Summer 2020 - Where did the time go? |
This Thanksgiving weekend I made a list of some of the plants that I appreciated most in 2020. Of course, I am thankful for all of the flowers and vegetables in my gardens, but the following stuck out for various reasons. I chose at least one for each season, starting with the striking red-twig dogwood in winter and ending with the beautiful Sheffield Pink chrysanthemums of fall. I wonder if you would agree with my choices or pick something quite different?
Arctic fire™ red twig dogwood (Cornus stolonifera 'Farrow'). I think you can see why I chose it.
Last year I installed a rain garden, and planted it with native plants
that don't mind wet feet. At the beginning of April, the marsh
marigold started to bloom for the first time. Such joy ...
Marsh marigold Caltha palustris |
I am excited each year to find dwarf crested iris flowers on the edge of the Serenity Garden. Spring 2020 was no exception. This is one of my all-time favorite native plants.
Dwarf crested iris Iris cristrata |
My David Austin rose, 'Lichfield Angel,' has thrilled me every year since I bought it in 2010, but it was particularly beautiful and prolific this summer. It has special meaning for me because I attended school in Lichfield, England. David Austin named the creamy-white rose for a limestone carving of an angel in that city's cathedral.
David Austin's rose 'Lichfield Angel' |
I am extremely thankful for my Limelight hydrangea for a good reason. When it came time to make the bouquet's for my friends wedding at the end of the summer, most of my flowers had faded. I am happy that Limelight was beautiful still. The perfect focal point of blooms for the bride to carry.
Hydrangeas 'Limelight', sedum 'Autumn Joy', pale pink zinnias, a rose bud, and sweet autumn clematis. |
I enjoy growing zinnias for their cheerfulness and reliability. This year, I added versatility to its attributes. For the first time, I planted them in pots where they made stunning displays of color. They didn't last quite as long as those planted in the ground, but they were a very inexpensive way of filling my many large containers.
Zinnias in tubs |
A surprise this fall was an abundance of chrysanthemums near the back porch. I believe it was due to the removal of the catalpa tree letting in more sunlight. I had a new appreciation for their pretty color, too.
Hardy mum (Chrysanthemum 'Sheffield Pink') |
Finally, I must include a vegetable. Each year, I devote a raised bed in the Kitchen Garden to red beets. Previous years they have won prizes at the local fair. While there was no fair this year due to Covid, the beets were winners in my house. As always, I pickled and canned several jars. We will enjoy them all through the winter months.
My Red beets 'Detroit Dark Red' at the local fair. |
Shelf of pickled beets in the jelly cabinet. |
This was a different end-of-month view of my garden; it is now 'sleeping' with not much to show. I am linking with Sarah who invites us through her garden gate -- please visit her wonderful seaside backyard. Thank you Sarah for hosting each month.
I keep reminding myself of all that I have to be thankful for in spite of the stresses of a pandemic. Family, friends, flowers to name a few.
Stay safe and well,
Love,
Pamela x
Doodles, Taz, and Bilbo enjoy the November sunshine |
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