 inch clusters of red, yellow, orange, pink, white, or purple flowers in spring and early summer. Azaleas will serve most garden uses admirably, and they can also be grown in open woodlands in light shade where,  they are often able to take care of themselves indefinitely. Azaleas will grow in full sun or light shade, but light shade is preferable in hot areas.

Azalea

Pictured above is one of the two azaleas in my garden.

When I purchased them last November they were small, bedraggled and near death. I talked to them, tenderly planted them in my garden and even though they only have a few blooms this season they are strong and I consider them 'survivors' - like most plants, all they need is a little attention and love. :-)

Evening Primrose - Oenothera

It seems that these came aboard in my travels from Massachusetts. They have a way of just appearing in the garden. I have never actually planted or designed an area for these flowers. They pop up around the garden and I have never removed one because they seem to place themselves in just the right location giving the border or flower bed a 

delightful splash of color. 

They thrive in full sun and well drained soil in Zones 4 - 9.  

Geranium - Cranesbill

Cranesbill - Hardy  perennial 

Johnson's Blue Variety 

These flowers are valuable fillers for color in early to mid summer. This long flowering hybrid forms a sprawling mound of deeply cut green foliage, bearing

 large violet-blue flowers with a white eye. 

Likes the sun - does well in Zones 3 - 10 - height 2'

These were also transplanted from Massachusetts to Western New York. 

*****

End of June chores:

-Remove faded flowers

-Prune ground covers as needed

-Thin seedlings

-Sow seeds outdoors for succession plantings

-Keep the garden free of weeds

-Stake tall plants

-Water as needed

-Pinch annuals and perennials as needed

-Disbud roses and other flowering plants for larger blooms

-Now is the time to remove the unsightly  foliage of the spring bulbs. When left intact to wither they  ripen the bulbs naturally. I mow my daffodil drifts around July 4th, for example. Deadhead spring-flowering perennials unless they have showy seed heads, or you want to collect seed later (non-hybrids only).

photos by peacesojourner

Spiderwort, Miniature Rose, White Japanese Iris - June 2009

Standard Bearded Iris 

They do well in Zones 3 - 10 and they love the sun.

This perennial does well in border beds and requires very little 

attention from the gardener. They come in every color except red. 

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Spiderwort is yet another plant that traveled the highways with me in the journey from Massachusetts to Western New York.

This sturdy and non invasive perennial  has three-petaled flowers on two foot stems rising from clumps of long, narrow leaves. Each flower lasts only one day but they open in succession for continuous late spring or early summer bloom.

Zones 4 - 9. 

Spiderwort (Tradescantia)

Miniature Rose

Miniatures are true roses that have been bred to stay small and compact in size. Extremely cold hardy, northern gardeners will adore these roses  for their ability to withstand even the harshest winters down to USDA hardiness zones 3 or 4. 

Use miniature roses in perennial borders, in pots or patio containers, along walkways or adjacent to decks. Plant miniature roses in front of larger roses or tall perennials to hide bare canes and branches with a blooming carpet of color. For a dramatic impact in your garden, plant miniature roses in mass plantings of five or more roses of the same variety. Miniature roses also make wonderful gifts that will offer years of enjoyment in the garden.

My miniature rose is set right by the front entrance to the house where I can see it when I leave and return, thus bringing much enjoyment to all who enter my home. This rose is resilient and grows to only 2 1/2 feet in height. 

It blooms from May until early December. 

Yes, even when the snow is on the ground

White Japanese Iris alongside White Canterbury Bells

*****

June chores

One of the ongoing chores is to remove the faded flowers,

thus encouraging new flowers on the stems.

Train and prune vines as needed - this is the time

to get them started on the trellis.

Keep the garden free of weeds.

photos by peacesojourner

Yarrow, Canterbury Bells and Heuchera - June 2009

In the Peace Garden are two large planters that have Pink Yarrow, Nicotina, and Eucalyptus. I have planted these together in order to enjoy a delightful perfume as

we sit on the nearby benches.

Achillea millefolium or Yarrow

Other common names are Common Yarrow, Gordaldo, Nosebleed plant, Old Man's Pepper, Sanguinary, Milfoil, Soldier's Woundwort, Thousand-leaf is a flowering plant native to the Northern Hemisphere. In antiquity, Yarrow was known as herbal militaris, for its use in staunching the flow of blood from wounds.

Yarrow plants are herbaceous perennials and can reach 3' in height with a spread about 2' and can be grown in planting zones 3-8.

These perennials are known for their feathery, fern-like fragrant foliage, and flattened flower clusters. Blooming occurs June-September. Flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink or red.

Grow yarrow plants in full sun and in well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established.

According to Botanical.com, "Yarrow Tea is a good remedy for severe colds, being most useful in the commencement of fevers, and in cases of obstructed perspiration."

They are easy to grow with no special soil requirements and they have above-average drought tolerance, but the taller varieties may need staking on exposed sites. Cut down to ground level in autumn. Propagate by dividing clumps before they become overcrowded.

Botanical Name:Campanula carpatica

Common Name: Bellflower, Harebell or Canterbury Bells.

The campanulas are favorite garden perennials, and close relatives of the Bluebells or Harebells, which are treasured wildflowers both in No. America and Europe.

Easy to grow and always dependable, these lovely little plants

are always gardener's favorites.

Bloom Mid to late summer – Full sun to partial shade.

Zones: 3-8

Canterbury Bells are native to the mountains of southern Europe and have been grown in gardens since at least the beginning of the 19th century. The Victorians especially seemed to appreciate their gaudy beauty and were willing to put up with their demanding ways to grow them successfully.

This is yet another plant that I brought from Massachusetts that has transferred very well.

I have noticed that the white flowers seem to more abundant than the blue.

Not sure why.

Heuchera - Coral Bells

The genus Heuchera is native to North America Common names include alumroot and coral bells. The genus was named after Johann Heinrich von Heucher (1677–1746), an 18th century German physician. Coral Bells grow 18" - 24" high and bloom from late May through July. Flower color may be red, pink, white, or coral. Perennial, zones 3-8.

Food and medicinal uses

Though tangy and slightly astringent, the leaves may be used to liven up bland greens.

Natives of the Northwest U.S. have used tonic derived of Alumroot roots to aid digestive difficulties, but extractions from the root can also be used to stop minor bleeding, reduce inflammation, and otherwise shrink moist tissues after swelling.

These tiny bell-like flowers must ring out to hummingbirds because the little 'hummers' always seem to find the Coral Bells.

*****

This week's chores:

Even though there are still several blooms on the stems I removed the dead foliage from the Iris and they still look amazing.

The Cosmos that I planted two weeks ago are now about three inches high in the containers and almost ready to transplant into the larger garden bed.

And of course, I continue to attempt to keep the garden free of weeds.

This week we ripped up some of the asphalt from an area in the Peace Garden, filled the area with new soil and now I am preparing to place grass seeds down.

It is currently raining and the forecast predicts rain for the next four days. Whoopee! Everything was starting to dry out.

Welcome to the Peace Garden

This is your first glimpse of the  Peace Garden

which is located in the rear of my home

Bearded Iris

Bearded Iris - yellow and purple

Lilac

James Macfarlane Lilac - Single Pink

(Syringa X Prestoniae)

I moved to Buffalo almost two years ago and the rear garden was mostly uneven black asphalt and plenty of weeds. Oh, and did I mention the tree that was lying uprooted from a neighbor's garden that was covering the entire area.

We finally got the tree removed months later and I was lucky to find a wonderful woman in the community who did a lot of the heavy work for me. She dug out, and prepared  a border on three sides of the garden and I was able to plant some of the many plants that I brought with me from Massachusetts. 

The weather and temperatures are very similar in Western New York and Western Massachusetts so most of the plants survived the harsh winter.

There are days when I wish the TV Makeover people would knock at my door and announce that they are here to transform the area. But no luck there, so it has been a long, slow, plodding, hard work process to get the garden established. 

Those of you who are diehard gardeners will understand when I say that the work is rewarding. :-)

In the photos above you can see the beginnings of the now named 

"Peace Garden"

No Pesticide - Pest Prevention Gardening Hints

Window box at bedroom window

Nicotiana, pansies and alyssum (annuals)

Nicotiana "Flowering Tobacco"

Lovely, summer annuals. Fertile, well-drained soil. Sun or shade. Makes an impressive statement in the garden! They will bloom reliably all summer, until frost and their fragrance will fill the garden, generously lending its sweetness to nearby unscented annuals. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and humans all love the fragrant, star-shaped flowers of this old-time favorite.

Perennial Salvia - 'Eveline' - Meadow Sage

Two toned - light pink and purple. Blooms in early summer - height 25'' - likes full sun. An improved perennial Salvia with two toned pink and violet flowers. Zones 4-9. Very heavy flowering. Selected for its unique flowers and it is upright and compact - attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

*****

No Pesticide Pest Prevention Gardening Hints

Interplant Flowers and Herbs for a Chemical Free Organic Garden that Reduces Insects

NICOTINA: (pictured above)is also known as flowering tobacco and will be useful in keeping the pests away from not the garden, but the gardener. These plants repel mosquitoes, so if your work schedule forces you to garden at dusk, these will help keep pesky mosquitoes at bay. Nicotina, which can be grown in sun or shade, has strongly fragranced flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Note- ALL parts of the nicotina plant are poisonous, and should not be used if you have small children, just as a precaution. You have to actually eat the plant for it to be dangerous.

THE MINT FAMILY: helps to keep the bugs away. With wonderful, aromatic varieties to choose from, the mint family offers textured, interesting leaves, pleasant, yet bug reducing aroma, plus having many uses for the leaves in your cooking and summer drinks. You can trim the mints as often as you please, as they will continue to grow all summer. They are also great container companions for patio tomatoes. Mint should be grown in containers near other plants to prevent spreading. You’ll find mint everywhere in a few years, perhaps even in your lawn, if you don’t use them in pots. Plant mint in a clay pot and tuck it among the other plants.

Some vegetables will help control pests too. GARLIC: offends Japanese beetles, vegetable weevils and spider mites. CELERY: deters the white moth that lays the eggs that become caterpillars, and then eat your cabbage and broccoli.

Certain flowers discourage insects that like to munch. Easy-to-grow MARIGOLDS: with their strong scent, are a great deterrent to damaging pests. Plant marigold near vegetables like tomatoes, and bugs will go elsewhere- the marigold scent overpowers the scent of the tomatoes, creating a sort of nasal blindfold, and thwarting harmful pests from sniffing out your tomatoes. An additional bonus is that inter-planted beds are more resistant to drought than conventionally planted gardens.

NASTURTIUMS: repel whiteflies and squash bugs. Perhaps nasturtiums will protect your sage from the whiteflies if you plant some nearby.

In addition, some of the herbs and flowers that deter the pests will encourage the beneficial insects that plants need to thrive and pollinate. Your garden will have a pleasing, natural look.

Japanese Iris - June 2009

Japanese Iris (Iris ensata or Iris kaempferi) flowers are distinctly 

different from those of bearded or Siberian Iris

There is often a confusion that surrounds this group: Once they were known as Kaempferi Irises, today many call them "The Butterfly Irises", but the correct common name is simply "Japanese Iris." 
In luscious colors of purple pink, and endless bicolors, they have been cultivated in Japan for over 500 years, and were once restricted to enjoyment by royalty only. 

 Though many think they are, they are not water dwellers. 

They require about the same conditions as ferns, astilbes or impatiens--just moist ground, which most all gardeners can easily provide.

As you can see by the photos, these iris blooms are quite different from the tall "stand-up" flowers of the big Bearded Irises. With Japanese Irises, both sets of petals are more flat, forming a simpler, flatter--and many think more beautiful--flower. Japanese Irises form large lavish hardy clumps and are highly decorative. They're also great for cutting.

Height: 2’ to 3’ width: 1’ to 2’
Perennial
USDA hardiness zone 2 to 9
Blooms late spring to mid summer

 I moved to Western New York from Massachusetts two years ago and I left behind most of my furniture.  

However, I did bring the things that are most important to me.  I made several nine hour drives to transport my personal mementos, books and flowers. Yes,  most of those trips were to bring the flowers from my English flower garden to my new address.

The house that I moved into is over 100 years old and what was unbelievable to me was there was not ever one single plant, flower or shrub in the garden.  

To my mind, gardening is a blend of art and science. This new landscape was an empty canvas waiting to be painted with the colors of flowers, and foliage. 

The flowers that you see here are some that I transported from my previous garden. I now have a full sun garden and they are doing very well here.  They fiercely multiplied this past year.

It has been very chilly here this week but today I was able to spend time outside with some of the usual garden chores with weeding at the top of the list. :-)

*****

Photos by peacesojourner