I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers.
~Claude Monet
Choosing “favorites” is next to impossible when it comes to a cottage garden. Each plant, leaf, bloom plays a pivotal role in the gardener’s expression. Independently each is lovely, but united in profusion they are breathtaking! That being noted, my “favorites” are a small compilation of plant combinations that were inspiring in the garden this season. (I use the “common” names as a courtesy for those unfamiliar with the botanical.)
- Lungwort, Primrose, Sweet Woodruff- Pinks, whites and splashes of deep purple. Low growing, shade tolerant, aromatic.
- Rugosa Roses, Elodie Lilies, Anise Hyssop- Deep pinks and pale lavender, very fragrant, tall planting.
- Russian Sage, Anthemis daisies, Bee Balm- Red, pale blue, soft yellow. Attracts butterflies and humming birds. Long blooming.
- “Stella D’Oro” Daylily, Iris, Nasturtium- Deep purple, bright yellow, reds/oranges/yellow. Cheery and bright. Attracts hummingbirds.
- “Interlaken” grapevine, climbing yellow nasturtiums- Green grapes, butter-yellow flowers, this was simply lovely on the pergola!
- David Austin Roses, catmint- Various shades of pink and yellow underplanted with pale blue. Very fragrant.
- Pinks, Dwarf Zinnias, Morning Glory- Mixed pastels under a white flowering vine. Easy and excellent for cuttings.
There are, of course, so many more: Lupines, poppies, Jacob’s ladder not to mention flowering shrubs like peonies, Kerria, Hydrangea etc. etc. The combinations are endless. I think the best combinations are “accidental”, something plunked in on impulse that I was thankful for later. I make note of them in my journal, but rarely repeat a planting…there’s simply too many more to try. I regret not taking as many photographs this past season. (I broke hubby’s good camera when I dropped it on the open lens.) Oh well…next season!
I hope to add a forum here soon for all of you to share your wisdom, ideas and pictures. Until then feel free to look around and leave a comment. Thanks!
