[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
Michelle Marine
July 16, 2017 at 3:40 pmTough seasons seem to be the theme this year! We got back from our epic road trip out west (we were gone for 3 weeks) and I have weeds that are now as tall as I am! And I’m 5’9!!! I had to go on safari to find my garlic. 🙁 I’m hoping for a good fall garden this year – and that would be a first for me too. Hang in there, Angie! There’s always next year. 🙂
Ramblingwoods
July 15, 2017 at 3:58 pmI’m sorry there have been so many garden challenges for you Angie, but the photos are beautiful. We are too wet here and now have found some poison oak near the pond to take care of…. Michelle
Mitzi
July 13, 2017 at 6:37 pmWOW…you have such a wonderful garden! Flowers are such incredible things…no matter the type, they can lift your spirits in a mere moment…though my favorite is the Sunflower!
Melinda Mitchell
July 12, 2017 at 4:19 pmHi Angie, I love your blog name!! Your gardens are gorgeous!
I need to get some of that Persian Shield!! It’s purplicious!!
Congrats on winning the hose thingy!
Thanks for being a loyal follower!
Karen @Beatrice Euphemie
July 12, 2017 at 3:49 pmWhat a pretty garden you have! So many lovely blooms. I love the hibiscus and its charming name! x Karen
Carol ("Mimi")
July 12, 2017 at 9:46 amSuch beautiful photos! Thank you for sharing them. I love how you have your garden divided into zones: sun/shade/butterfly, etc. It makes such a rich variety of foliage and flowers.
Carol (“Mimi”) from Home with Mii
riitta k
July 11, 2017 at 11:43 pmThat is so true, not always ALL is great looking. Every summer there are spots that are going through replanting of some sort – and are not pretty. I don’t have many slugs in the garden but someone is eating all my Alcea Nigra leaves! They are like lace. Yesterday we had a pouring rain. I have not yet had the courage to see the damages (it is 6.45 now).
Waiting for your reality posts! Let’s enjoy those plants and spots that look pretty and satisfy us. We cannot control The Mother Nature 🙂
Carol
July 11, 2017 at 8:28 pmMy word your garden is beautiful!
Jami
July 11, 2017 at 8:07 pmI seriously want to come and just hang out in your garden – what a glorious variety!! Definitely enjoy the beauty there even though the other garden setbacks happen. 🙂
Diane Williams
July 11, 2017 at 3:02 pmWhat a lovely garden. Thanks for sharing such great inspiration!
Shelly
July 11, 2017 at 2:33 pmSorry to hear about all the havoc you’ve been experiencing this year. I think you might have gotten our slugs. This year was really light on slugs, I didn’t have to battle them in the strawberries although they did attack everything but my tomatoes in my cold frame.
You have so many beautiful flowers in your garden. The photo of the daylily made me miss our old garden where we had a bunch of them. The carpet rose is so pretty too.
We have a bird house that is occupied right now on our shed. I can hear the baby birds when we go in and out soon they will be out and about in the garden. It’s so fun to watch the wildlife in the garden too.
Aprl@LoveOurRealLife
July 11, 2017 at 2:10 pmGorgeous pictures of your garden. You have a beautiful selection of flowers!
Natasha Botkin
July 11, 2017 at 1:36 pmThanks for allowing me to enjoy your beautiful garden. I just sold my home and this is the first time ever in my life that I do not have a garden. Xoxo
Lana @ The Joy Blog
July 11, 2017 at 10:24 amI’m having a rough year too! My new garden boxes have had some issues with drainage causing all sorts of issues to deal with! But our triple digit heat has helped with water retention and stuff is finally growing, mostly. However, most of my planned for veggies are just not going to happen. I definitely feel you on the whole getting down thing. You put so much into the garden and when it doesn’t work it’s so hard. Your sun garden is looking amazing though!
Patti
July 11, 2017 at 8:17 amHi Angie,
We are having a tough season with slugs too. My neighbor was even commenting because she has a lot of hosta and you know how much they love hosta. I told her about all the natural remedies I know but usually I just let them be. Your flower pics are beautiful as always. I can’t believe it’s already July. Summer will be over before you know it.