Late Summer Garden Views & News!

Welcome to my Long Island zone 7b late summer garden! The beginning of August brought steamy temperatures in the mid to upper 80’s accompanied by lots of humidity and pop up thunderstorms, making the temperatures feel even higher. Then the passing by of Tropical Storm Debby brought 4 inches of rain within a few days to the island. After the storm, the days of mid-August bring blue skies and temperatures in the lower 80’s, evenings in the 60’s and 70’s, and the garden continues with its next round of blooms. Join me for a tour to see what’s new! 

Let’s Visit for a While!

Now, if you have been here before, the welcoming committee is back again to greet you, and if you are new here…welcome!  It is customary to join them with a hot or cold beverage of your choice and stay and visit for a while. Once you’ve had some time to relax, we begin the tour!

Platycodon ‘Komachi’ (Balloon Flower)

The first stop is at the border of the patio where Platycodon ‘Komachi’ Balloon Flower resides. It is the only variety that remains closed as a “balloon” and is very rare and hard to come by. I have had this one for as long as I can remember, have not seen it sold anywhere since, and am thinking of collecting and cultivating the seeds, but hear it is very difficult. If anyone has grown this cultivar from seed, I could use your advice!

Calluna ‘Firefly’ (Heather)

New to the garden this summer is Calluna ‘Firefly’. What drew my attention to this perennial was its unusual color, and as you know, I am a huge fan of foliage! The deep mauve blooms are just an added bonus! I am looking forward to how the evergreen foliage changes throughout the seasons.

Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple

Planted last summer, the Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple is getting some new growth and is accompanied by Salvia ‘Blue By You’, with Knock Out Roses in the backdrop.

Back Island Bed

Along the back island bed is Heuchera (Coral Bells) ‘Caramel’ (left), Ajuga Burgundy Glow (right), and Sedum ‘Brilliant’, which will bloom a little later in the summer.

Back Island Bed

In the rear of he same bed is Dwarf Butterfly Bush ‘Pugster Blue’, a hybrid cultivated to be semi-sterile and non-invasive here in the northeast. It stays more compact, growing to just 2-3 feet tall by wide, yet produces a profusion of fully-sized fragrant flowers. 

Allium ‘Millenium’

Here is Allium ‘Millenium’, a later blooming ornamental onion that brings some color and interest to the late summer garden. After seeing it growing in other’s gardens, it was a must have! Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, blooms last from mid to late summer. 

Hydrangea ‘Limelight Prime’

Moving along to the northwestern side of the back island bed is Hydrangea ‘Limelight Prime’ from Proven Winners with its amazing white blooms in late summer that take on a pink hue as the flowers mature. Variegated Weigela ‘My Monet’, Coral Bells ‘Palace Purple’ and evergreen Hinoki Cypress Compacta join in.

Viburnum ‘Summer Snowflake’

Along the back garden bed, Viburnum ‘Summer Snowflake’ is pushing out another round of blooms for late summer…

Rudbeckia ‘Little Goldstar’ (Dwarf Black Eyed Susan)

and Dwarf Black Eyed Susan ‘Little Goldstar’ is blooming beneath Kousa Dogwood ‘Greensleves’ in the northern section of the property. Hosta ‘Partiot’ and ‘Minuteman’ border along the front of the bed.

Rudbeckia ‘Little Goldstar’

Here are the Dwarf Black-Eyed Susan up close. The nice thing about this plant is that is does not spread, but rather stays as a compact clump.

Pool Border

Along the pool border is a grouping of Holly ‘Sky Pencil’ and Heuchera ‘Caramel’… 

Crape Myrtle ‘Sioux’

and Crape Myrtle ‘Sioux’ is in bloom! Every summer I await the amazing deep pink blooms on this variety.

Knock Out Rose ‘Radrazz’

The roses are dealing with the humidity this summer as best as they can. Good old reliable Knock Out Rose ‘Radrazz’ continues to push out blooms and never disappoints.

Groundcover Sedum Collection

Last year with the pool planting renovation, I added this collection of groundcover Sedum in a tight spot between the rock wall and the pool border. It is filling in nicely and produced yellow blooms back in July.

Front Island Bed Late Summer

Did I mention we have had some humidity and pop up thunderstorms? Well, the Hosta are loving it! They are blooming now and will be joined by the light pink blooms of Sedum ‘Pure Joy’ within a week or so.

Front Island Bed Late Summer

Here is another view. 

Dipladenia Planter

Last, but not least, the Dipladenia in a container on the back patio is doing beautifully! I get to enjoy it everyday as I sit under the overhang with a cup of tea! 

Thank you for Visiting!