A Changing Atmosphere in the Gardens

Cutting Garden with Love in a Puff (Cardiospermum halicacabum) and Cardinal Climber (Ipomoea x multifida)

The changes in temperature, moisture and light have created a more relaxed mood in the gardens. As the season progresses, plant characteristics become increasingly obvious. Taller plants start to slouch on their neighbors and plants just beginning to bloom make a fashionably late grand entrance.

Those qualities describe the Cutting Garden mix now. New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) are all budded and ready to bloom when the sunshine appears. These tall asters are using many of their fellow plants for support, weaving through some and leaning gently on others. Also, the bamboo arches are full of Love in a Puff (Cardiospermum halicacabum) blooms, gracefully dangling green puff balls. The small flowers of Cardinal Climber (Ipomoea x multifidi) are beginning to open, adding a much-needed pop of red to the arches. The flowers are favorites of the hummingbirds.

Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)

Also in the Cutting Garden is the long-lasting flowering perennial anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum). This plant is not a cultivar or hybrid but the straight species form, and it produces many seeds; yes, it reseeds prolifically, but it’s a joy to see many small birds feast on its seeds. Together these blossoms create a color-scape of lavender, red and fresh green.

All the plants have appreciated the lovely cool rain. The smell-scape is changing too as many fragrant flowers perfume the cooler air. White blooms of the variegated angel trumpet (Brugmansia suaveolens ‘Variegata’), the peacock orchid (Gladiolus murielae), and the still blooming strong frangipani (Plumeria alba) emit a flowery aroma that completes this garden sensory-scape.

Frangipani (Plumeria alba)

This is a perfect time for a garden visit.

Featured Image:  Peacock orchid (Gladiolus murielae) formerly called Acidanthera bicolor

Click here to view Gail’s video of the Idea Garden’s bamboo arches.