In the Garden June 24, 2014

June 24, 2014

Lady’s Mantle smiling at the raindrops

It’s a delightfully drizzly day today – perfect for photography. Our summer drought is already underway so the moisture is most welcome – and the garden looks spectacular!

Cali takes a short nap beside the hydrangea as she awaits your arrival to The Artists’ Garden Studio Tour

If you are coming by for the garden tour, your official greeter, Miss Cali Cat, will be awaiting your visit. She has taken to escorting each and every one of you around the garden as she happily accepts your pets and complements. Cali is also my official supervisor as I prune, weed and water so she feels entitled to accept your comments and feedback as she takes you on the tour.

As you may remember from my May 22 posting, poached egg poppies are elusive and rare. Officially called Coulter’s Matilija Poppy or California Tree Poppy, they don’t seem to want to be transplanted, but if they migrate into your yard, you will be rewarded with a dramatic display of huge white crepe paper-like blooms all summer and into the fall.

California Tree Poppies

Crepe-like giant blooms

This year, they are beautifully set off by colourful snap dragons. My plan is to let the dragons seed and take over the front of the bed over time.

Blue lace hydrangea

My lace hydrangea is turning blue now – aways a show stopper, it enjoys a place of honour right beside our rocking chairs. Beside it is a potted Japanese Blood Grass, which is nestled in the dry river bed of the Japanese Garden Entrance.

California Poppies

I love planting seeds and this year, I have sprinkled California Poppies all over the property. It is my hope that over time these cheery beauties will fill in everywhere, choking the weeds away. (well a girl can hope!)

I seldom discourage ‘volunteers’ into my yard, especially if they have a pleasing flower. The Iceland Poppies I showed you in May are an example of the wonderful an results of seeds in flight. Here is another example: Shirley Poppies and Yarrow. Yarrow is difficult to control, but together with the Shirley’s I am happy to have them.

Shirley Poppies and Yarrow

Coming next week…

Finally, here is a sneak preview of what’s to come…You won’t believe your eyes in just a few short days…Giant Lucier Crocosmia mingled with Shasta Daisies – Red and White at it’s best. The hummingbirds will go crazy!

But don’t wait for my next blog posting – come on over! Cali and I can’t wait to show you our garden – the studio is in full production too, so there’s lots of pottery to see in the showroom. Until next time!