NEW FRIENDS AND OLD

My garden is certainly having

A showy summer.

The rain gets all the credit.

We got even more of the luscious stuff last week.

So the mid-summer show

Is pretty wonderful.

Purple Coneflowers and Gloriosa Daisies

Have had quite a year

They are just past their prime,

But should be happy for a few more weeks.

Tall Garden Phlox is just about to peek.

It’s  a great old friend.

Sturdy stems make it a favorite

When the winds and rains come.

It’s vibrant color can be seen from across the yard

You will often see a patch of it in yards

As you walk through old neighborhoods.

It’s been on the old friends list

For quite awhile.

It also cuts well for arrangement.

A pre-requisite for survival

In my garden.

A haircut in spring will keep it

From getting way too tall.

It also delays the blooms till mid summer.

A time that can always use a little boost.

This year the phlox has a new friend.

Her name is Annabelle.

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ to be exact.

I ordered the first one two years ago.

Liked it so much that I bought two more

At the end of that summer.

Then this spring I found spots for three more.

Accidentally ordered these bare root.

But they have grown and grown

Now I’m thinking I’ve found places for one or two more

Maybe.

Annabelle blooms a lot.

Great big blooms at that.

Their blooms start out white

And change into that wonderful lime green

That is so good in the garden and arrangements.

It’s a color I work to incorporate.

It’s a little hard to find.

Envy Zinnias and Bells for Ireland

Also add this color

But I have trouble getting them to grow here.

Annabelle on the other hand

Seems to love my garden.

Annabelle is a fast grower

And prolific bloomer

It’s a great new friend

That seems right at home

Here in my garden.

Gail

“Make new friends, but keep the old.

One is silver, the other is gold.”

Anonymous