Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up August 2016: Late Summer Blooms and Color!

August Garden

The month of August is a transitional time for the garden. There are subtle signs of fall approaching, as early summer blooms fade; however, a whole new wave of blooms and color arrive for late summer interest. Heat waves come and go as temperatures linger in the upper 80's and 90's for days, then slowly go back to normal as the summer season progresses. As the garden changes, it is time for another Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Foliage Follow-Up to see what is blooming. Bring a cool drink and come along with me to explore my Long Island garden!

Garden Visitor

There have been many new families of birds this summer with constant visitors to the property. The younger birds seem to be much more comfortable in their surroundings and remain much closer for a photo opportunity.

Early Bird Catches the Worm!

The saying says, "The early bird catches the worm", which is true in this respect!

Dwarf Butterfly Bush August

As we take a look at some blooms, Dwarf Butterfly Bush Lo & Behold 'Blue Chip' is displaying a full array of long purple spiked blooms for the late summer, which is a major attraction for butterflies.

Swallowtail Butterfly

This Swallowtail is a frequent visitor who can be seen regularly in the garden several times a day.

Lagerstroemia Crape Myrtle 'Sioux'

The month of August is also Crape Myrtle time with voluminous deep pink blooms that last from the end of July, throughout the entire month of August and into late September. This tree started as a small shrub in a planter some twenty years ago and now towers at about 25 feet and reaches a width of 15 feet. The blooms are non-stop and bring so much joy to the landscape and to me!

Hemerocallis Daylily 'Stella D Oro'

The 'Stella D Oro' Daylilies which have been blooming since June are still producing their bright yellow flowers.  A few of the clumps needed some rejuvenating, which I just performed a week ago, so a new wave of blooms will be forthcoming into the fall.

Platycodon  grandiflorus' komachi' Balloon Flower

Here is my conversation piece. This species of Balloon Flower is very hard to find and I only have one clump that I purchased years ago. The blooms stay closed like mini balloons and are fun to pop once they dry out. It will also bloom for a couple of months.

Pool Garden

Along the pool border are Lillium 'Stargazer'. Even though the blooms are short lived, the color and fragrance are amazing.

Lillium 'Stargazer'

I always look forward to their beautiful blooms!

Hydrangea 'Tardivia'

Here is Hydrangea 'Tardivia' which is located on the north side of the property. Its elongated pure white blooms are also slightly fragrant.

Dragonfly on Lamb's Ear Bloom

One of my favorite summer visitors are the dragonflies that frequent the property. They enjoy landing on the spikes of Lamb's Ear as you can see here, and are not at all camera shy, so I can get up close without them moving.

Perennial Border August

Here is a long view of the backyard perennial border...

Echinacea 'Pow Wow'

where Echinacea 'Pow Wow' is in full bloom at this time of year.

Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit'

Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit' is also in bloom with multi-colored flowers on the same plant.

Front Walkway

Sometimes its all about the foliage!  Here along the front walkway is Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar (left), Weeping White Pine (right), Blue Star Juniper, Japanese Garden Juniper and Variegated Liriope. The Liriope will sport spikes of bright purple blooms later this month.

Foliage Combination August

Here is a closer view of the Liriope (right) against Blue Star Juniper (left) with Heuchera 'Palace Purple' to complement the two.

Sedum 'Dragon's Blood'

Back by the pool garden is Sedum 'Dragon's Blood'. Despite the name of the plant, the blooms are a beautiful vibrant pink, and last from July through September.

Driveway Garden (Right)

Moving along to the driveway piers is a mixture of coreopsis and echinacea, along with nepeta, weigela and accompanying evergreens. 

Driveway Garden (Left)

On the opposite side is Weeping Norway Spruce with Heuchera 'Palace Purple', Salvia 'Cardonna' and my new Agastache 'Kudos Yellow'. 

Agastache 'Kudos Yellow' Anise Hyssop

This Agastache is a new hybrid for 2016. It is a smaller variety, growing to a height and width of 24 inches and is hardy in zones 5-10. I am hoping it will do well for many years in my garden.

Spirea 'Magic Carpet'

Another new addition to the garden this year is Spirea 'Magic Carpet'  As the name implies, the foliage goes through a series of color changes from pinkish-burgundy tipped foliage in spring, to green in summer, and then to an orange-pink, with persistent pink blooms throughout the summer months. 

Double Pink Knock Out Rose August

Other blooms for August include this Double Pink Knock Out Rose...

Sedum 'Brilliant' Flowers Starting August

and Sedum 'Brilliant', which is just getting ready to bloom in another week. 

Some Garden Whimsy!

 Along with blooms, add a little bit of garden whimsy... 

Another Garden Visitor

and a touch of wildlife, and the garden is complete!

August in a Vase on Monday (Pink and Red Double Knock Out Rose, Butterfly Bush, Stella D Oro Daylily, Platycodon, Heuchera blooms and a little bit of sweet potato vine)

August Garden...feeling hot,hot,hot!

August Garden 2016

I  hope you enjoyed your stroll through my August garden. Special thanks go out to our hostesses Carol at May Dreams Gardens, who makes it possible to see blooms on the 15th of every month with her meme Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Pam at Digging for hosting Foliage Follow-Up.  I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Today's Flowers, Floral Fridays, I Heart Macro, Macro Monday 2, and Nature Notes at Rambling Woods.  Also check out What's Blooming This Week Garden Update, In a Vase on Monday at Rambling in the Garden and Saturday's Critters.

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A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2016. All rights reserved