Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow Up July 2015 - The Garden's Softer Side

July 2015 Garden

Welcome to my Long Island garden.  Many of you who frequent my gardens will know that the views are often very structured and manicured.  My gardens are indeed very thought out and planned but there is also a softer side, which is especially prominent during the later summer months. As a seasoned gardener I strive to extend the gardening season as long as possible.  To accomplish this I have added numerous plants over the years that are either earlier or later blooming in nature.  For this months' post I am looking through the lens to capture the "softer" side of the garden.  Come along and stroll with me. 

Lamp post Planting at end of Driveway

The weather has been perfect for a stroll in the garden. The month of July has been cooler than usual with temperatures in the upper 70's and low 80's, along with some passing rain showers to keep the gardens thriving. We will start our walk at the end of the driveway.  Here coreopsis, nepeta and dwarf fountain grasses are planted in mass for a more informal feel. In the backdrop is the multi-colored Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit', which I added last summer.  

Entering the backyard, we come to the deep fuchsia blooms of Astilbe 'Fanal' .  They are showing in the perennial border along with an array of other summer bloomers.  

Perennial Border:  In Bloom-Lamb's Ear, Astilbe, Echinacea, Daylily and  Salvia

Here is a wider view of the border with Lamb's Ear, Astilbe, Echinacea, Daylily and Salvia.

Astilbe 'Visions in Purple'

In the back shade garden Astilbe 'Visions' are in bloom for the month of July.

Astilbe 'Visions in Red'

These were added a few years ago and have now matured into large plants that supply the perfect color at this time of year.

Dwarf Fountain Grass, Nepeta and Coreopsis

Here is another glimpse of the Nepeta and Coreopsis combination which blooms throughout the entire summer and softens the landscape.

Echinacea 'Pow Wow'

The Echinacea have really taken off this year and are now pretty well established in the garden.  The bees and butterflies just love the colorful blooms and I am enjoying them too!

Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit'

Here is a welcomed bumble bee enjoying the new addition!

Hemerocallis (Daylily) 'Stella D Oro'

 'Stella D Oro' Daylily is also in full bloom for the month of July and has been a stable in the garden over the years.  It will continue blooming well into fall with a little deadheading.

Hydrangea 'Endless Summer'

The voluminous Endless Summer Hydrangea are in bloom again this season after two very difficult winters and no blooms at all last year.   I am very pleased.

Hydrangea 'Tokyo Delight'

The lace cap 'Tokyo Delight' is doing exceptionally well and producing many flowers...

Hydrangea 'Tokyo Delight' Bloom July

and all the plants seem to be finally back on track.

Astilbe 'Sprite' with Sedum 'Dragon's Blood'

Here blooming together are the softer pink Astilbe 'Sprite' with Sedum 'Dragon's Blood'.  The name 'Dragon's Blood' accurately describes the deep fuchsia-crimson color of this particular variety of Sedum which is amazing and long lasting!

Sedum 'Dragon's Blood'

Come closer for a better view.

Hosta Gold Standard

 Along with blooms, I have always enjoyed mixing different shades and textures of foliage in the garden.  Here are a few combinations that have matured over the years. In the back shadier areas we are viewing hosta, Japanese forest grass, Leucothoe, Variegated Boxwood and Fern Spray Cypress.   The Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra Aureola) has gotten quite huge, expanding up to a couple of feet in diameter.

Japanese Forest Grass, Leucothoe, Variegated Boxwood and Fern Spray Cypress Foliage Combo

Here is the Hakonechloa macra Aureola closer up.

Heuchera (Coral Bells) 'Caramel' with Sedum and Salvia

The Heuchera 'Caramel', now displaying their flower stalks, have grown into foot wide plants over the past few years since being added to the garden.  Unlike other Heuchera, they thrive in full sunlight, right along side Sedum and Salvia.

Hosta 'Patriot' with 'Palace Purple' Heuchera

Here is a combination of Hosta 'Patriot' along with the burgundy foliage of Heuchera 'Palace Purple' in another shade area on the other side of the property.

Back Island Beds

As we move along the side area of the backyard, you can view the island beds that lead to a "secret garden" which winds around to the back.  You might be able to get a glimpse of the nepeta and viburnum which are presently in bloom.

Salvia May Night and Hosta (Planted 2007)

As we approach the end of the tour of the July garden we pass by a few blooms....some old and some new...

Mont Blanc Allium Seed Head July (Planted Fall of 2014)

and come across the latest addition.

Crape Myrtle 'Muskogee' New for 2015

This 'Muskogee' Crape Myrtle is brand new in the garden. It was just planted a week ago and is blooming a little early. The new tree is a replacement for a twenty year old Magnolia that was sadly lost this past winter.  I have already grown quite fond of the new lavender blooms.

Lamp post Garden

Even a mature garden never grows old. The beauty of a garden is that is does change through time and can be admired and interpreted in so many ways.   Also, there is always something exciting and wonderful to look forward to.  I hope you enjoyed viewing my garden from a different perspective--one with a "softer side".

July 2015 Garden

 Thank you to Carol at May Dreams Gardens who makes it possible for us to have 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 Tuesday Garden Party, Today's Flowers, Floral Fridays, Mosaic Monday at Lavender Cottage, I Heart Macro, Macro Monday 2, and Nature Notes at Rambling Woods.  Also check out What's Blooming This Week Garden Update.

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2015. All rights reserved