“There is always music amongst the trees in the garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.” This quote by Aumonier, placed by the arbor at the garden entrance reminds me of the peace that surrounds me as I enter. After a day’s work, I relax on the west-facing bench tucked into the “forsythia park.” The low sun this time of year filters through the leaves of the fifty-year-old maple trees and casts interesting shadows on the green lawn that the summer rains so kindly encouraged. The birds sing their afternoon songs as a mother deer and her fawn stroll by in the field beyond.
The deer repellent that I diligently sprayed on my hostas seemed to deter them. The day lily garden is cut back to expose the old stone wall. Joe Pye Weed still stands tall despite the six inches of ground leaves I put on that area last fall to encourage shorter growth. Keeping the paths weed free was easier thanks to the strong vinegar I regularly sprayed on a calm day to make sure it didn’t get on valuable plants.
Ground covers can be used to hold moisture in the soil. I found a place near the arrangement of clay pots for Ajuga which spreads rapidly and has low spiked blue blossoms in spring and rich purple/bronze foliage. In the right spot, this ground cover helps suppress weeds. Graceful Ostrich ferns stayed green all summer thanks to all the moisture.
A few years ago, observing that Allium Senescens bloomed so nicely in August and early September, I planted large drifts in my perennial bed. What a beautiful splash of light purple blossoms at Summer’s end.
Dividing the large clumps was easy in the spring. Separating mature plants from your garden to fill in other areas is a great money saver. Consider making a note now to transplant early in next year’s growing season.
A friend has expertly repaired the arbor in the secret garden circle for next June’s blooms on the forty-year-old Rhododendron. So many buds have formed that pruning now will take off next year’s flowers. The best time to prune Rhodies is right after they bloom.
The three-story tall evergreens in my front yard have been topped and the remaining trunks, still two stories high, will be ample support for the climbing hydrangeas which outdid themselves this year.
My goal in years to come is to plant more perennial shrubs throughout my gardens to add visual interest. The pink and green foliage of Weigelia Monet planted in the sun added a bright spot of color all season.
Before the sun sets on each busy day, let’s reflect with gratitude on the many gifts nature gives to us.
Linda Treworgy Faatz, a passionate gardener for many years, lives in her family home at Friend’s Corner and cares for the extensive Treworgy gardens. She loves to share her home and gardens through classes and garden events.