Ink & Penstemon

As with most posts, the accompanying pics for the post are posted in the following photoset, FYI.

June was a bit of a downer. It shouldn’t be. But here we are. Some things are just not working when I expected them to. For instance, the Veronica longifolia ‘Eveline’ I divided isn’t working where I left them. They are too close to the ‘Royal Velvet’ Lavender and it’s a wall of purple. The island bed next to the garden was looking good; the ‘Helen Elizabeth’ Poppies went crazy but then fizzled in the heat. It is a sight when the petals are fried before they even open. Their crepe like petals cling like dried linen to the seedheads, mummified by the summer sun.

The Abies procera ‘Glauca Prostrata’ and Tsuga canadensis ‘Moon Frost’ I special ordered are still not here. The good folk at Cactus and Tropicals have called to assure me that they are on their way from Iseli, but since I can’t plant them until late September, what’s the point? And then who knows if they’ll survive the winter. I guess I’ll have to go buy anti-dessicant to pull them through. Grrr. I hate delays.

And the shed door is truly falling apart into shreds after several years of being blasted by the sprinklers. Good riddance. The sooner you disintigrate the sooner I get a new, proper shed that isn’t barn shaped. I will just have to live with this inbred mongrel for a few more months before we take it around back and put it out of its misery.

The peas are on the way out, and the espaliered apples have leaf spot. If they were further along, it wouldn’t be a big deal, but there is a legitimate concern about some cordons becoming defoliated entirely. Their future is spotty indeed.

But, on the flip side, the tomatoes have recovered and we have fruit set. The carrots and beets are coming along well. I hope the sow bugs don’t eat them this year like they have before. We’ll be set to harvest the garlic in a week or so. 

The Agapanthus-es… Agapanthi… the two Lily-of-the-Nile plants (aka African Lilies) are looking good. Growing Agapanthus is no biggie for anyone living in California, but it’s a big deal for me here. I go as far as leaving my car outside in the snow so I can overwinter these boys in the garage. They are worth it for they have a presence in pots that only tropicals can bring. If I had a conservatory or a greenhouse I’d have Birds of Paradise and some citrus too. As I am not Martha Stewart, give me my Agapanthus.

My threats about shaking up the shade garden came to fruition as I tore out all of the Lily-of-the-Valley that has been my nemesis since I began tending this garden. It was a very violent yet cathartic affair involving a sharp spade and some flying dirt. In the aftermath, I spread around more of the violet groundcover which manages to unify everything in the shade, even the wonky colored Heucheras. Naturally, more ‘Autumn Brilliance’ shield ferns had to be bought. I also popped in the many wee planties of Bergenia ‘Winterglut’ I ordered. The flowers, while stunning, are incidental to the soft glow of their leaves in the shade on a hot day. Their shiny leaves catch the light and draw you in. I’m pleased with the potential of the new plantings. Already it has kind of a fish tank feel to it, like you’re looking at the world through green pondwater.

As we enter July we’ve entered the mid-summer gap. Most avoid this through judicious use of annuals and careful planning. As I lack good judgment and careful planning, things are taking a breather in the oncoming heat. Personally, I like not having much going on in early July because I’m usually on vacation and I need a break from everything. It works out especially well this year as I’ve misplaced my point-and-shoot camera and I have no idea where it is. So enjoy what you have for this report. You may have to endure more writing than usual until the camera is located.