There’s lots going on here at the moment, even though it’s been disappointingly dry since the last Bloom Day. Without further chatter, let’s start with some herbs. Above, what was supposed to be ‘Provence White’ lavender but is clearly not, so I guess it’s just ‘Provence’ (Lavandula x intermedia), with pony tail grass (Stipa tenuissima).
Above is ‘Harlequin’ rue (Ruta graveolens) with ‘Cramer’s Plum’ love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena) and ‘Lollipop’ Asiatic lily (Lilium). Below is Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) with ‘Dali Marble’ burnet (Sanguisorba menziesii).
The daffodils and tulips are long gone, but the summer bulbs are coming along nicely. Above is ‘Semiplena’ camassia (Camassia leichtlinii) against a variegated sport of ‘Cardinal’ red-twig dogwood (Cornus sericea) and Rozanne geranium (Geranium ‘Gerwat’). Below is blue ornamental onion (Allium caeruleum [A. azureum]) against southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum).
![Allium atropurpureum with Phlomis tuberosa 'Amazone', Diervilla sessilifolia, Deutzia gracilis 'Duncan' [Chardonnay Pearls], and Ajuga reptans 'Valfredda' [Chocolate Chip]](https://i0.wp.com/hayefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/033.jpg "Allium atropurpureum with Phlomis tuberosa 'Amazone', Diervilla sessilifolia, Deutzia gracilis 'Duncan' [Chardonnay Pearls], and Ajuga reptans 'Valfredda' [Chocolate Chip]")
Above is Allium atropurpureum with ‘Amazone’ tuberous Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa), southern bush honeysuckle (Diervilla sessilifolia), orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida), Chardonnay Pearls deutzia (Deutzia gracilis ‘Duncan’), and Chocolate Chip ajuga (Ajuga reptans ‘Valfredda’).
Below, star of Persia (Allium christophii) with giant coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima) and golden oregano (Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’).
Above is Allium ‘Forelock’, which is nice but – so far, at least – not nearly as interesting as the catalog photo. Below is ‘Ambassador’, which is quite splendid, with Knock Out roses (Rosa ‘Radrazz’), Veronica grandis, candy lily (x Pardancanda norrisii), and ‘All Gold’ lemon balm (Melissa officinalis).
Many of the alliums produce attractive seedheads after bloom, but I thought these heads of ‘Globemaster’ were especially interesting.
Below is ‘Monte Negro’ Asiatic lily (Lilium) and ‘Jacob Cline’ bee balm (Monarda), both just coming into bloom, against ‘Red Majestic’ contorted hazel (Corylus avellana).
Still more “bulbs”… above, firecracker flower (Dichelostemma ida-maia) against a red-leaved Japanese maple (Acer palmatum). Below, ‘Cleopatra’ foxtail lily (Eremurus) with ‘Cassian’ fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides), giant coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima), golden oregano (Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’), and ‘Northwind’ switch grass (Panicum virgatum).
Moving on, there’s ‘Vesuvius’ Arkwright’s campion (Lychnis x arkwrightii) with a bit of ‘Isla Gold’ tansy (Tanacetum vulgare). And below, parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) flowers against variegated Corneliancherry dogwood (Cornus mas).
Above, ‘Dark Towers’ beardtongue (Penstemon). Below, ‘Sarastro’ bellflower (Campanula) with Euphorbia oblongata (also sold as E. palustris ‘Zauberflote’) and hairy alumroot (Heuchera villosa).
Above, ‘Oehme’ palm sedge (Carex muskingumensis) with Magic Carpet spirea (Spiraea japonica ‘Walbuma’), ‘New Hampshire Purple’ bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum), and drumstick chives (Allium sphaerocephalon).
Below, wild quinine (Parthenium integrifolium), the seedheads of ‘Sacajawea’ camassia (Camassia leichtlinii) and ‘Mount Everest’ allium, and pony tail grass (Stipa tenuissima).
Above, yellow meadow rue (Thalictrum flavum subsp. glaucum) with ‘Sunshine’ red-twig dogwood (Cornus sericea subsp. occidentalis), golden fullmoon maple (Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’), golden wayfaringtree (Viburnum lantana ‘Aureum’), golden mockorange (Philadelphus coronarius), and variegated pokeweed (Phytolacca americana ‘Silberstein’).
Below, larkspur (Consolida ajacis) and rose campion (Lychnis coronaria).
Above, ‘Pink Grapefruit’ yarrow (Achillea) with Allium rosenbachianum and Veronica grandis. Below, ‘Caradonna’ salvia against golden meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria ‘Aurea’).
Above, ‘Jade Princess’ millet (Pennisetum glaucum) just coming into bloom. Below, hare’s ear (Bupleurum rotundifolium) with ‘Morning Light’ miscanthus.
Above, ‘Black Adder’ sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) with ‘Grace’ smokebush (Cotinus).
And finally, some foliage, starting with ‘Oakhurst’ pineapple lily (Eucomis comosa) against ‘Princess of India’ nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), ‘Sedona’ coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides), and variegated lilyturf (Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’).
Above, variegated bugbane (Actaea [Cimicifuga] simplex ‘Variegata’). And below, looking very much like a purple-leaved hosta, is purple plantain (Plantago major ‘Atropurpurea’).
Above, an unnamed peach (Prunus persica) seedling (very similar to the selection sold as ‘Bonfire’). And last, ‘Blazin’ Rose’ beefsteak plant (Iresine herbstii) against ‘Wyoming’ canna.
Ready to see what’s growing in other gardens around the world? Visit Carol’s June Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day post at May Dreams Gardens. Enjoy!
Stunning … as always. Black Adder Sweet William is a real show stopper.
Worth growing just for the name, don’t you think? That, and ‘Black Adder’ agastache.
-Nan
You have an amazing display of textures and color in your garden..very well done!
June is an easy time to enjoy the garden; it seems like almost everything looks good!
-Nan
Hi Nancy – Everything in your garden looks so lovely its really hard for me to pick a favourite! Happy GBBD!
Thanks for stopping by, Christine. Enjoy Bloom Day in your winter garden!
-Nan
Oh my Goodness – Nancy, I just realised now who you are :). Just so you know, I’m a huge fan. I’ve been waiting patiently for your books to arrive here (I ordered from Amazon) and I got confirmation today that they’ve been shipped. I ordered Grasses: Versatile Partner and Foliage: Astonishing Color. I’m really looking forward to getting them.
Heh – I guess it’s good that someone has figured out who I am. Thanks so much for ordering the books, Christine. I hope you find that they were worth waiting for.
-Nan
Your garden looks fantastic! I like the sense of chartreuse that seems to be a theme throughout many of the photos… exceptional indeed! Larry
I didn’t notice that until I went back to look, Larry. The chartreuse certainly is bright at this time of year. Thanks for reminding me!
-Nan
What lovely combinations! I really have to remember to plant some Nigella next year…I keep seeing it pop up in other gardens and wondering why I keep waiting! Those frosted edges of the ‘Dali Marble’ burnet are so lovely…just the perfect foil for the chamomile! Phlomis tuberosa is another plant I’m just trying to find space for…love them…especially massed like you have them. You have such a great variety of Alliums…’Ambassador’ really is awesome-looking…love how they seem to float in space!
Love your color echos, too. The Corylus behind the Bee Balm and Lilies is just inspired…love that rich, somber atmosphere they create together. In spite of the heat and drought, your garden still manages to look amazing…thanks again for the inspiration!
Always delighted to inspire, Scott. There are only three phlomis clumps in that shot, but even just one clump of ‘Amazone’ is great for both flowers and seedheads. It’s also been long-lived here, unlike P. fruticosa.
-Nan
Hi Nancy. It is such a treat to visit your gardens via this blog. I love the variety of the plant material you highlight. Thank you!
Hey there, Dorothy. It’s certainly come along quite a bit since you last saw it in person. Enjoy this beautiful (albeit dry) weather!
-Nan
I noticed all the purple stuff having just gone thru your blogging entries and read the purple entries. Where can I get the purple plantain? I like the idea of having an ornamental “weed”! I really like the seed heads of all the aliums too. I have christophii(sp?)and love the fire-works like effects the seed-heads produce. Kate P.
Hi Kate – I’d be happy to send you some seed of the purple plantain when it matures later this summer; just e-mail me at nan at hayefield dot com with your mailing address. If you want to grow it sooner, I see that ForestFarm has plants for sale. Be aware that it self-sows enthusiastically if you don’t keep the flower spikes clipped off.
-Nan
Lovely as usual. I especially love the alliums, thanks for showing us all the varieties you have.
Two… make that three, quick questions. If I have a few odds and end questions, should I leave them in the comments section or should I contact you another way?
Second, are your books sold at Borders or Barnes and Noble?
Lastly, have you written about natives vs. aliens? My MIL tries to stick with only natives and I’ve started to do some research on the matter but there seem to be many different points of view. I would love your thoughts (either on here, email or even a blog entry). :)
I lied, one more question. Are you on Facebook? I know, with all that spare time of yours.
Thank you once again! Have a great day. We’re finally starting to see the sun here in NH. -Teshia
Hey, Teshia. You can leave me a comment on a post or on my About page, or e-mail me at nan at hayefield dot com.
Most of my books are available through any bookseller (by order if not already in stock). The new one is available only through CreateSpace and Amazon.
I’ve probably written about natives versus exotics at some point, but I can’t remember exactly where. I’ll e-mail you with my current thoughts when I get a chance.
No, sorry, I’m not on Facebook anymore. Not a positive experience for me.
Enjoy your sunshine!
-Nan
Your combos are outstanding. Very well done. I could come back to this post over and over! Combomania.
What a great title for a post, Greggo. Or hey, maybe a book? Thanks!
-Nan
Oh I forgot to ask. Do you have problems with the Stipa volunteering.
It does self-sow here but nowhere near the point of being a problem: just enough to provide replacements for the clumps that don’t overwinter.
-Nan
Dear Nan, you are the number source of new plants for my wish list! Ambassador is splendid and the Phlomis is intriguing. I love your use of the Stipa/Nasella. What a wonderful backdrop it makes for everything.
Hi Frances! I’m surprised that I can show you anything you don’t already grow at Fairegarden. Thanks for visiting. Happy Bloom Day!
-Nan
Although all of your blooms and plants are gorgeous, what struck me most is your flair for combining color and textures. It really does add to the beauty of your garden. Happy GBBD!
Thanks, Sage! I’ll accept having a knack for finding the shots, maybe, but the plants get most of the credit, of course. Happy Bloom Day to you too.
-Nan
You certainly can’t tell it’s been dry – your blooms are gorgeous. I love GBBD because I can always put some new plants on my wish list. From your garden, I’m going to add nigella and some large alliums. Your garden is gorgeous. Great texture contrast.
The bulb companies are smart to send a round of catalogs out in early summer – just in time to tempt us into ordering alliums. The big ones are a little pricey, but it doesn’t take many to create a great show.
-Nan
I so admire your Camassias, especially the white one (which is unusual for me, as I usually prefer blue flowers). And no, it’s not just for the novelty, I admire the buds and the flower carriage. Maybe the blue looks that way too, I wouldn’t know, as mine refuses to bloom.
The blue ones bloom for me, but I hardly notice them; I guess I just haven’t found the right partners for them (a chartreuse background, I suppose). The white ‘Semiplena’ and ‘Sacajawea’ (white flowers *and* variegated foliage) have been a real treat, though.
-Nan
I don’t grow onions but I’m looking forward to trying some of the ones you have. Your garden is lovely and thanks for inviting me into it.
You’re most welcome, Paul. Enjoy your adventures in the world of alliums!
-Nan
Just love it all. Although my garden is full of blooms, you are turning me into a fan of FOLIAGE!
Ready for even more foliage, Cathy? Check out the Foliage Follow-Up event today at Pam’s blog Digging, if you haven’t already.
-Nan
OMG, you are creating a monster here! I just visited there…. totally wonderful, but I will have to postpone participating until next month. I spent an entire day on my GBBD post – our first, and EVERYTHING is blooming. (I need to get my self organized better for these in the future!) And between hosting 35 families with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels tomorrow (all coming with their dogs) and the garden tour next week, I’m pretty stretched these days!
Sorry about that, Cathy. I too am lucky to get my Bloom Day post done, so I don’t get to do a separate one for Foliage Follow-Up, but it’s a great idea. Good luck with your adventures. Sounds like you’re going to be ready for your vacation very soon!
-Nan
Nan, Your photos and combinations are all beautiful. I have always had problems growing ‘Semiplena’ but not other C. leic.–the buds get blasted. Is this the first year for yours or does this not happen to you? Would you like to trade for ‘Black Adder’ sweet william or is it readily available around here? Carolyn
The tip buds did get blasted, a day or so after this shot, but at least some of them opened.
I’ll be glad to send you some seed of ‘Black Adder’.
-Nan
So, I get a little excited by some of the combinations in my garden… and then I come here, and am reminded that I am merely a rank amateur! You inspire me. :)
Oh, and today, you also made me fall in love. Hardcore. I need to go google “Arkwright’s campion” because that is one totally hot plant!
Isn’t it just? Arkwright’s campion blooms for only 2 or 3 weeks, but the dark foliage of ‘Vesuvius’ is outstanding even before that, and that red is traffic-stopping. It’s best to buy it in bloom, because I’ve bought other plants under this name that aren’t true red. Or, try them from seed and rogue out any that aren’t the right color (though, to be fair, the scarlet and orange ones are nice too).
-Nan
Just found your blog via Rhonestreetgardens blog. What a delight, your plants and photography are stunning. I’d like to ‘pin’ your plants to my Pinterest page for Gardens and Plants for Sun but wanted to ask first if that is ok. Pinterest automatically link the image to the post it came from and I can add your name in the text as well. If you want to see my pinterest gardens page here is the link: http://pinterest.com/cdfolia/gardens-and-garden-ideas/ and my Plants to consider for Sun page (basically a shopping/wishlist) is here: http://pinterest.com/cdfolia/plants-to-consider-sun/
Welcome to Hayefield, cd. Yes, that would be all right; thanks for asking.
-Nan
Hi Nan,
I haven’t been here for awhile. I came across a post of yours from 2008 doing a search for Rudbeckia maxima. I want one, and planned to get one at a plant sale this spring, but they didn’t bring them, even though they were on the list. I’ll have to look for a source for them.
I’m glad I got to see your wild quinine blooming. I got a plant this spring, and it has one bloom stalk forming. I enjoyed your other blooms and foliage, too.
I like your Perennial Care Manual. I was reading it on my breaks at work this spring. I work at a school, so I’m off for the summer, and not reading much. I have picked it up a couple times to look things up, though. I started out deciding I was going to be careful with this book, and not mark in it, like I frequently do. I remember you saying something about writing in it, and decided you were right. I ended up underlining lots of things you said that I so agree with, and things I wanted to refer back to. I really like your style of writing and gardening.
Hi Sue! Welcome back. I can see that you’ve been very busy in your own garden.
It looks like Bluestone Perennials has Rudbeckia maxima available for fall (link here). Fall and very early spring have been good planting or transplanting times for that plant – here, at least.
Your comments about The Perennial Care Manual make me very happy. Definitely, mark it up as you wish. You should see my own copy!
Have a great summer.
-Nan
Hi Nan,
Aaaah, so much inspiration as always.
Are you able to over winter the eucomis? If so, what soil conditions have you found they like.
Thanks so much for the incredible work you do.
Hi Susan! I’ve had straight Eucomis comosa overwinter for a few years, but not ‘Oakhurst’. I lift the clump with soil around it, put it in a plastic grocery bag, and leave it in my unheated basement for the winter, adding a bit of water once or twice over the winter.
-Nan
I was hooked from the first pic, and then the second pic, etc. from start to finish. Greggo What a great description of this post: Combomania!!
Glad you enjoyed it, Prairiegirl. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can find for next month!
-Nan
As usual lovely photos and because I (or more correctly) my garden were visited by a photographer and a journalist earlier I had to give them your blogaddress. So they know how the article and photos should look……. :-)
Well, I don´t have the same nice lush plants as you – except the `Lollipops´ which hasn´t start to bloom yet – but there are some nice plants here too.
Susie
Hi Susie! I hope your interview went well. You’re still enjoying spring, I think, while the hot weather has jolted us well into summer, to the point of many fruits and flowers coming along several weeks earlier than usual. You have a lot still to look forward to – enjoy!
-Nan
I found your website while researching euphorbia fen’s ruby. which someone in canada found invasive. thoughts?
I’d agree that it’s a very aggressive spreader, best kept for hot, dry slopes or other sites where nothing else will grow.
-Nan
Oh, I love alliums, and see that you incorporate several into your gardens. Blue is my favorite, the showier, the better. But they’re often pricey, so I’ve been hesitant to invest in them. Which do you like best, or which have performed best for you? I live in Texas where it’s HOT, so I don’t know how they’d do.
I think I’d say that ‘Ambassador’ has been the best of the big, purple-flowered alliums for me, Eva. The flowers lasted for several weeks, and the dried heads are still looking great. ‘White Giant’ – though yes, white-flowered – has been another stellar performer here in PA. I can’t speak to how those two would perform for you, though.
-Nan
Hi Nancy,
What a beautiful array of flowers you have in your garden. You sure have a creative touch. First time on you blog. Will bookmark this one.
Welcome, Lowell – always great to meet a new reader.
-Nan
I missed this post (was traveling)… like the quinine. Must look into that lychnis, too. Great color with that one.