In the early light on this cool August morning, I fell in love with my hollyhocks.  Finally.   I’ve ground my teeth over them more than a few times since I placed one beside each end pole of my front vista structure.  I’d envisioned a happy-go-lucky vine that climbed up each pole and embodied the cottage garden charm I’ve been going for this whole time.  They took forever to amount to anything and even longer to actually bloom.  But here they are and I love them! 

 

 

Another late comer is my calendula.  I grew several plants from seed, but only two made it out of the greenhouse alive.  Then I put the survivors in the tea garden and waited anxiously to see if they’d take off.  Over three months later, they’re finally putting on buds.   And here I thought these plants were easy and carefree in the garden.  HA!

 

 

Speaking of misperceptions, my borage has died!  The plant that was going to take over the world and is raved about for it’s ability to live anywhere with zero care has gone roots-up on me!  I’m very perplexed, although just a tiny bit relieved as it gives my yarrow some much needed sunlight.  I’ve tried to research why the borage might have died but everything I read just raves about how easy it is to grow anywhere.  If I had to guess, it might have gotten root rot after several heavy storms pummeled it and broke off big sections so it wasn’t taking up water quickly.  But that’s a fairly wild theory. 

 

 

One thing that has lived up to its hype is “Sedum Hill”.  All of the sedums are spreading nicely and providing a great layer of texture with just about zero maintenance.  Bravo, I say, bravo!