There are still a few surprises coming from the shade garden… as the trees leaf out, the shade garden transitions into a foliage garden while the colour will be found in the meadow. I will attempt an article on the importance of matching leaf textures at that time…

The cicadas remain pervasive, but when visiting gardens a short distance away, the lack of sound leaves the ear missing the input….

Bear’s Breeches

Acanthus mollis Bear’s breches make a strong statement in the flower garden… I have a similar leafed plant getting ready to bloom, the bear’s foot, which is also a statuesque plant.

Penstemmon

Penstemon digitalis There are a ton of native penstemmons out west, in the east… they pretty much all have this bloom.

Spigelia

This Indian Pink was wild collected nearby… Spigelia is supposed to grow from seed, but I’ve never observed it to do so… It does grow into a nice clump when given a suitable environment…. as compared to one still in the wild…

Bletilla

Bletilla striata hardy orchid, Bletillas are fairly common, easily grown and quite pretty when planted next to the garden path.