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What's Blooming Now - The
Color Is Still Going at the Gardens
September 20, 2010
Though summer is winding down into fall, there is still plenty of bloom
to be seen at White River Gardens. One of our favorite late blooming plants
is Caryopteris, or Blue Mist Shrub. A shrub that loves the sun and is fairly
drought tolerant, the Caryopteris in the Motion Garden is currently covered
with clusters of vibrant blue blooms. It is a major draw for bees and
butterflies! The foliage has a nice, fresh scent, and the aged flowers are
great for dried arrangements.
Another stunner is the Sweet Autumn Clematis. Masses of delicate white
blooms and a lovely fragrance make this plant desirable, but it has its dark
side as well. It can easily get out of hand, taking over other plants in its
path and reseeding itself very vigorously. Found in the Mist Garden and the
Allee, we attempt to keep it in check by pruning it back in the fall after
its primary bloom is finished to remove the seeds. That is followed later in
the fall when the leaves have died back by cutting it all the way to the
ground. This second step can also wait until spring before the new growth
emerges.
The Blended Garden is still looking pretty with ripening tomatoes, newly
emerging cool season veggies like peas and lettuces, and spring sown plants
that have been left unharvested. The endive from the European Mesclun mix is
blooming beautifully right now. If that blue flower looks familiar, it is
because the common roadside Chicory is a very close relative. The leaves of
both plants can be harvested when young for use in salad mixes.
This article on What's Blooming in the Gardens would not be complete without
mentioning the fresh planting of annuals that are inside the Conservatory
for the
Art in the Garden show. Orange Zinnias, blue
Salvia, yellow Melampodium and Coleuses are massed among the tropical plants
and various pieces of art displayed there from now until November14. Not
your typical autumn show, "Art in the Garden" is a real feast for the eye!
Blue Mist Shrub |
Clematis with Roses |
Endive |
Art in the Garden |
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