Now that mid-June has arrived, my garden is enveloped in a serene blue aura, especially in the sun-drenched front area.
A Touch of Blue Magic
The delicate Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohioensis) flowers have joined the blue brigade, at least for the mornings. It’s a shame they close up in the afternoon, but their beauty is undeniable.
If you’re concerned about the invasive nature of Virginia Spiderwort (T. virginiana), fear not, for its Midwestern cousin, the Ohio Spiderwort, is more well-mannered. It forms good-sized clumps without running riot and only self-sows modestly.
However, the Ohio Spiderwort does have a tendency to grow tall and awkwardly, often flopping over. To combat this, I’ve employed various strategies to coax it into an upright position. Peony hoops work like a charm, as do companion plants that act as crutches (like the Allium stems in the picture below).
Once the Ohio Spiderwort has finished blooming, it’s wise to cut it back hard to maintain its health.
A New Addition to the Blue Festival
Joining the festival of blue blooms is the delightful Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa columbaria ‘Butterfly Blue’). Recently, I couldn’t resist the temptation and replanted a corner of the Left Bank Bed along the sidewalk with this compact and long-blooming perennial. Not only is it visually pleasing, but it also attracts bees and butterflies. I can’t wait for it to fill in the space over the next year or two.
A Battle of Colors
The flowers of Salvia nemerosa ‘Caradonna’ are fading, as evidenced in the second photo from the top. However, ‘Blue Hill’ (Salvia sylvestris) continues to paint a vivid picture in the garden.
But let me share a little secret with you. The Sidewalk Border has become a battleground where the Salvia plants are losing ground to the resurgent Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum). Originally, I replaced the Wild Geranium with Salvia a few years ago, but it seems the Geranium had other plans. It started growing back from seeds and the remnants of its rhizomes, taking advantage of the shade provided by taller plants in the back of the border – a condition more favorable for the Wild Geranium.
Will the Salvia need to retreat to the Parkway Border, where its fellows are flourishing? Only time will tell.
The Rise of ‘Betty Corning’
Allow me to introduce you to ‘Betty Corning’ Clematis – a recent addition to my Driveway Border that is rapidly filling in. This being ‘Betty’s’ first season in the border, I’m delighted by her performance. In the background stands the striking Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum).
Let’s take a closer look at ‘Betty Corning’:
Penstemon ‘Husker Red’
A Glimmer of Color
Amidst the sea of blue in the front garden, a few non-blue flowers deserve a special mention. The graceful Smooth Penstemon ‘Husker Red’ (Penstemon digitalis) is blooming in the Sidewalk Border. However, like the Salvia, it seems to be dwindling in numbers this year compared to the last. The reason behind this decline remains a mystery.
In the partly shaded East Side Bed, the contented Geranium cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’ has created a dense and low groundcover along the edge of the bed. Its white and pink flowers add a touch of comeliness to the area.
Just in case you thought I was exaggerating in my previous post about the floriferous ‘Cassie’ shrub rose, here’s another picture to prove it. Trust me, she lives up to the hype!
What’s Next?
In my next post, I’ll take you on a journey to the Back Garden, where white flowers reign supreme. Stay tuned!