Thursday, May 31, 2012

Our Driveway Garden this Week at Gilmore Gardens

The Driveway Garden at Gilmore Gardens
The Driveway Garden at Gilmore Gardens
Everything is blooming like crazy this week at our house. The Driveway Garden sits between our pavement and the back yard. Its flowers make our daily coming and going much more pleasant!

I am really happy with the white Allium multibulbosum that I added this year (see more below). It really gives a focal point to the blue froth of Geranium 'Orion' on the left and adds to the charm of the rose pairing on the right. And the classic rose and clematis pairing is just as stunning this year as it has been the past three years.


This old-fashioned pink rose was one of the shrubs that we inherited with this property. Its fragrance is light and refreshing.
This old-fashioned pink rose was one of the shrubs that we inherited with this property. Its fragrance is light and refreshing.
Roses are great hosts for Clematis vines. This light pink rose pairs very well with the deep violet Clematis 'Etoile Violette'.  The vine is planted underneath the arching rose stems, which keep it cool in this hot spot. It receives a good mulching every year.
Roses are great hosts for Clematis vines. This light pink rose pairs very well with the deep violet Clematis 'Etoile Violette'.  The vine is planted underneath the arching rose stems, which keep it cool in this hot spot. It receives a good mulching every year.
Clematis 'Etoile Violette'
Clematis 'Etoile Violette'
To the left of the rose bush are a few of the Allium multibulbosum that I was raving about. Their foliage is a bit large, but I have found it bearable so far this year. And I love how they pair with my new-therefore-tiny ornamental grass, Miscanthus sinensis 'Dixieland'.
To the left of the rose bush are a few of the Allium multibulbosum that I was raving about. Their foliage is a bit large, but I have found it bearable so far this year. And I love how they pair with my new-therefore-tiny ornamental grass, Miscanthus sinensis 'Dixieland'.
White Allium multibulbosum
White Allium multibulbosum
Ground cover is all important. Under this rose is Sedum 'Acre' beginning to flower, and one small lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis) fighting for a little space of its own at the moment.
Ground cover is all important. Under this rose is Sedum 'Acre' beginning to flower, and one small lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis) fighting for a little space of its own at the moment.
I am always thinking about layering in my plantings, and this area is no exception. Sedum 'Acre' makes a seamless swath of color to help set off all of the flowers and play a supporting role. Including a little chartreuse in planting gives it a lift also.

The blue and white side: Geranium 'Orion' with Allium multibulbosum.
The blue and white side: Geranium 'Orion' with Allium multibulbosum.
Geranium 'Orion', the floriferous sport of famous Geranium 'Johnson's Blue'
Geranium 'Orion', the floriferous sport of famous Geranium 'Johnson's Blue'
And it all makes for sublime moments in the life of our family! :) Flowers are a great reminder to enjoy what is transient.
And it all makes for sublime moments in the life of our family! :) Flowers are a great reminder to enjoy what is transient.
Read more about the Driveway Garden Succession Planting from 2011
... or more about our small-town garden from our Map of Gilmore Gardens

14 comments:

  1. Julie you have so much blooming! Can't wait to see it in person! I always love it when you include pictures with the kids :) Bev

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    1. Thanks Bev!
      I was reminded this week about the beauty when including the human element in garden photos. They just make the whole scene seem so much more real! And their cuteness does not hurt :)
      ~Julie

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  2. Just wonderful! That old rose with the clematis is classic and both plants look so happy and healthy. I also like that white allium - understated yet interesting.

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  3. Your old rose with the clematis makes me half wish I had the rain to grow this combination, but I'm happy to enjoy yours instead. Your garden is looking wonderf a link between other plants and areas of the garden. I've been having big problems with my internet and have missed some of your posts, I'll enjoy catching up. Christina

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  4. Thanks for all the great ideas and pictures. I am going to plant my morning glories and hope it isn't too late for them now.

    Sheila Stephens

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  5. JULIE! Your garden is absolutely GORGEOUS!
    I love the pink and purple color combinations..
    So lovely:) Especially those cute kiddos!!

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  6. What a precious photo of your children with the flowers! That would be a wonderful shot to frame!!! And I love your Clematis/Rose combo--breathtaking!

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  7. Julie your garden looks wonderful but the nicest blooms are the 3 in the last photo a beautiful photo of your children they look so lovely and happy, Frances

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    1. Frances,
      You are right - they are the most precious flowers in my garden :) It is good just to stop and enjoy them as they grow... very much like our gardens.
      ~Julie

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  8. Hello, I'm here the first time and I liked your idea growing roses and clematises together.
    Nadezda
    Saint Petersburg
    http://northern-garden.blogspot.com/

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  9. Julie what a stunning combo especially the rose and clematis...of course I love the allium geranium too...I have both these too...I also have the sedum around the pond and in a few other spots...it loves to spread...hoping it chokes out the horsetail...

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  10. Hi Julie, The pale ink roses and the purple clematis do make for a nice paring. I do not have any white alliums, just purple and I think white might be a nice addition to next year's garden.

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  11. Beautiful. The rose looks like New Dawn with it's glossy foliage. They are so hardy and I love the pink color. I love the picture of your children. So sweet.

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  12. Great idea to combine the clematis with the roses. Lovely combination!

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