[dropcap]W[/dropcap]elcome to another week of Tuesdays In The Garden! Summer is flying by, and I've really been enjoying July. Daylilies are in full bloom and dahlias are getting taller each day. I'm still having great success with the clematis I planted in a big container this spring. I'm feeding it regularly, keeping it's feet cool and making sure it has plenty of water.
On another note, I've been dealing with some garden struggles lately. It's been a series of unfortunate events, seemingly one right after another. Between critters wreaking havoc, aphid armageddon and slugs deciding to throw a giant samba party in my planters, I just can't seem to catch a break. It can be challenging to notice all the plants that are doing well amidst all the chaos. As someone who prides themselves on hard work and sweat in the garden, it can be really difficult not to get down on yourself. I'll be the first to admit it. I want my plants to look happy and healthy, not dismal and devoured.
I'm doing the very best I can to stay positive, though. I've been hitting the plants weekly with my insecticidal soap, physically removing those slimy slugs by gloved hand (make sure to wear gloves, no joke) and pruning back damaged foliage daily. I even braved a dreaded tick thanks to my nightly slug removal. The battle scars and bites have been worth it though. I'm seeing some improvements and letting go of those plants I can't save. I'll keep trying though, and plan on replanting those plants I lost.
Now where was I? Oh yes, back to the positive points of my garden this July. I'm excited to share with you what's blooming and thriving right now! I'm thinking of starting a blog series to show all the realities and pitfalls you run into when taking on Mother Nature. Until then, please enjoy each and every plant that is keeping a smile on my face!
In the butterfly garden
Swamp Milkweed from American Beauties Native Plants
Proven Winners 'Pardon My Cerise' Bee Balm/Monarda
In the sun garden
Featured in this photo are my Pink Knock Out Roses from Star Roses & Plants
I won this DRAAM Brass Hose Swivel at The Garden Bloggers Fling this June! This will seriously save you from that daily battle we all have with the hose. You know the one that looks like you are attempting the polka so you won't trip?
Coreopsis, otherwise known as Tickseed from American Meadows
My dahlias seem to be growing taller each day! This year, I am growing Penhill Watermelon, Miracle Princess and Catching Fire dahlias. These varieties can be found at Longfield Gardens.
Another treat from the Garden Bloggers Fling! We received this lavender named 'Phenomenal' from Peace Tree Farm. It is named phenomenal for a reason, people. So many of us struggle to grow this herb. This particular variety is hardy, does well in colder climates AND is resistant to disease. Make sure to hide my purse, because I may just order enough to fill my entire yard!
I feel like there should be a drum roll for this flower! Here is my Hollywood Hibiscus Gossip Queen from J Berry Nursery!
In the shade garden
My shade garden is in a bit of a transitional phase right now. My Heucherella 'Catching Fire' from Walters Gardens is keeping it colorful with it's bright foliage. I want to add some July/August blooming perennials or annuals around them! I'm thinking maybe some agastache or coleus!
More
Here is my Cardinal Climbing vine. It has come a long way in just one month. You can see what it looked like in June by clicking here.
Harris Seeds was kind enough to send some of us Garden Blogger Flingers their new variety of tomato called 'Red Racer'. It is a determinate hybrid cocktail tomato that matures in 57 days. They are potted up and resting safely in my greenhouse. So excited to watch them grow!
My 'Ruby Moon' hyacinth bean vine grown from seed. I'm so proud to see it growing!
Here is my Proven Winners Lemon Coral sedum adding some gorgeous foliage interest in my container combination.
Do you remember what this bare root rose looked like just last month? You can refresh your memory here. 'Shining Moment' by Star Roses and Plants is truly starting to wow me!
Inside the birdhouse…
A glimpse inside the greenhouse
What's growing in your garden? Do you have a favorite flower or shrub that blooms this month? Tell me all about it in the comment section below. We will be back on July 25 with a fun post featuring great garden gift ideas. It's Christmas in July and you are invited!
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, we will be sharing a themed Tuesday In The Garden post! We will be covering seasonal crops, herb gardening, growing flowers, DIY projects, garden gifts, harvesting tips, preserving, garden to table recipes and so much more. You can check out each of our posts to help you get inspired and give you some creative new ideas. Take a look at these great posts below!
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16 Comments
Jeannie
July 17, 2017 at 10:33 pmI am sorry it is such a rough year. Gardening is not for the weak of heart. It is hard work, but the rewards are so wonderful. Stick with it.
I too have a bird nest. First she built the nest in the silk wreath on the front porch one foot from the front door. Every time we walked out of door she would fly away and startle us. As soon as the chicks were gone, I threw the arrangement away to keep her from returning. Yesterday I saw her, again, now she is in the tool shed so we can not close the door until she is gone. She is becoming a pest.
Jeannie @ GetMeToTheCountry.Blogspot.com