There are two large shade perennials in the gardens that are standouts this time of year.  Out at the end of the hosta garden anchoring that corner is my Cimicifuga racemosa.

Growing to a height of 4′-5′ and 3′ wide – this large perennial has just started to blossom.   Graceful, slender white flower stalks wave above the foliage.  It is a zone 3 plant and has been residing here for almost ten years now and is just as vigorous as ever!  Providing a different texture alongside the hosta it gets its share of attention.

I’ve touched on my Aralia Sun King in previous posts, but it is absolutely stunning right now.  It is now late July, and it is still a gorgeous bright lime green.  Another perennial to anchor a perennial garden.

We have many planters around the yard, and it is at this time of the year that I take out my notebook, make notes on the locations of certain planters and what plants are “winners” this year and that I want to repeat.

I have a file on the computer with planter pictures that I pull up in April, refer to my notes and make my shopping list.  The Dragon Wing Begonias are a repeat each season, and the blue planter pictured here has been in a new location each of the last 3 seasons.

On your planters, it is now very important to continue your fertilization program for your annuals.  They are under lots of stress right now with the heat and humidity so adequate water and fertilizer are so important.  You’ll be able to keep them looking fantastic right up until frost!

The hummingbirds are keeping us amused again this summer.  While sitting on the deck, they dive bomb each other and get pretty darn close as they chase each other from the feeders.  We have had this woodpecker at the feeder for the past three weeks.   The hanging baskets and planter boxes full of begonias are also providing nectar for the hummers.  They are also favoring the hosta flowers right now.  It is such a treat to be delighted by this little creatures.  Summer just is too short!