Sweet Surprise

Summersweet, Clethra ainifolia, is described as a native plant with a natural range from Maine to Florida.  Ocean currents from the south create a milder climate for coastal Maine despite its more northern location when compared with us.  We frequently experience bitter cold after plants have begun leafing out.  Recently our early weather features days of unseasonably hot daytime temperatures.  Warmth draws leaves out to open just before a late frost blackens them.  This year the cold was late and severe.  The Summersweet  bushes took a hard hit that I expected would kill them.  They all produced a new set of leaves but flower clusters are sparse.  We are pleased to have them still with us.  The only flowers on this bush are directly over the warmth of the stone wall.

The natural form of this plant features pure white flowers tipped with golden brown pollen.  The brown detracts from the purity of the white.  From a distance the flowers appear to be near death.  Their scent is the real draw.  Drifting on the breeze, the sweet smell of these flowers will pull one near.

Summersweet reproduces by root runners.  This offshoot was placed in the shadow of the gravel bank hill to give it protection from late frosts.  Unfortunately it is next to a heavily used deer trail.  All of its flower clusters have been eaten as well as much of its new growth.  We need a larger cage here.

Ruby Spice is the name of this cultivar.  Pink hides the color of the pollen making this a pleasant appearing flower.  Purists will likely prefer the natural form of this plant.

It is uncommon for Becky to want her picture taken.  Her wild sunflower drew her in.  Rodents may have planted this seed from flowers that grew on our property.  We figured that the telephone pole would prevent this sunflower from interfering with our neighbor's mowing.  We did keep the side shoots trimmed to give him a clear path.  This variety of sunflower is usually covered with numerous smaller flowers.  We hope its appearance here pleases our neighbor.  Becky loves sunflowers because they are so cheery!

Two Stars

Our Oriental lilies suffered greatly from late spring cold.  Some did not flower at all while others managed only damaged incomplete flowers.  This cluster of Salmon Stars is the exception.  This is only their second year here and youth may be a factor in how great they look.  Our older Salmon Stars did not even make an appearance this year.  For several years they were reliably magnificent and now they are simply gone.  That may be the reality for plants that are grown so far outside of their natural climate zone.

Salmon Star features subtle colored flowers and understated scent.  Many lilies are so heavily scented that being near them approaches an overpowering experience.  For these, the smell is soft and sweet whether caught on the wind or with a pollen stained nose placed close.  This flower could inspire a classy perfume.

This cluster of Cardinal Flowers has been undisturbed for two years.  The wall shields them from the heat of afternoon sunlight and this location in a low spot between the road and a hill provides plenty of moisture.  Last season insect damage left these plants with almost no leaves.  This year stored heat in the wall protected them from late spring cold.   This spot seems to meet the plants requirements so it will remain theirs.  The clear bright red color puts Cardinal Flower at the top of our must have list.

The deeply grooved capstone to the left is another favorite here.  This stone suffered repeated strikes from farm machinery before it was moved out of the field.  A neighbor allowed me to pick stone from alongside of his field and this was among the group moved here.  Seeing this stone reminds one of neighborly consideration that was more common in days past.

Health issues have kept us out of the gardens for the past several days.  A comparatively short period of time must pass before a return can be attempted.  In the meantime the plants are on their own and the weeds are firming up their hold on garden ground.