Lilium and Zinnia elegans pumila light up the garden in July
In our garden, the stars of the show for July are the zinnias and Asiatic lilies which are a veritable riot of color lasting all month. The lilies were planted last summer and were worth every penny. I purchased the collection through White Flower Farm here, which averaged out to about $1.15 per bulb. The zinnias were purchased through Botanical Interests and since they were started from seeds literally cost only a few dollars. The zinnias will continue to bloom all the way up until frost and of course the lilies return every year. Along with the lilies and zinnias, the sunflowers, coneflowers, verbena, and yes some roses are blooming like crazy. Our little veggie patch is producing more than we know what to do with so today I stuffed my mailbox with the usual outgoing jewelry orders and summer squash for our mailman; I love summer.
Madame Ernest Calvat is still producing heaven-scented blossoms
This perennial verbena has seen a lot of butterfly action this season. I highly recommend this plant if you wish to attract pollinators to your garden. Since it is so tall and airy, it can even be planted in the front of the border. I call it a “see through” plant.
Our “driveway garden” has become quite overgrown. Walking to the car means you have to pass through a tunnel of flowering plants.
Our sunflowers have begun blooming but this collection is so fantastic I will save the rest of the pictures for another post!
Lilium and Echinacea purpurea make great companion plants
The hot colors of the Mexican zinnias really look great next to the cool colors of the lavender
Hi Lara! Do you know of a good resource for beginning gardeners? For example of my beginnerness, I don’t know the difference between and annual and perennial. Yikes!
Hi April! Sure thing! When I was first getting started with gardening I pored over so many books, magazines, and even plant catalogs (still do actually!) so of course your library is a great resource. (I have to give you broad answers for now without knowing what kind of garden you would like to grow, but once you have an idea of specifics I can point you in more specific directions.) Also, I use the Internet a whole bunch especially this site here if I want to learn more about a particular plant: http://davesgarden.com/ Use the search bar to look something up and there will be a whole wealth of information from other gardeners across the US. Your County Extension office often times has Master Gardeners that they work with who can help answer specific questions for your area (that’s what I used to do a long time ago!) Here is a link to find the C.E. office in your area: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/ Last, I would try visiting a local grower, and by that I mean someone who actually grows and knows their plants, i.e. not your local big box store. Walk around and look at their plants, see what you like, and ask questions. When you’re ready to start (or add to) your garden, I’ll be happy to point you in more specific directions. Thanks for taking the time to read my post! 😀
Thank you! I have no idea what kind of garden I want yet! These are great starting resources!
You helped solve a rose problem for me recently and I’ve been spying on your blog ever since. Wow! I’m just starting out also. You’ve got some skills I wish I had. Gorgeous pics. I can’t wait for the sunflowers they are my fav!
Aww, your comment just made my day! I’m so glad I was able to help you with the rose problem. Thank you! 😀