Monday, September 12, 2011

Combinations for Late Summer - I

Late summer can be a bit sparse in the garden. 
Many perennials are past their prime and
annuals may be losing steam.
I've found some places around town that are
still going strong with great late summer combinations.

The terraced front garden above is a good example.
Nicely planted with a succession of blooms,
it's pretty all season long.
Take a look at what was happening there in late August.


Pale pink Phlox (Phlox paniculata) fills in as
Purple Loosestrife, front, (Lythrum salicaria) begins to wane.  
Vivid red Feather Celiosa (Celosia argentea - Plumosa group) and
yellow Blackeyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm') 
add a punch of color.

UPDATE:
Thanks to Pam's English Cottage Garden
for pointing out that
Purple Loosestrife as a very invasive plant which is banned in many states. 
Read about it here and here.

I hadn't used or seen Purple Loosestrife in many years,
but have seen it several places this summer, looking so innocent and pretty. 
Unfortunately, I used an outdated reference book for this post!
Yes, I have newer books, but turned to an old favorite.... lesson learned!


Cleome comes into its own at this time of year,
billowing gracefully behind
Purple Loosestrife and Purple Oxalis.


Pink Knockout Roses and
purple Sweet Potato Vine
complete the scene.



13 comments:

Bridget said...

That looks fab, so full of colour.

Pam's English Garden said...

Dear Chris, Wonderful plant combinations! I was a bit surprised to see the purple loosestrife -- it is illegal in PA because it is invasive. I don't know why I haven't explored your great site before. I love it - full of ideas and beautiful photographs! P. x

HolleyGarden said...

You have a lot blooming! Beautiful colors. Thanks for the list. I need a few more fall bloomers in my garden.

Lona said...

Lovely late combinations. Your beds look beautiful.

Indie said...

So beautiful! I love all the different purples, and I LOVE your stone staircase and walls!

Anonymous said...

Nice combos. I think the cleome goes with everything at this time of year. They are the size of shrubs right now.

Wife, Mother, Gardener said...

Late-summer is a tough time for the garden, but there are great answers like these if we look for them!

I love the pink cleome and the purple oxalis together. A mid-height plant like Sedum 'Frosty Morn' would look great with them too.

Chris said...

Bridget: Thanks for visiting!
Pam: Thank you for the note about Purple Loosestrife! I've updated the post with a note about it's invasive qualities. I appreciate your kind words.
HolleyGarden: It's a challenge to keep the interest going all season long. Glad you found something useful.
Lona: I'm happy you enjoyed them. I can only take credit for capturing them on film. ;-)
Indie: The stairs and walls are great, aren't they? They take a problem slope and turn it into an asset. I can only wish they were mine.
GWGT: I agree, the Cleome is quite spectacular.
Wife, Mother, Gardener: Yes, pink flowers and purple foliage make a great combination, don't they? Great suggestion for making it even better.

Karin / Southern Meadows said...

So many lovely flowers in your garden. My garden is very tired looking at this time of year. Your plant combination are certainly an inspiration!

greggo said...

Nice design and post.

Cat said...

Love that combination of cleome and oxalis! Very nice.

Chris said...

Karin: Late summer is a challenging kind of in-between time. I really like this garden, too - they've done a great job!
Greggo: Thanks - I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Cat: Your last post tugged at my heart. We had major storms and pretty severe flooding here last week - would that we could send some of that moisture your way!

Alistair said...

Great looking plants, I love the Rudbeckia. And although plants are going over I feel the change in the sunlight makes everything in the garden come alive in a different way.

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