Once a year, I tackle the big job of trimming the boxwood that surround major pathways. The cutting is easy. Picking up all the bits is a bear!
AUGUST
August, already!
July has never been my favorite month. I hated July; yes, I’m a hater; I used to hate July as much as January. In 2023, I managed to get through January just fine, and somehow, I managed July without any pain or setbacks! And this is on the heels of the global temperature recorded, the hottest temperature EVER. Could it be I’m growing as a gardener?
We had a good amount of rain in July, which is good and bad. Good because rain is often needed and bad because it washes away the rabbit deterrent. It has to be reapplied after each rain event. (I’m working on a piece for Triangle Gardener called War or Rabbits, Goodbye Rudbeckia!
It’s that time of year again! Time to design and begin filling the bed for the NC State Fair!
The beach is hot, but when it’s hot, it’s better at the beach! I brought in August walking the beach of Emerald Isla!
The Back 40 (ft) North to South. I need to do the annual trimming of the boxwood hedges. I have a few other things to do first, but I’ll get to it in August.
The Back 40 (ft) South to North
Overview. This pic is a good example of why it’s good to evaluate your garden through pictures. There is a crape myrtle limb hanging in front of the Garden House obstructing its view. The Garden House is the focal point here, not the trees.
Gazebo Corner—Petasites japonicus 'Variegatus' is happy this summer; an indication of getting enough rain. Don’t plant this. I have it in the perfect location where it is controlled. If planted in the wrong place, it is highly invasive and you will regret it!
The Epimedium Patch—noting again, how happy I am with using pine straw in the paths. Laying pine straw is so much easier than wood chips. As I move forward into less maintenance, this is paramount!
Detail in the Mixed Border!
Mixed Border South to North
Pepper found a rabbit nest in the Mixed Border. He was rescued, but not released in the garden.
Spring Ephemeral patch extension, formally The Wildflower Patch Extention—Not much to show.
Spring Ephemeral patch, formally The Wildflower Patch—Not much to show.
The Southside
As I was pruning the pyracantha on the south side of the Bee Better Naturally with Helen Yoest garden, I found this nest. I've yet to get a closer look, other than know the residents have moved on and that it is beautiful.
The Ostrich Fern Garden
The Front Fountain Garden
Food Forest
The Food Forest Extension
The Parterre—I reseeded with more zinnia after the rabbits ate all the young seedlings. So sad.
I like the edging I added in the back so much, I’m adding it the front. The River Bed and Patarre already have, but now I’m adding it all around!
Here is an example of rabbit damage when they don’t even want to follow through. This zinnia was unscathed by rabbit damage when first growing. But one found, a rabbit decided to give it a taste. They cut it and left it alone, either because it was to woody or just to piss me off!
The River Bed, The Raspberry/Scuppernong
Chimney Swift Tower/Blackberries
The Blackberry Patch with Chimney Swift Tower. The Mexican sunflower, Tithonia spp., is truly my favorite annual. Could it because it is orange? Probably! Here is one of our native bees enjoying a sup.
The North Side
Rock Garden
The Girl’s Garden—It was a sad day for my family. While my husband, David, Pepper, and I were at the beach, there was a predator attack. We have deduced it was during the daytime since it was in the tunnel since if it was evening, they would have been tucked away safely in the coop. If anyone of us was home, we would have heard the commotion. We think it was a loose dog. We lost five the the six girls I was raising to replace the older girls what have reached the end of their wonderful life. So sad.
Detail of remaining girl.
Mixed Border North to South
The Wildlife Pond-I love the sound of the resident frog.
Pepperlicous resting at THE COTtAGE!
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Glossary
Until soon,
Helen
#WeCanAllBeeBetter!