Top Perennials Part 6 (of many)

What is it about Black Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) and Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum), that make me so HAPPY?? I don't know but that's the emotion they elicit from me every time I see them growing in my garden. They just look like such happy flowers!

When I first started my perennial beds, I bought a few pots of Black Eyed Susans. I planted them and transplanted them and over the years they have spread a lot. Not a big deal, though - they are very easy to dig out and give away. In the photo above, they are pictured with the annual Cleome.

They look quite delicate when they first start to open up but that's a misconception. They are unbelievably hardy, forming sturdy clumps with strong stems . They were the Perennial Plant of the Year in 1999.
Later even the black "middles" - the seedheads - are interesting if left in the perennial border as seen below, combined with Sedum 'Autumn Joy'. You could also put them into a flower arrangement.

Plant websites and catalogues often say that Rudbeckia is an autumn-blooming flower. Not for me. They tend to appear in late July already and are often gone by early September. They can handle partial shade but do best in full sun. They tolerate just about any type of soil.

Black Eyed Susans pair very well with other garden perennials, including grasses.

Below they line a path. (Please ignore the big weed thistle between the Rudbeckia and the Sedum :)

Black Eyed Susans are an easy care, low maintenance plant that may do well in your garden.

Shasta Daisies are another easy-to-grow flower that seems to be a staple in most perennial borders. Daisies have a yellow eye and white petals.

They are fabulous when massed together but pair well with many other plants.

Here I've got them with a red Daylily.

One large clump of daisies is beside my polyantha rose 'The Fairy'.

I have allowed the wild bellflower (Harebell) to grow in certain areas because I love the colour.
The daisies go well with it.

Daisies of various heights thrive in average or poor soil in Zones 4-8.
Just a small hint: daisies look good in bouquets but they do NOT have a nice fragrance. At all.

Rudbeckia and Shasta Daisies - two more ideas for your garden next summer!

First signs of Autumn

What a gorgeous day we have today! Sunny, breezy, no humidity and warm. Too bad I have a stupid head cold. Oh well, I still have enough energy to go out and shoot some pictures of how the garden is changing, now that it's very early fall.

My Sedum 'Autumn Joy" are at their peak: plump, pink and attracting bees like crazy!

Here's a great combo: Sedum, Black Eyed Susans (some in bloom but many are already black seed pods), plus a little bit of re-blooming Weigela

My polyantha rose "The Fairy" is just loaded with blooms - so lovely!!

Mauve-coloured Autumn Crocus have made their appearance in the front yard among the periwinkle

The Burning Bushes (Euonymus alatus) don't do much all year but in the fall - WOW!!! It's their time to shine! (And we ain't seen nuthin' yet!! This is just the beginning!)

Climbing Rose 'New Dawn" is still putting on a show (with more buds coming)

The Japanese Golden Grass foliage is starting to turn burgundy

And the Linden tree is just one of the many whose leaves will soon start to turn colour.

I am pleased to live in a part of the world that has 4 distinct seasons.

August 15 - Garden Blogger's Bloom Day

Every gardener and every garden blogger has lamented this summer's high temperatures and lack of rain. I certainly have! But despite these 2 major setbacks, the flowers carry on, brave souls!!

So here's what's blooming in my garden on August 15th Garden Blogger's Bloom Day:

Asiatic lily 'Strawberry and Cream'

Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta)

Daylily 'Mateus'

Cream coloured shrub rose (blooming for a second time around)

Beautiful wine-coloured Scabiosa that I grew from seed. Since the package was labelled Imperial Giants Mixed, most are a pale mauve but one bloomed this fabulous burgundy colour.

Anise hyssop

White phlox

The oakleaf hydrangea is already turning from pink to bronze

2 different colours of self-seeding Sweet Pea

Coral bells are blooming for a second time…..

….as is the 'Anthony Waterer' Spirea.

Last but not least is the Morning Glory on the back fence.

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day is a Meme created by May Dreams Gardens http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/

Gardeners post images of what's blooming in their garden on the 15th day of every month. All are welcome to participate.