In the second part of this photo review I focus on the late-summer planting in my mediterranean-style raised-bed garden; Hopefully, you will find some ideas to inspire your own garden design.
Missed Part 1 – Early Summer? You can read it here…
The pond garden
September 2021
1 Beginning of summer’s end
By the end of August many of the summer flowering plants like iris, alliums, salvias, hyssop and lavender, have gone over and their seed heads begin to give the garden an end of summer feel. Some, such as the salvias, were cut back in August and will flower again in September or October, but there are still many plants that are just coming into their own, as you can see from the splashes of colour in the photo above. By incorporating many late-flowering plants the garden can continue to produce flowers and attract pollinators right up until the first frosts or beyond. Another factor that I will explore in this post is the use of evergreens to provide continuity and interest when the herbaceous plants have finished.
2 ▲ Late-season planting
This pink and purple scheme is in flower from August until October. In the background a large clump of purple-leaved Dahlia ‘Melody Harmony’. Top-right, Rosa ‘Desdemona’; Centre-left, Ruddy clover (Trifolium Rubens); Bottom-right, bedding verbena and leaves of common sage (salvia officinalis)
3 ▶ Purples and blues
Looking East across the lower end of the pond: Purples dominate the scene in September. In the background blue spires of the chaste tree (Vitex agnus castus). In the foreground, Verbena rigid ‘Santos purple’
4 ▼ Late flowering perennials
As the season progresses new areas take on prominence. In the group below you can see the rounded flower heads of Allium senescens glauca; little violet spires of Verbena rigid ‘Santos Purple’ and the ruby reds of Sedum ‘Plum Dazzled’.
“Through careful choice of plants, flowering can be extended through late summer and well into autumn”
5
Clockwise from top-left: Allium senescens subsp. glaucum; Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Little Spire’; Artemisia alba ‘Canescens’; Vitex agnus-castus; Rosa ‘Carefree days’; Penstemon Pensham ‘Plum Jerkum’; Scabious ‘Kudo pink’; Fuchsia ‘Hawkshead’.
6 South-west bed
This bed is one of two which were only planted this year. Here is a pleasant late-flowering planting of a dwarf Sedum, with silver Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Nana’ and Snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum).
7 Sedum ‘Strawberries and Cream’
Beautiful creamy flowers with russet foliage. Loved by pollinators. Flowers in August and September, 60cm.
September 12th 2021
8 ▲ Seed heads of earlier flowering perennials merge happily with late-summer flowering plants to produce a distinct seasonal vibe.
THE LATE SUMMER GARDEN
9 ▼ South-East Corner
Looking along one of the paths towards the garden sink and brick barbecue. The raised bed to the right is newly planted. In the background tall foliage of Rosa ‘Desdemona’ rises above a large clump of magenta-tinged Dahlia ‘Melody Harmony’. Back left: foliage of common sage; In the front of the bed purple society garlic. The left-hand bed is dominated by a large bush of Vitex agnus-castus.
September 26th 2021
October 10th 2021
10 ◀ October border
Despite autumn being in full swing there are still plenty of flowers in mid-October.
11 ▼ Tulbaghia violacea
12 ◀ Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)
13 ▶ Sea Thrift (Armeria marítima)
November
14 Knautia macedonica
This vigorous scabious flowers its heart out from May right up until Autumn’s heavy frosts. (Nov 2021)
15 Campanula portenschlagiana
This feisty bellflower has its first flush in early summer, but returns after a few weeks rest to flower from September onwards. (Nov 2021)
16 Penstemon ‘Plum Jerkum’
Many penstemons will flower until the frosts stop them. This wonderful upright variety is deep plum red. (Nov 2021)
17 Dahlia ‘Melody harmony’
Dahlias come in many forms and colours, and all flower reliably from late summer onwards.(Nov 2021)
18 ▼ Rosa ‘Jacqueline du Pré‘
November 26th 2021
19 ▲ Autumn with evergreens
(Looking East) Although many plants have faded or taken on autumn tints, the composition is held together by the strong evergreen structure: The clipped box, hedge and the Euphorbia (which unaccountably decided to flower again!) provide a permanent backdrop for the dying perennials. Despite the frosts some of the roses, campanula and Spanish lavender struggle on providing points of interest.
20 ▼ Autumn texture
Textural evergreens such as this Euphorbia myrsinites provide foliage colour and strong architectural form, contrasting with the Sedum ‘Plum dazzled’ behind.
21 ▲ Sedum seed heads
The dried stems and seed heads of sedum ‘Strawberries and Cream’ are as fascinating and colourful in death as they were in life. They can be left standing until February.
November 29th 2021
22 ▲ Frosts bring growth to a halt
The strong underlying structure of the garden helps it remain attractive when winter frosts hold the garden in suspended animation.
23 ▼ Winter
On mild days in December and January there were still signs of life, with penstemons and roses trying to open one last bloom.
View of the Sussex countryside
over the Pond Garden
December 5th 2021
Another great round-up of ideas for forward planning, all illustrated by beautifully clear photography. Thank you
So pleased you found it helpful! For me garden photography and blogging have added so much to the enjoyment of my garden – It’s very gratifying to know that others get something out of it too!
There is a little typing error in your blog.
Error is trillium, to be corrected as follows:
Ruby Clover is > Trifolium rubens
Kind regards for a German Admirer
Monika
Thanks so much – I’ve corrected it!
A beautiful garden, beautifully photographed and beautifully presented. Love it. And what a fantastic view framed by the hedge. Really enjoying your posts – thank you.
Thanks for leaving a comment Cat! So glad you enjoy my posts. It’s a work of love – I don’t make anything financially from the garden or blog – I just love sharing my passion.
I just found your blog. So inspirational! I can’t wait to get to work on mine now!
Hi Brian. that’s great to hear. Good luck with your project!