Pages

May 30, 2017

Sun Lovers


Hell-o!  So, our weather forecasters are predicting rain for my neck of the woods over the next few days.  I hope they've got it right this time!  I'm watering so much and feeling like I'm just keeping plants alive, but they're not as stunning as they would be with a normal rain pattern.  The hardy, sun lovers, like daylilies, agapanthus, coneflowers, and firebush aren't batting an eye at this weather, but some others are not at their best. These photos were taken during this week in my full sun front gardens.  Desert Roses love both the heat and the sun.  It's hard to capture the intensity of the red in their  blooms..



I've had both these Desert Roses for several years and have repotted them a few times, but these pots will be their permanent home.



The canes are normally very erect, but this one is bowed down from the weight of its blooms.



Lovely white Crinum Lily blooms only last a few weeks and are often destroyed by lubbers.  We've been vigilantly watching over them this year.



Firebush  is unfazed by our high temps.  I have some that are Florida-native shrubs and some non-native.  Hummingbirds and butterflies love both kinds.



Another hummingbird favorite, Pagoda Flower.  If you have one, for sure you'll have many more because she's a spreader.  They bloom throughout the summer when most plants have given up, so I don't mind pulling their offspring.



Thryallis, yellow daylilies  and Agapanthus...must haves for a summer garden.





Hands down, my favorite border is by the front porch.  Tithonia, coneflowers, salvias and volunteer zinnias to name a few...







One more great summer bloomer, Natchez, Crepe Mrytle.  This one shades the entry to my vegetable garden - smells delightful, light refreshing scent.





Gingers in the shade gardens will be blooming soon.  Until then...happy gardening.







10 comments:

  1. What a treat to see a post from you today. Your garden is stunning despite the dry conditions! Oh, I miss my agapanthus after seeing yours. I am so glad to hear about the coming rain. I know all of Central Florida is in desperate need.
    Enjoy the showers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Daisy, thanks! We've been getting some great rains this past week, much needed and greatly appreciated.

      Delete
  2. Hi Janice! Back over here catching up! I love to see photos of your garden again. It is all looking so beautiful and shows just how much time and effort you put into it. I love the photos of your agapanthus...it is such a lovely plant and I always think yours look extra vibrant and beautiful. The white crinum is really gorgeous too - I didn't know that lubbers attack them. Makes me wonder what they might have been chewing on in my garden! Enjoy the rain. We so desperately need it - and some clouds and cooler temps!
    - Kate xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kate! I hope you've been enjoying some rainfall this week - it finally made it to my area. Overcast days have been spent deadheading and weeding. Glad to hear from you.

      Delete
  3. Things are still beautiful in your garden, but I totally agree with the desire for rain. I've been watering multiple times a day to keep things going with the heat. The poor lake has receded so much we've been out mowing and taking advantage of the dryness to cut back the cat tails that were taking over. I always love your lovely pictures!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Lynda. Same with us, the lake was disappearing at a rapid rate before the rains finally came. I hope you're receiving your share of wet weather also.

      Delete
  4. Hi Janice, Your garden is stunning. So many beautiful blooms. Do you cut your crape myrtles back? They're blooming so nicely. What is the difference in look between the native and non-native Firebush? I've read some discussions on them lately but so not sure what the difference is. The rain was wonderful! What a differance it makes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Susan! I have 3 distinctly different varieties of Firebush - The native,'Hamelia patens', has bright red blooms. The dwarf variety, sometimes sold as 'compacta', has yellow blooms. It's supposed to grow 3-5 ft., mine are around 4 ft. Then there's 'Firefly', red blooms like our native but leaves and blooms are half the size - very petite. I've seen all three labeled correctly and incorrectly, but they are easily identified. I don't cut the crapes back, but that particular one is only in its third season. I'm happy that you're enjoying some rain too!

      Delete
  5. Hi Janice! Everything is looking so beautiful in your garden! We've just had several days of rain and it's so humid my salvias got that white fuzzy mold, so had to get rid of them. I hated to do that. I love your desert roses, they're so pretty. And I adore the agapanthus - what great architecture and color! Gosh - it's the middle of June almost...wow! I'm sure your gardens will be so lush after all this rain! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Lynn - thanks! Sorry about your salvias, it's my hydrangea leaves that are looking ugly. Oh well, it's better than everything drooping for lack of water. Just think, summer starts this month. Isn't Florida great???

    ReplyDelete