Happy Friday GPODers!
We’re back in the garden of frequent contributor Carla Zambelli Mudry (She most recently shared Hydrangea Season in her garden and the Abundant Spring Blooms she got this year, but you can also check out her garden in years past here, here, and here.) Today she’s reflecting on a turbulent summer.
It has been a weird summer here in Pennsylvania. It seems like it’s either brutally hot and full of drought, or angry storms and flooding. Climate change is so truly real, and when I was a child this area was somewhere in zone 5 and now I am 7A.
The month of August started with a bang, when I walked into a hornets‘ nest while pruning. I definitely don’t recommend that. Fortunately, my allergic reaction was not too severe but the dozen stings I received were perhaps the most painful I’ve ever experienced.
The deer continue to be really ridiculous and I actually interviewed a spraying service. I am going to try them out.
However, there are still things of beauty in the garden. More hydrangeas, and other flowers. And lots and lots of baby figs!
From the GPOD submissions we’ve received this summer, I’d say it was a stellar year for hibiscus. When many other plants wilt from extended periods of intense heat, most hibiscus can take it in stride and even thrive. While rose of Sharon are often pretty drought tolerant, many others in the genus—like this stunning ‘Luna Rose’ (Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Luna Rose’, Zones 5–9)—will need regular watering to maintain these stunning blooms during dry spells.
Of course, it’s not a visit to Carla’s garden without a look at her extensive hydrangea collection. For steadfast summer blooms despite heat and drought, you can never go wrong with a pretty panicle (Hydrangea paniculata, Zones 3–8).
Even more pretty panicles thriving despite the harsh conditions. The beauty on the right appears to be the classic ‘Limelight’ (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’, Zones 4–8), which is showing it’s a classic for very good reason.
But it’s not just panicle hydrangeas that were putting on a show in Carla’s garden this summer. This beautiful lacecap variety is sporting a sensational bloom that shifts from pink to lavender.
What’s more fitting during hot weather than some hot-colored flowers? A deep red hibiscus pairs perfectly with bright orange crocosmia.
Another plant pick for those ultra hot and full-sun spots in the garden, helenium. Depending on the variety, however, they will not do well in extended periods of drought so regular watering during dry spells is a must.
Japanese anemone (Eriocapitella hupehensis, Zones 4–8) is always a surprisingly late bloomer. Despite often looking like a delicate spring flower, this pink can bring a pop of pink to early fall foliage.
Drought where? Flooding who? No matter the weather, Carla’s August garden looks absolutely sublime.
Even if Carla is experiencing challenges out in her garden, the greenhouse is absolutely thriving. Basil is looking lush and plenty of blooms on her pepper plants.
One of the greatest joys in the garden… beautiful tomatoes on the brink of ripening!
What a bounty!! Carla’s potatoes clearly weathered all of the summer storms and heatwaves wonderfully.
Thank you, as always, for sharing your gorgeous garden with us again, Carla! I know I can relate to the “weird” summer you had this year, it was similar here in Connecticut. If you had some weird summer weather this year, let us know in the comments or send pictures of how your garden handled it by following the directions below. If email isn’t your thing, you can always send me a DM on Instagram (@agirlherdogandtheroad).
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
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