Gifford Garden Notes
In Bloom
by Diane Fagergren
 | This week the clematis vines growing up and along the pergola are in full bloom. These wonderful climbers are covered with flowers exhibiting various shades of purple, blue, white and red. They prefer to have "sunny tops and shady bottoms" so remember when you plant them to protect the base of the plant and the roots from the hot sun. Planting a small shrub or perennial in front of the vine can easily do this. Try placing a good size stone by the base to shade the lower stems and keep the roots cool. A well-drained soil, rich in humus is ideal. I would also encourage you to top dress with a layer of well rotted manure or compost in the late winter. Always keep the mulch away from the plant's crown. |
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As the summer progresses, the sun loving flowers all start to open. Many areas of the garden are in full bloom right now. Monarda, Inula, Telekia, Sedum, Alcea, Coreopsis, Achillea, and Agastache are just a few to mention. |
Onopordum acanthium
commonly called Silver Scotch Thistle
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Inula magnifica
commonly called Elecampane
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Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue'
commonly called globe thistle | This steel blue flower, Echinops bannaticus 'Taplow Blue' attracts honeybees and its dried flowers are a major food source for the birds in the fall. It blooms for a long period of time during the summer and if cut back flowers again in the fall. This is a great one for attracting the hummingbirds to your yard. |
Lychnis coronaria commonly called rose campion and
Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' commonly called tickseed
Lysimachia clethroides commonly called gooseneck loosestrife
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