GET GROWING!

SUNSHINE AND SWEETNESS

By LADYBUG

Gardeners are governed by the conditions present in their yards – sunny, shaded, or the best, a mix of both – and south facing or north. And so on.

We may follow planting guidelines and choose plants according to the conditions specific to our yards, but there’s always the possibility of a peasant surprise (or disappointment).

Because plants that thrive in the sun and need at least six hours of sunshine to do their thing can be impacted by the microclimate in a garden – by the shadows cast by the house next door, a large tree, or even something as innocuous as a fence.

My garden borders have evolved over the years, as I’ve learned more about what my plants like and as I’ve become more disciplined.

Okay, so not so much of the latter, as I still give into temptation, but at least I take a plant’s requirements more seriously.

I’d started off with plants from my neighbours and friends. And I expanded the beds by planting my favourites – all of them – where I could see them. Which meant everything fitting snugly together. Except that plants have a mind of their own and one will grow bigger than anticipated while another will struggle to survive.

Thus what can begin as a planned border with colourful splashes interspersed with greenery can look entirely different in a few years.

It helps, therefore, to take an overview periodically. Literally, if you have an upstairs window overlooking your garden. Look down and you will spot gaps that need to be filled and thuggish plants that are crowding out other prized plants – things you might miss if you walk by the bed.

This will inspire you to dig, divide, move... and basically play and have more fun in your garden!

In peak summer – which would be now – my beds used to start looking a little bereft of colour after the first flush of spring blooms followed by the glory of the iris and peonies was done and the colours of fall mums and asters were yet to come into their own.

Lilies, daisies, phlox, coneflowers, rudbeckia, I had them all, but spread out. Spotting gaps, I took to moving things around a little. A gap by a yucca was filled in by bee balm, its deep red contrasting beautifully with the creamy white blooms of the yucca. Until a volunteer phlox grew into another whitish clump on the other side of the yucca, necessitating the planting of fiery red Maltese Cross to add more colour.

A big clump of veronica that was threatening to swallow a delicate balloon flower was divided and moved to the back yard. Coral bells punctuated the front of the border. And so on. Not exactly according to plan, but a colourful patchwork that brings me much joy.

Looking down at a bed now, I see much room for improvement, but also colour where previously there was none.

These months needn’t spell summer doldrums if you plan your garden and include sun-loving plants.

My list of favourites includes the following – all are sturdy and hard-working as they will spread and seed and provide more plants for those gaps in other borders!

Phlox

Coneflowers

Rudbeckia

Daylilies

Beebalm

Bellflowers

Coreopsis

Yarrow

Coral bells

Sweet William

Blanketflowers

Maltese Cross