Let's face it during the hottest part of summer most of us want plants that aren't too fussy and can
handle stress from the heat, drought
wind or storms.
wind or storms.
In Oklahoma we get a little of everything and I'm happy that I have some foolproof plants in my garden that I don't have to worry about. Oh I have fussy plants too but it's nice to have some low maintenance plants!
The above pictures were taken in July a few summers ago when my sunny border was in full bloom. Everything is a perennial or shrub and low maintenance.
The above pictures were taken in July a few summers ago when my sunny border was in full bloom. Everything is a perennial or shrub and low maintenance.
2013
The knockout roses are just the best shrubs I've ever had...I love them to pieces and they are always in bloom throughout the summer and continue right up until frost!
My Chaste tree or Texas Lilac is gorgeous and can take the heat. It just started blooming this week and blooms before the crepe myrtles.
Look at all the blooms! I love the fact that it drops seeds and I have free seedlings. This year I am going to transplant them onto the greenbelt behind my house. They love full sun and benefit from having lots of space.
I don't use sprays or pesticides in my garden for fear of hurting the beneficial bugs and the wildlife so I do have a few things that get munched on but I feel it's healthier for our environment to be as organic as possible. These plants rarely need anything and aren't bothered by insects. All they need is just an occasional pruning really just to keep them inbounds. They will need regular watering during the really hot months of July and August but will reward with lots of pretty blooms.
Crepe Myrtles are just the best foolproof plants in the South and Midwest and mine are growing well this year but haven't bloomed yet. Last year I planted 5 new plants. I can't wait till
they start blooming!
Last year I added Dynamite, Tuscarora, Natchez and Candy Cane which is a smaller variety and they are still getting established this year.
Dynamite is a deep red and is named appropriately!
Natchez is the prettiest white and
has a weeping habit.
Tuscarora is a bright pink and is advertised as one of the best bloomers with a long flowering cycle.
Candy Cane is a cute pink with white ruffled edges and I just love it.
Black- eyed Susan's and Blanket flowers are heat lovers too and give a pop of color to my border.
Summer is here and I can't wait for everything to be in full bloom.
Hope you are enjoying your garden!
Hope you are enjoying your garden!
