Old Faithful

When we moved in almost 7 years ago, the garden was tired and not really touched at all, as the owner, a widow, lived in a nursing home at the time that she sold the house. One highlight was this beautiful rich purple clematis, that was growing up and tumbling over the side of a non-working gas lamp.

Once I got a new trellis, the clematis really thrived, and blesses us with bountiful blooms in June & July. This plant has to be 15-20 years old, yet is still healthy!

Hmmm...maybe I need a bigger trellis...

Pretty in Purple-More

Here are our salvias, new to the garden this year. The deep purple color is so striking...

Pretty in Purple

One of my very favorite times of the year is when the lilacs are in bloom. Ordinary bushes along the side of the road are suddenly transformed, bursting with purple flowers, and their fragrance is unique and deliciously sweet. We have some lilacs in the back yard. They were quite overgrown, so we cut them back a few years ago, and now they are starting to bloom more prolifically. I'll always cut some and bring them in, so we can enjoy the beautiful fragrance. But they only last a day or so!

Columbine are another favorite, prettiest just hanging out in the flower bed.