This is from early July…what a beautiful flower!

Needless to say, it’s so hot and nasty out that I have not had the motivation to really be amonst the gardens. I’ve taken some photos here and there and need to post those. In the meantime, I have purchased more books:

The Well-Designed Mixed Garden: Building Beds and Borders with Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, Annuals, and Bulbs

Encyclopedia of Shade Plants

Well-Tended Perennial Garden: Planting & Pruning Techniques

Grasses: Versatile Partners for Uncommon Garden Design

Bold and Exotic Plants

I’ve also renewed my NARGS (North American Rock Garden Society) membership. I’d like to take advantage of their seed exchange this Fall and their newsletter/book is a great read for in depth information on rock/alpine plants. This Summer has been fun reading, learning, and exchanging seeds. Now I just need to start preparing for the Fall season.

Here are some photos of a mystery irises from this Spring. Gorgeous blooms!

Well, actually one of the front borders is finally done. Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been thinking of what to plant there and then I finally got around to getting a design for that area. I bought lots of part shade/sun plants and removed everything that was there.

*Check it out:*

*And the before shot:*

Well, hopefully I’m done with my plant shopping for the season — yeah - right! I’ve started planting one of the front borders yesterday after two days of shopping frenzies.

It started with going to the annual Adkins’ native plant sale and ending with a bargain hunt at Frank’s nursery and crafts. Adkins’ had the largest selection of natives that I’ve ever seen. I bought mostly sun loving perennials, grasses, and ferns. I’ll take a photo and put that up soon.