Through the Garden Gate, Ahem, I mean Patio Door!

As you know we rarely enter the garden through the gates! You don't want to go beyond the fencing...there be dragons and such to scare you!

Itea and Hamamelis

Here's what you'll see while standing on the stone path ~~

Sticky clay and

standing water!

The consequences of 8 inches of rain in a few weeks have left the soil unworkable. It will take weeks to dry out. It is what it is! Clay and limestone! My plan is to remove the pinestraw, dig out the invasives and cover with compost...then reapply the straw. It's a battle I fight often!


Meanwhile back to the tour!
We are once again, pretending that we entered the gate...


This morning the garden was chilly...43 degrees and breath condensation was noticeable. My fingers were cold without gloves...let me tell you my dear northern friends...this is very unusual weather for a Middle South garden. Usually we are knee deep in bugs and humidity! Not to worry in a few days it will be back to normal.

The sun has shifted in the sky and lights up the very green and fast growing lawn!

From the patio you can clearly see the
Rosemary has settled in and
the Rainbow Swiss Chard in front of it looks pretty in the morning sunshine.


The sun rises above the roses I planted last winter...

Red Cascade is a sweet button flowered rose

that blooms in the semi-shade much better then I thought. It would be magnificent in a sunnier spot. Those are a premium here!



Maybe I am in denial, but sun lovers have been planted here!
Many of them are early bloomers and have already had their moment in the sun! A few like Echinacea purpurea will bloom nicely in a semi sunny spot.

Another charmer that grows despite the shade is

Lost Name Iris

The sun gently lights up the Nassella tenuissima.

Mexican Feather Grass was planted
before the trees leafed out when
the Garden of Benign Neglect was in full sun.
I am optimistic and planted half a dozen more plants
to create a presence!


In a celebratition of denial, hope and optimism,
here is the magnificent Sun shining on the back garden this morning!

Penstemon X (Penstemon calycosus or P smallii)

Penstemon flower with a hidden friend this morning

From the steps

You have to enlarge!
Phlox pilosa (PPPP) and Penstemon X



Jacob Cline Monarda didyma

and a final shot from the patio~~

What is going on you wonder!
The house is being pressure washed and painted...which is my excuse for being so slow with my post!

I hope you all had a good weekend and had enough time in your gardens.
Have a sweet day.
Gail