Most of my gardens are in partial shade. My back garden actually faces north. Because of this, they are usually slow to start. But by mid July the show begins. Many of the summer perennials last a long time in these gardens, attracting bees, hummingbirds, hummingbird moths and loads of other creatures. New blooms will continue to open between now and mid August and then just hang around until the frost hits, often mid to late October. Every year I am in awe at what continues to grow back in some of these difficult spots.
Here is a look at some of the plants currently in bloom:
Sweet Williams that were started from seed over twenty years ago. It reseeds itself every season.
Foxglove filling in some shady edges
Catmint (Nepeta). Not Catnip, although it is in the same family and my neighbour’s cat still loves it.
Jerusalem Sage looking like fuzzy stacked bee balm.
Sea Holly, which is such an intriguing looking plant.
Maltese Cross, gotta love this red.
Penstemon, this particular one is called husker red.
Masterwort, also shown in the header. So delicate and beautiful.
And these are just the beginning.
Thank you for reading
Photos: Jenn Stone
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You have a gorgeous garden, Jenn. I think you’re in possession of a very green thumb – or maybe two of them!
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Thanks. If only you knew how many things didn’t make it in my history of gardening. Only the stubborn and the hardy survive so those are what I stick with.
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You have an excellent variety of plants.
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When I first started gardening, I had a lot of space to fill so I planted a lot of different things. Some made it and some didn’t. There was a learning curve. I am always happy when something unusual survives.
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You have such a gorgeous garden! I dont think Ive seen Jerusalem Sage before. How pretty, Maggie
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Thanks. I have been at is for a long time. It keeps me calm.
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So much variety.
Beautiful!
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Thank you.
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All your flowers look vibrant and healthy. You’re a great gardener. We have small Nepetas called Cat’s Pajamas. Yours looks so large in comparison.
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I wouldn’t say great but I would say constant. I think there are several types of Nepetas. Mine are large. They can get a little unruly by the end of the summer. If I cut them back, I get a second bloom. I think a smaller one would be charming.
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I think shade helps them keep going longer – my back garden at my old house was more or less all shade. I’ve had several pretty invaders into my garden and they’ll probably do well – most of the stuff I plant doesn’t!
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I agree, the shade keeps the plants cooler and helps them last longer. Helps me last longer too since I am not a fan of the heat.
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I used to really love hot days (by that I mean in the 80s Fahrenheit) but, I think because we’ve had such cold summers now for about 10 years, I’m not coping with above 80degF much nowadays. Or maybe it’s my age.
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