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Sunday, June 6, 2010

Finally Taking Shape



Eric and I got back from our trip to Indiana late on Thursday night. We're glad we were able to get up there for his mom's memorial service. Per her wishes, it was a quiet and simple service and I'm sure she would have approved.

When we got back, I gazed around the garden and, seeing it with new eyes, I realized that it's starting to become the Green and Serene retreat that I envisioned when I moved in here almost 2 years ago.


Left to right along the wall -- Southern Wax Myrtle, Rose of Sharon, Flame Acanthus, unknown grape vine (was labelled Mars, but now we're not so sure) and Vitex. There are some Pentas in front of the Flame Acanthus and some lilies and other things coming up too.



The Vitex is a magnet for bees and butterflies.


I love the network of shadows our pine tree casts across the garden. Left to right in this pic -- the "no scent" Star Jasmine, with the scented Star Jasmine next to it.  By the garden flag is a volunteer sunflower and an Achillea "Debutante". The Crepe (or is it Crape?) Myrtle in the middle is in bloom now, but wasn't when I took this photo last week. On the right, two tropical milkweeds are blooming like crazy and even have seed pods on them, so I'll have more next year. And finally, some Salvia "Hot Trumpets" seem to like their little corner.


Words and photographs by Jayne Wilson, Green and Serene, Jayne's Country Garden.

4 comments:

Rock rose said...

Losing a parent is the most difficult thing. I'm sorry for your loss. How nice that you could both come back to a green and serene garden.

Vanessa said...

My first time here- loving your garden. Such a beautiful and serene space. Thanks for sharing it with us all. I'll be back for more garden inspiration.

Kathleen Scott said...

It looks like an oasis--and I'm sure will feel like one during the hot and humid Houston summer. I was tickled to see you have a wax myrtle, a great tree for bird habitat. Birds love the berries and the insects that come for the berries. Look for warblers in migration here.

If you find room, you might also think about planting a bottle brush tree. Nice red blooms and another warbler favorite. Hummingbirds come to it too, drawn by the red blooms but staying to snack on the tiny gnats that also come to the blooms.

Jayne said...

I'll have to see if I can find somewhere to squeeze a bottle brush tree in, Kathleen.