GBBD September 2011

Back yard photo taken as the rain moves in, September 15, 2011

It’s been a while since I really looked at my garden. Not just a quick glance, or a “hmm, looks ok” – but a close look at what works, what doesn’t, and what I need to do to keep it healthy and beautiful.

Thankfully, there are no real disease or pest problems. I garden organically, with no pesticides of any kind (not even “organic pesticides” – I figure that if I’m killing insects with some sort of chemical, no matter how it’s derived, then I’m probably doing more harm than good). The end result is a garden with a few notched leaves here and there, the odd aphid infestation, and an occasional ratty-looking flower. But, more often than not, the notched leaves are from leaf-cutter bees making nests, the aphids bring in bright red ladybugs, and the torn flowers look beautiful in a bouquet of mixed blooms. So I continue to let Mother Nature have her way.

As for design – that’s another story. Parts of the garden are beautiful, parts are so-so, and other parts are in desperate need of a design intervention. But those aren’t the parts I’ll show you today! Instead, here are a few of the plant combinations that are looking good this September.

A nice combination of colors from Creeping Jenny (carefully kept in bounds - it has the potential to be invasive here in CT) and various sedums.

This PeeGee hydrangea grew so big this year that Irene nearly tore it apart. But it survived and is putting on a spectacular show.

Solidago 'Fireworks' (I think?) puts on a bold display against the Sedum 'Angelina' at the edge of the gravel patio.

Chartreuse, orange, and pink aren't normally colors I'd put together, but I've always liked this combination in my garden.

I'm not sure which aster this is, but it was a freebe from Bluestone Perennials that just won't stop blooming. I've got to move the Sedum 'Mr. Goodbud' beside it though - colors don't quite go together.