Monday, September 16, 2013

Bloom Day September 2013!

GBBD September 2013
Well, folks, here we are again...the midpoint of yet another month...and the last few days have finally started to feel like Autumn is nearly upon us at last! While the garden isn't as overwhelmingly floriferous as it was during the past few months, it's entering my favorite time year...abundance tempered with the beginning of decay. While the garden is still full of exuberance, there is a hint of melancholy now as end of the growing season is in sight.

verbena bonariensis and rudbeckia triloba  3583
Purple and gold are the harbingers of Autumn, it seems. Here we have two wonderful re-seeders, Verbena bonariensis against a background of Rudbeckia triloba.

solidago fireworks  3586
I'm not sure why I never planted Solidago until this year...and, happily, this plant was a gift from a friend.

vernonia and impatiens  3564salvia amistad and aster  3581
I must have moved this poor Vernonia (Vernonia missurica) at least 5 times this spring...just not sure where to put it. I'll have to remember to stake it earlier next year to keep it from flopping...still, it looks nice mingling with Impatiens balfourii. Another happy pairing, on the right, Salvia 'Amistad' and a mytsery Aster I got from Matthew at the spring plant exchange. Love it!

vernonia southern cross  3612
New in my garden this year is a new Vernonia from Intrinsic Perennials, called 'Southern Cross'. It is much shorter, but has those same intensely purple flowers. An added benefit is that the foliage is much finer, very reminiscent of an Amsonia...and, so far, no flopping :-)

Knautia macedonica
The Knautia just keeps on a going...much to the delight of the bees!

sedum matrona 3
Another bee magnet, Sedum 'Matrona'

Sedum Matrona
You don't believe me about the bees...see for yourself!

persicaria firetailechinops bannaticus  3587
There is always a lull in the bloom of Persicaria 'Firetail' right now...as soon as the rains start up again, they seem to puff up and start blooming like crazy again. The Echinops keeps sending up a few blooms here and there, even as it sets seed.

asgastache purple haze
Of course, it wouldn't be a bloom day post here on Rhone Street without a few Agastaches, would it? Here we have 'Purple Haze'.

agastache liquorice candy  3571
Here is Agastache 'Liquorice Candy', which has really proven itself this summer...blooming nonstop for months and months.

agastache blue blazes  3563
One of my favorite Agastaches, 'Blue Blazes'. The flowers are starting to lessen now, but the thick, colorful blooms still draw my eye.

agastache globetrotter rudbeckia triloba  3575
This Agastache ('Globetrotter') was the only plant I bought during the Fling in San Francisco this spring...it's hard to believe it's already been almost 3 months since then!

agastache desert sunrise  3585
Agastache 'Desert Sunrise' is another great workhorse plant...just pumping out the blooms endlessly!

agastache golden jubilee  3577
While the color has long since faded from the blooms of Agastache 'Golden Jubilee', the spires are still very attractive (at least to me). They are so architectural, and catch the light so nicely, especially paired with Muhlenbergia rigens.

agastache golden jubilee  3578
If you visit Portland during Autumn, you are likely to be amazed at the huge Japanese Anemones in almost every yard. Here, we have 'Honorine Jobert'.

echinacea sunset  3609
While most of the Echinacea have started fading into various shades of parchment, these few that I planted earlier this year are still holding color...all the better to catch the last rays at sunset.

clematis tibetana  3562
Clematis tibetana has grown to monstrous proportions this year...but the blooming seems much lighter than last year...hmmm.

rudebckia triloba  3588persicaria red dragon  3565
Rudebckia triloba is one of those classic garden plants that I can't imagine not having...it pops up in the perfect spots every year (even if not where I would have put them) and grows and blooms without any help from me...gotta love that!

geranium rozanne  3561
Another stalwart, the beautiful Geranium 'Rozanne'.

geranium rozanne rudbeckia  3566
I like her even better when she flirts coquettishly with the fading Rudbeckias...whose blooms start to look a bit like a wilted ballerina's tutu.

persicaria golden arrow  3574selinum wallichianum  3573
One of my favorite Persicarias, 'Golden Arrow', has beautiful foliage and a seemingly never-ending supply of blooms...if only I could find a spot where the leaves didn't scorch...but that it still got enough light to thrive. The Selinum have taken a beating during our recent rain showers...but they are still elegant.

north border from west  3602
I realize suddenly that there are a few things I left out...but there's always next month (probably)! Here we have the North Border looking east.

side view  3600
Heres a vantage I don't usually show...from across the street on the North side of the house.

back yard  3614
Here's the backyard in all its wild and wooly glory.

front wide shot 1
Here's the front garden from the South.

front wide shot 2
And again, form the North.

nort border sundown with boots  3597
Joing Boots and I as we enjoy this late summer/early autumn sunset...and join Carol at May Dreams Garden for more Bloom Day posts! I hope you're enjoying this amazing time of year...and that the weather is cooperating, wherever you are :-)

74 comments:

  1. Wow, those are some beautiful pictures and the light in them is just amazing.
    I'm loving the Verbena :) I'm growing it for the first time this year.
    You have so many plants that I've never even heard of, I love that about GBBD - I get to see some wonderful plants that maybe I'll be able to have a go at growing sometime in the future :)
    The sedum certainly does attract the Bee's doesn't it, I have a sea holly and a mini Buddleia that really attracts them too.
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful garden :)

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    1. Glad you hear you're loving the Verbena, Linda...it's a great plant...and hopefully it'll re-seed for you so you have more next year!

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  2. Luvly,luvly , now that I now what went wrong with my Agastache's...it will be an Aga buying spree next year!

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    1. Yay! I hope they do well for you now...and you can have tons of them!

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  3. Hi Scott,

    I'm the assistant editor at HouseLogic.com, and I'd love to talk with you about featuring your photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/24516237@N00/6345225297 in an upcoming slideshow on fall foliage. Send me an email at libby@houselogic.com for the details.

    Thanks,

    Libby Walker
    HouseLogic.com

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  4. Hi Scott,

    Beautiful photos as always, better late than never for the GBBD and imo your posts can be as late as you like :)

    The weather isn't cooperating here, at all. It's due to warm up again toward the end of the week and I'm crossing my fingers that it does! I've just come back from scorching Portuguese heat and cannot get warm. I'm even wearing a scarf indoors. Shock to the system!!!

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    1. OMG...that sounds miserable...it's always hard to adjust when the weather changes suddenly...especially if you've been traveling!

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  5. Interesująca, niezwykle uchwycona przestrzeń i początki mojej ulubionej pory roku...

    Pozdrawiam
    Błażej

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  6. I've been looking for that Sedum 'Matrona' ever since I saw it in one of your earlier blog posts. I clearly need to redouble my efforts. Great pictures as always!

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    1. I hope you can find some, Kris...you'll love it!

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  7. The light in that last picture is magical. I leave the faded flowers on my Golden Jubilee too, which I think is why I get a few reseeds, which I don't mind.

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    1. I get a few seedlings each year too, Alison...but, luckily, not enough to be a nuisance...and the finches just LOVE the seeds!

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  8. You've got some amazing plants, Scott.. Great pictures and write-up!

    Sarit

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  9. Purple and gold never look better than they do in your garden! Stunning! I especially enjoyed the Geranium/Rudbeckia combination and the Salvia 'Amistad.' The chartreuse leaves are the perfect complement to the purple blooms. Lovely!

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    1. Yellow with Purple is a sure-fire combo, don't you think...it just always pleases!

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  10. 'A hint of melancholy' Oh Scott, that's just perfectly phrased. You need to start writing poetry if you haven't already started. Lovely ode to the transition to autumn, both in prose and photos.

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    1. Thanks, Jenny...I think autumn brings out the best in me...or, at least, the most thoughtful part of me :-)

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  11. Fantastic photos as usual, Scott, I get a lot of inspiration to try out new plants from you. I'm even gearing up to try growing some grasses from seed soon. I wanted Pink Muhly grass and bought the correct species from Amazon, but now I'm worried that it didn't actually say PINK Muhly grass and maybe it will just be brown.:-(

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    1. Thanks, Hannah! I'm so excited you found the Muhly grass...there is a good chance it will be pink...I'll cross my fingers for you!

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  12. "...abundance tempered with the beginning of decay." Jenni nailed it - you are a poet, Scott! The photo with the single Rozanne and the wilting ballerinas totally tugged at my heartstrings... Wow!

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    1. Thanks, Anna...I love that photo too...there is something wonderful about the mix of verdant beauty and impending doom that I love ;-)

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  13. I gasped at that last photo. It's perfect. And I love all the long shots--the garden looks fabulous!

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    1. Awww, thanks, Heather...Boots is always good for a photo :-)

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  14. How in the world can you ever make yourself go to work and LEAVE that pretty garden?????????
    Fall is hands down the BEST time of year in a garden-love the grasses . And oh, the Agastache!!!
    Mine is fantastic this year.....but unfortunately, I can't use a camera very well. Even digital can't help Sue!-LOL!!

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    1. Hahaha...glad you enjoyed the post, Sue...and I couldn't agree more...fall is our big payoff, isn't it!

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  15. So much beauty - Fantastic!
    My favorite photo is the Echinacea in the sunset.
    Have a wonderful week!
    Lea
    Lea's Menagerie

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    1. Thanks, Lea...I just love those Echinacea at sunset...there is something wonderfully romantic about them :-)

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  16. What an envious display ! I love the crowded look, things running all over each other. So natural.

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    1. Thanks, Randy...I do strive for a natural look...just on the verge of chaos ;-)

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  17. Once again compelling combinations! Love it ALL! Especially love seeing the "big picture." My garden is completely out of control this year. I am welcoming Fall so that I can get out there and tame it a little bit. I have Sedum Matrona and it is always covered in bees and wasps and all sorts of flying things. I think I need more of it!

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    1. Oh yes...I am in the same boat, unfortunately! I have a few spots that I'm hoping to tackle in the next few weeks to bring them under a bit more control before winter truly sets in...good luck on your projects!

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  18. "...abundance tempered with the beginning of decay." What a perfect description of late summer/early fall and you've documented the sentiment so very well. Happy GBBD!

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  19. The last picture is so pretty (kitty, too). Gardens like yours make me painfully aware of how much I want to add to my yard - it'll happen bit-by-bit. I need, need, need some anemones!

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    1. It will definitely happen...I chipped away at my lawn a few feet at a time...and one day I realized I'd pretty much dug it all up!

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  20. Your house looks so inviting nestled amidst all that horticultural magnificence. Love the image of the "wilted tutus".

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    1. Hahaha...thanks, Ricki...I thought you might appreciate them :-)

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  21. As usual I thoroughly enjoy looking at your photos. Love all the Agastaches - we do the Tutti Frutti and I love it as do the hummingbirds. It does NOT like water I have found. Had it rot out as I planted it in the wrong place... but have chosen a new hot dry spot and it is doing great. The 'Amistad' does well here too- I love the color contrast on it. I always love looking at your photos- and cute little Boots making an entrance in a few shots. Too fun.

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    1. You are so right, Kacky...Tutti Frutti likes it on the dry side...it smells AMAZING, doesn't it?!?

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  22. Your garden is aging beautifully. Your photos are all lovely, but I especially love the last one--beautiful lighting, and Boots adds the perfect touch! I always enjoy your Agastaches; how I wish they liked my zone 5/6 garden as much! I'm going to look for that Vernonia--beautiful foliage.

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    1. Thanks, Rose! I think there are some Agastaches that will survive zone 5/6...like Black Adder, I think. I hope you find the Vernonia (I think Klehm's might have it).

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  23. Fabulous as usual, your garden just keeps performing and gets better every time I see it.

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  24. If you figure out how to propagate that veronia... be sure to let us know how it's done.
    I've been planting seeds from my locally native Vernonia angustifolia every year since like '08... and nothing.

    Looks like a nice collection of plants crammed into a small space... How do you decide what to dig out when you bring in a new plant?

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    1. I'll definitely let you know if I get any seed to germinate! It's very tricky to keep things balanced...I admit...I'm constantly moving and/or replacing things!

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  25. The city needs to put up “Be Prepared To Stop” signs on Rhone St around your house. I am sure it is hard for drivers to keep their eyes on the road as they approach your garden.

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    1. Hahaha...wouldn't that be funny! I've actually had a few people stop as they were driving by to ask about certain plants.

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  26. You're grasses have really come into their full glory! I agree about R. triloba, it's such a great plant. Also Japanese Anemone is one of my favorites for fall.

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    1. They are so invaluable at this time of year, aren't they, Jason? I really would like to add more of the Anemones.

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  27. following links around, looking for garden connections and resources in SE Portland - just moved here from the east coast 3 days ago. Perched at the moment in Sellwood, but seriously in love with Brooklyn. Starting from scratch here - looking for a house to rent, learning a new garden zone and what's possible out here. If you have suggestions, I would love to hear them! You can get me at megan (at) mmdevine (dot) (com)

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    1. Hi Megan...glad you found me...I'll drop you an email later today or tomorrow :-)

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  28. Scot, you've got a great eye for light and photography as well as for the garden.

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  29. As I study for the GRE, I want to thank you for helping me brush up on my vocabulary with 'harbinger of autumn' an 'coquettish Rozanne'! Now I can justify reading gardening blogs during study time! Keep it up through Oct 27th, ok?!

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  30. Your garden looks wonderful at this time of the year! Still envious of your golden sunset/sunrise light! Abundance tempered with decay...reminds me of my body. Maybe that's why I like your garden so much right now.

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    1. Thanks, Peter...I love the light at those times of day...although it becomes trickier as the sun moves and I have to be quicker to catch it these days!

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  31. Scott your gardens and photography are beautiful and I always enjoy visiting. I love watching your gardens grow from spring to fall and I think fall is one of my favorite times. You have so much color going on and with the grasses it is spectacular!

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    1. Thanks, Lee...Fall is definitely my favorite...for so many reasons...especially because of the grasses.

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  32. Scott your garden is sensational...so much blooming and I love the combinations...but the bees certainly have their fav in the sedum.

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    1. Thanks, Donna....and you're too right...the bees have chosen, for sure :-)

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  33. What a beautiful garden, really amazing. Cat so sweet :)
    Greetings, http://kolorywogrodzie.blog.onet.pl

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    1. Thanks, Ela...glad you liked the garden...and Boots!

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  34. What a beautiful garden, really amazing. Cat so sweet :)
    Greetings, http://kolorywogrodzie.blog.onet.pl

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  35. We should all be so lucky to have such abundant gardens. I loved the photos, especially those taken from a short distance.

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  36. Thanks, Charlie...glad you enjoyed the post...I like the wide shots myself too :-)

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