Back garden long views

Because I'm so horrible about sharing them.  So sorry....

Not many blooms but a jungle of green.

The bed in the very foreground is the newest ~ put in this spring (remember the lilac standard that was purchased to center it??)

A little bit longer view:

I've mixed veggies with flowers in this bed (as you can probably tell) & I'm loving the silver, spikey artichoke foliage.  Why haven't I done this before??

Turning around and moving back slightly to look along the house ~ this is my mostly shade bed:

I've been revamping it lately even tho I only put it in last summer. 

The most exciting addition has been a new hydrangea ~ 'Double Delights ~ Star Gazer:'

Those fabulous double blooms sucked me in at first glance (even tho I swore I wasn't buying ANY more plants!!)

Can't wait to see it in full bloom ~ you know I'll share!

Before that happens, a backtrack (to the long views of the shade garden) and a couple more looks:

Above is a slightly tighter view and below and even tighter shot of a favorite combination:

Foliage from front to back:  Hellebore, 'Guacamole' Hosta, Pink Astible blooms & Oak Leaf Hydrangea. 

All kinds of awesome (at least to me.)

If you look closely at one of the longer shots of the shade garden you'll notice 'Phlomis russeliana' in bloom (left of the rooster weather vane.)  I planted it two years ago but this is the first year for blooms.  I'm a big fan of phlomis ~ have grown the pink variety for years ~ but was unsuccessful in finding either seeds or plants of 'russeliana' until recently.  A long search that culminates with a happy ending like this is especially satisfying.

A last look ~ that's Colocasia 'Mojito' in the pineapple container.  I wintered it over in the basement & it's been slow to get going.  I hope it starts growing soon!

I can't quit until you see 'Henny Penny' tho!!  She keeps moving around the garden but for now, she likes it here, in front of the raised bed.  :-)

If you can't have the real thing, fake it ~ right?!!!!

 

Comments

[Dana]

WOW Kathleen - what a transformation. Your new beds are incredible. I have to get up there soon to see them. I am so impressed - everything is so beautiful!

[tina]

Henry Penny looks good in front of the blue bed. What a great combo you have of the astilbe, hosta, oakleaf, and hellebore.

[Bernieh]

Fabulous long views. Your garden is looking a picture.

[Janet, The Queen of Seaford]

Haha love Henny Penny. I hadn't seen that hydrangea before...what a beauty.
Think that artichoke is very cool.

[PlantPostings]

Phlomus, hmmmm... not familiar with it. It has an interesting shape. I love Henny Penny! And the four-layers of foliage/blooms is a sweet shot.