White Peonies in bloom May 28th 2012

Its been long over due since I talked gardening, and the flowers of mid Summer are well under way this week! Peonies, an old garden favorite! Sometimes instead of going for all the newest varieties of flowers, an old favorite is just as good! Peonies are beautiful and and widely known for there great scent, which is why Peonies are on my permanent must have list for my garden! If you decide you want peonies, remember a few things, they like sun, they get large and they don’t like to be moved! That is why it is my recommendation not to get too many, just one or two in a sunny spot near the middle or back of a garden is perfect! here in Rochester Peonies are early. The warmest spring on record in Rochester has lead to a very early growing season which is the reason why everything is weeks ahead of when it would normally bloom. In Wisconsin, I was accustomed to peonies blooming on the 1st day of summer. When I had talked to my family last there were no peonies blooming there yet, where as ours are now nearly done.

Backyard Garden June 6th 2012

A very green and summer looking view has taken on across our yard. In bloom this week are, Stella Dora Daylillies, which might I add are all over Rochester, Coneflower and Clematis. Coneflowers usually bloom in July!

 Stell Dora Daylily

The most popular Daylily in the U.S! Its perfect for sunny sites, and will even do well if there is a bit of shade. They bloom for a long time but each individual flower only lasts 1day, hence the name Daylily! These are easily divided, in fast the one above is a split off from another one from this spring. Being split apart did not fade them, there still blooming! These flowers are known for blooming through the summer, but they have 1 main blooming season they slow down, if you want re bloom you have to dead head the old flower stalks.

Clematis June 7th 2012

This is our Purple Clematis, Which is doing considerably better then last year. Clematis like sun, but it is very important that the roots are shaded and moist. A great was of doing this is the addition of mulch! Clematis have one main bloom season in June, they bloom sporadically though the summer.

Front yard landscape June 6th 2012

The front yard is also fully enveloped in a summer look in that Hostas are blooming. In the front yard Stella Dora Daylily, Perennial Geranium, Speedwell as well as the mentioned Hosta are blooming.

Perennial Geranium.

This one is a fairly new favorite for me I discovered last year.  Prennial Geraniums come in colors ranging from this striking blue, to pink, to a combination of white and blue. The reason why these are great flowers is becuase they bloom profusely in full shade, and are actually a great choice for a shady site!

Speedwell June 7th 2012

This is Speedwell,  It’s a great small summer blooming flower! It comes in pink and blue. Perfect for sunny gardens and front of the gardens becuase of its small size. Watch out when picking out Speedwells, some can get large!

Enjoy the summer flowers!