Early June Walk-about

I went for a walk around the front and back yards this morning and there's so much is in bloom! I just couldn't wait until GBBD on the 15th, so I'll show you some of the blossoms now.

It's true that raindrops on Ladies Mantle shine like diamonds in the sun.

A delicate white Columbine is close to a new, smaller "not-planted-by-me " neighbour!!

The Slender Deutzia bush is in full bloom under the Magnolia tree.

The peonies are starting to open.

 The perennial Bachelor's Buttons (Centaurea montana) are in full bloom.

Here is a wild columbine Aquilegia canadensis

My Weigela is starting to bloom.

And my herb pots are planted: thyme, rosemary, parsley and chives.

Speaking of herbs and food, check out my recipe blog! Latest post is Cajun Scallops with Roasted Red Pepper Pesto.

Top Perennials Part 3 (of many)

The next two flowers I'd like to present constitute good "fillers". Neither one is exceptional by itself but within a border, they both add an interesting element and blend well with the showy ones.

Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata) is a tall plant, growing 2-3 feet tall. Its flowers grow in elegant flowering spikes. It's great in a perennial border or beside a water feature.
It is in no way related to Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria, an invasive plant that everyone attempted to eradicate in the 90's.

I have 2 areas where Yellow Loosestrife has spread nicely. Above you see it with red Serviceberries but I also like it with the annual bright red Maltese Cross (Lychnis chalcedonica)

Yellow Loosestrife is best left in the border. I have tried cutting it for bouquets but is short lived, lasting only a day or two.

Ladies Mantle Alchemilla mollis is more chartreuse than yellow. Its flowers are quite insignificant but the plant grows into huge large mounds (2 - 2 1/2') with wonderful fuzzy cupped leaves that hold water droplets after a rain.

It blends will into foreground or background and makes plants beside it look fabulous.

If you have never tried either of these plants, please do. I hope you won't be disappointed. Both are very low maintenance and tolerated last summer's heat and drought very well.