The first months of the garden season bring the renewal of life in the garden. Always a joy to watch plants reemerge, like old friends returning.
One of the first flowers to show is that of the Serviceberry. In June, these flowers will become berries, and once ripe, will be quickly eaten by the Robins. This tree has not grown much since planted, so it does not become a dominate presence. Its leaves do not block light from the plants below, so this has been an ideal small tree for the garden.
The Eastern Bluestar flowered in May through June.
The weather was cool and dry in May through the beginning of June. But warm weather finally came, and with that, additional plant growth and flowering.
The Foxglove Beardtongue were added last year and at the time, were still pretty small. This year, they are more substantial. While I wished I had placed them back further in the garden, their awesome flowering display makes it a non-issue. It has been an good plant for attracting the hummingbirds.
These four were new last year and have been excellent additions. The Downy Wood Mint, also called Downy pagoda plant does spread a bit, however the bees have been visiting it regularly.
The Small Sundrops – it was good to see them blossom. Last year, they were consumed by the rabbits and so did not get to see much of them.
The Blue Wild Indigo has been a terrific plant to set the midsection of the garden. There are thee of these plants in the lower garden and one in the upper. They have good height (3 ft) and width (3ft). They have required little maintenance.
The rabbits continue to be an issue. Four have been relocated, but others seem to take their place. I have over a dozen plants fenced…those that seem to be the most tasty for rabbits, but the rabbits seem to move down the menu to something new.
Pennsylvania Native Garden Journey 