Simple, stunning and super.
With drier weather, some of you may be experiencing a very parched garden as I am, and others are likely faring just fine. The dog days of summer are very much upon us and inspiration is definitely needed. Sharing some photos from your gardens and the pros in hopes you find an idea or two you like!
Combining the dusty pinks of joe pye weed (Eutrochium dubium) and purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) with lavender liatris (Liatris spicata) is enchanting. This combo works on so many levels -- the colors, the contrast of flower shapes and the differences in foliage. This gorgeous planting is in a professionally designed rain garden in Washington D.C.
Whimsy
These coneflowers look as if they could drift away in the lightest breeze. Pale purple coneflowers (Echinacea pallida), native to the midwest prairie, add fanciful movement in a garden.
No Planting Needed
Chanticleer Garden, thirty minutes outside Philadelphia, is loaded with inspiration, and that is a total understatement. Artistic arrangements in pots filled with water are reason enough to visit. It's stunning what nature and artists can bring us! Chanticleer proves that many times over.
Pruning Needed
An empty wall is the perfect place for some pruning artistry. The espaliered Asian pear tree (Pyrus communis) in award winning author, podcaster, and columnist Margaret Roach's garden in Copake Falls, New York is eye catching. For a native version, Mt. Cuba Center has done the same with a southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) on a wall of their main house. Ability to prune required but, wow, they are really something.
Yellow Everywhere
A profusion of yellow blooms in summer says "happy place." These are in a neighbor's garden in Washington D.C. and I believe they are cutleaf coneflowers (Rudbeckia laciniata).
Right Plant, Right Place
Sometimes a lone plant makes a statement. Here, a volunteer blue sea holly (Eryngium planum), native to eastern Europe and points further east, is a reminder that, sometimes, it pays to let plants do their thing. A native look alike is the oddly named rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium) which is similar in structure but white in color.
A Place for Zen
I don't know about you but I find this spot in the middle of Ashley Reinhart's garden a very dreamy space. If you missed the post on this a few years back, you can check it out here. It's a truly special garden loaded with inspiration.
Keep it Green
Sometimes, the best things are simple. A lush native vine covering a wall or an abundant and thriving native ground cover. So sublime.
Happy Gardening.
Thanks Shari! Love the mass planting!
Great inspiration here, on so many levels. The Chanticleer floating flowers are, of course, artful and lovely. <3
Beth@PlantPostings.com