Hello sweet friends! Can you believe that tomorrow is the last day of July? I think I say this concerning each and every month. Is that a sign of age?
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
Isaiah 40:8 (ESV)
Hydrangea Paniculata are the stars of the July garden! Their name comes from the fact that their blooms are cone-shaped rather than ball-shaped and grow on new wood. Vanilla strawberry hydrangeas have been our best performers of all of our panicled hydrangeas.
Vanilla Strawberry produces large creamy white blooms. Because of our intense summer heat, they never turn the strawberry color. Most summers we see only a tinge of pink.
Their blooms are heavy but I was able to corral them up and around the garden tuteur. The white crape myrtle is in the background beside RM’s workshop. I love the white against the white in this image!
I have never been a fan of marigolds. But, these giant marigolds made me change my mind. This is our third season of planting marigolds from seed. Their flower heads of 3 inches sit atop sturdy plants. This image looks like autumn (I can’t wait) with the Japanese maple in the background!
There is a lot of blush-pink showing up early this year! We have had very little rain and high temperatures. Daily watering for Butch is very time consuming.
Even though I am a huge fan of color, a green and white garden appeals to me!
In the foreground is Hydrangea Paniculata “Pink Diamond” that grows six to eight feet. It is a vigorous, bushy, deciduous shrub with conical flower panicles. Opening in creamy white, the florets will turn pale pink in our Zone 8a garden.
“I was certain it was a dreamer’s dream. Colors from across the spectrum flashed across my eyes, sweet fragrances floating on a gentle breeze awakened my senses, and harmonious melodies drifted through the space surrounding me. Such a peaceful and restful experience was mine, yet I realized dreams do come to an end…but then I discovered I was in the garden.”
~Butch Richardson
We had to replace our three limelights in the rear of the garden. The Bloodgood Japanese Maples that were planted when the garden was first installed, grew until their roots began interfering with the limelights. We tried to replace a couple, but they died. This spring we decided to buy a couple of larger planters that matched an existing one to be placed where the limelights were. We purchased three ‘Tiny Quick Fire’ hydrangeas that are one of the smallest panicle hydrangeas. It is an ultra-compact dwarf hydrangea that is between 1.5 to 3 feet tall at maturity and 2 to 3 feet wide. It opens creamy white and ages to rosy pink and red. We will probably only see a pinkish color in our heat.
We have a pair of ‘Little Lamb’ hydrangeas at the front entrance to the garden. They are the first to bloom every year. Unfortunately, the wind and a couple of hard rains beat their heavy blooms down. I failed to get pictures when they were beautiful.
Butch and I both prefer the yellow marigolds to the orange. This spot is in the left rear corner of the fence and provides a burst of color against the trees.
A peek into the cottage garden where there is an explosion of color!
We have four varieties of panicle hydrangeas…2 Little Lamb (one of which is pictured here) 5 Vanilla Strawberry, 1 Pink Diamond, and 3 Tiny Quick Fire.
The basket of flowers on the 3-wheel bike adds a little more brilliant color to the Cottage Garden!
I did manage to find a photo taken in early July to show how pretty the Little Lambs were.
A view from the garden looking toward the patio!
The bronze statute in the center of the garden is about to be overtaken with the soft touch hollies!
Two Sioux crape myrtles that are celebrated for their bright pink summer flowers flank the entrance to the side garden!
The front view of the garden from our patio!
After eleven seasons of gardening, we are convinced that you have to love it or you will quit. Ever since Butch retired at the end of 2022, he has worked tirelessly. We both know at our ages, we will not be able to continue at this rate. He says, “we will until we can’t!”
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a lovely finish to the month of July and a delightful start to August.
Linking with: Between Naps on the Porch,Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
I was of the option that “I would until I couldn’t” also. Well I’ve reached that red line and crossed over it but I’ve been blessed with a fantastic yard man. His name is Rudy and he tells me what needs doing then he does it.
Your hydrangeas are so beautiful. I’ve never been able to grow them here. It interesting that your hot weather doesn’t turn them brown. My lawn is so weary of the triple digits and no rain even when the sprinklers go on three times a week, that every weed know to man is growing there. I walk the lawn every day looking for the next intruder. Additional water from the hose doesn’t seem to help. I might even be looking forward to Fall. Did I say that? Ice and snow doesn’t interest me.
Alice, I am so glad that you have Rudy. Like you, we are weary of the oppressive heat. No amount of sprinklers and watering replace the rain that only God can give. Please take care of yourself and stay inside, it is too hot for you to be outside working in your yard. Have a beautiful Thursday!
Absolutely gorgeous Pam! You both have worked together to make a beautiful landscape! I love all the varieties and the colors are wonderful! I have always loved marigolds because they keep pests away. The giant ones are my favorite as well. We’ll soon be working with pumpkins and mums! After such a hot and humid summer, I’m ready for it! I say that every year it seems. Take care. We’re still in triple digit temps with the humidity. I’m sure y’all are too! I do believe we’ve been blessed with more rain than you have, which has helped us not have to water quite as much. I know you must be weary of watering the plants. I will weed again when it gets cooler, because the ran has them growing like crazy. I simply can’t take this heat! I’m beginning to love those weeds filling in the blank spots!😂 Clara❤️
Thank you, Clara. Yes, bring on the pumpkins and mums, I am definitely ready. I think you have had a lot more rain than we have. Funny, the weeds fill in the blank spots. Stay in and stay cool, Clara❤️
Your garden flowers are gorgeous as always. I am sure it is a lot of work in the south to keep everything looking so good in the heat. All the hard work is really showing in your garden.
Happy New Week. Hugs. Kris
Thank you, Kris. It is a lot of work in our oppressive heat and humidity. Butch does most of the work and I know it is very hard on him. Have a great Thursday!
Beautiful garden and yes a lot of work.Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Della! Wishing you a beautiful day!
Pam your gardens are always so beautiful…just remembering the ‘official’ title of each plant taxes my brain. For instance, my purple crepe myrtle is simply that. I tossed the identifiers long ago. LOL. Gone are the days when I kept a notebook of dates and names and locations of each and every plant. Sigh! I’m finding as I age, my priorities have also changed.
I know how hard you and Butch work as it shows in your beautiful blooms. Like you, my thoughts turned to Fall when I saw the photo of your giant orange marigolds with the Japanese Maple in the background. I have never cared for the small marigolds (because of their ‘musky odor’.)..at least the ones I planted, but I could be convinced to add the giant yellow ones close to my zinnias after observing your gorgeous marigolds. We do have a lawn and garden service that tends to our tropicals and such because down here everything grows 24-7, 365 days…no down time and frankly I need that down time myself. LOL Your Hydrangea Paniculata are gorgeous around your tuteur ….such pretty photos and what a beautiful view of your garden in that last photo.
It is supposed to rain here in a few, we have been having rain daily as it is our monsoon season…which makes our plants flourish…a little too much, if you know what I mean.
Have a wonderful day..🥰🌸🦋💕
Thank you, Kari. I understand how differently it is in your garden zone. How I would love to visit your Secret Garden and just sit and talk about all the things we have in common! I appreciate all of your visits and comments, my friend!
Oh Pam, don’t you smile every time you look at your gardens and every time you take a fabulous whiff of what I know what must smell incredible? This is absolutely stunning. I’m sure with the dryness of little rain it’s hard to keep these so lovely — a lot of work that pays off!
Thank you Jeanie for your sweet comments! Yes, it is a lot of work, but the rewards of the blooms make it worthwhile for now!
Oh Pam, don’t you smile every time you look at your gardens and every time you take a fabulous whiff of what I know what must smell incredible? This is absolutely stunning. I’m sure with the dryness of little rain it’s hard to keep these so lovely — a lot of work that pays off! Oh my!
Pam, your garden and flowers are all so beautiful. I especially love the basket of colorful petunias or superbells?? in the bicycle basket. I’ve never been able to grow hydrangeas here as we have “gumbo” soil. I even tried a couple in containers and they died as well. I can relate to “we’ll do until we can’t”, although I hope it’s still many years away when we can’t, and you and Butch as well. I do almost all of the yard work, mowing, planting, gardening, weeding, watering, etc. I’m thankful for a handyman husband who keeps all of my equipment maintained and running! By this time of summer, I’m always ready for fall and cooler temperatures.
Thanks so much Rachel. Butch loves petunias and they fill the basket. I am amazed at all you do to keep a happy garden. Yes, I am ready for fall!
Just beautiful!!! The white on white is so lovely, the little lambs look like little lamb frolicking about according to my imagination…and then photos with such beautiful color too, oh my! Your last photo is like visiting an oasis in the summer…such beauty (and work, for sure) but what a view! Thanks so much for sharing with us, it was truly a treat!
Thank you Sue for your sweet comments and visits. We are going to return to Grand Teton in a few weeks!
I live in zone 7a and its been hot here too, my garden doesn’t look as good as yours. Thanks for sharing you are doing a beautiful job of keeping these beauties.
Thank you Marlene for your visit. As fellow gardeners, we know how much work is involved just to keep every plant living! Happy gardening!
Pam, your July garden is absolutely beautiful! 💚 Even in the heat of late summer, everything looks so lush and lovingly tended. I especially enjoyed seeing all the colorful blooms mixed with the pretty foliage—it’s always such a treat to take a stroll through your garden from my computer screen. With our drought here in North Carolina, my own garden has struggled this summer, so your gorgeous flowers were especially inspiring. Thank you for sharing your garden’s beauty and the joy it brings. Wishing you many more blooms to enjoy as summer winds down! 🌸💕
Thank you, Mary. I don’t like to get ahead of the season, but our favorite season will be here before we know it❤️
Hi Pam,
I tried to reply to your note that you will be in the Tetons, but my reply didn’t work…most likely pilot error 🤣
I’m so excited you will be visiting the Tetons and it would be such a joy to meet you and Butch in person, time and schedules permitting!! We would never want to intrude on family vacation plans…but it would be lovely seeing you!
I will email you later tonight!
Thank you, precious Pam (and Butch!) for ALL THE WORK on your garden for ALL OF US to enjoy. I can’t even imagine the hard work, dear friends. The pictures are absolutely stunning! I love the focus, color, and the angles. JUST wow!
The veiw of the garden from the patio–that is spectacular!
Like you, Pam, I was never a fan of marigolds until I started growing them from seed, too!
I will look at these beautiful pictures when I need to remember the beauty of summer–and all the colors!
It’s been another busy week, as usual, with appointments–and I’m so ready to go to Alaska to visit my oldest son and family. I HAD to get in all these appointments, plus my Dad’s, and one tomorrow–so I’m “approved” to go.
May the beginning of August bring you, Butch, and the rest of the family such joy–and a relief from heat?
Your love for gardening shows…and I like Butch’s thought, “we will until we can’t!” Amen!
May God continue to bless all of you. I love you dearly, Pam. I look forward to catching up with you when I return. 💞🙏🏻💐🌺🌻🌹🥀
Thank you dearest Karla. I am so happy that you will be traveling to Alaska. I pray that it will be a wonderful trip! Yes, let’s catch up when you return. 🙏🏻❤️🥰🦋🌸🌻
You’re so welcome, Pam. I shortened my trip by a week so I can get back to the infusion center and my last IV radiation treatment on the 20th. I can’t wait to share pics.
Thank you again, for sharing your beauty, hard work, and precious heart with all of us. It truly lifts me to be here. More than you know! 💞🥰🙏🏻🌹🌺
You are a sweetheart, Karla and a bright spot in this world!
A beautiful post Pam. And such lovely colours in your garden. ☺️
Blessings, Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer!
Pam, the front view of your garden is breathtaking! It truly is a labor of love, and Butch’s dedication is evident. The green and white plantings visually cool things down on a sweltering day. There is so much more I would like to do in my yard, but John keeps reminding me of my age (thanks, sweetie!). My giant pots on the deck require daily watering now, but it gives me a wonderful sense of peace to go out early and do it. Country living means I can be in my pajamas with my coffee and enjoy the day that is coming awake. And it is one task I can do with my arm in the sling! August, here we come!
Country living is the best. I enjoy taking an early morning walk in the garden wearing my pajamas! Thank you Roxanne. Take care of yourself and don’t overdo!
Your garden still remains vibrant, even now, at the end of July. I detect a bit of weariness in your tone, but that’s to be expected after day in, day out chores of watering, weeding, etc. But just as we get to that point, the excitement of fall arrives! Putting the tiny quick fires in the planters was a great idea. I’ve had mine in ground, now in its third year, and I’m very happy it has remained dwarf, exactly why I bought it and what I needed.
Butch and you maintain your landscape beautifully. The good news is, if ever you want to cut back on the scale, you can certainly do that. But then, again, winter daydreaming leads us to another year of growing new things, doesnt it?!
Thank you, Rita. Yes, I think we get weary gardening in the heat of July and August. I always look forward to autumn. We woke up to 64 degrees this morning, but it warms up to the 90’s today. We are already saying how we will cut back next year, but winter daydreaming does lead us to want to plant even more!
I agree about gardening and I agree with his thoughts. “We will until we can’t.”
Your gardens are gorgeous! The white on white is stunning. Your cottage gardens are spectacular. Walking outside in your yard, must make you smile each day! I loved Butch’s quote. So poetic.
Once again I am a day late but we were on a road trip. Back home and back to gardening. Lol! Happy last day of July!
Nancy, you are never late, we do have lives outside of blogging. Enjoy your day!
😘🥰🤗
The work of tending your garden will help KEEP you young, Pam! And all your readers, including me, will thank you for the luscious photos week after week. Especially appealing this week was the photo taken from under a tree and highlighting your hydrangeas, the bicycle-basket of flowers, and a hanging basket. I can imagine sipping iced tea under that tree, enjoying the shade and the peace of your lovely garden!
Thank you, Nancy. More than the work it is the heat. Butch works every day just to keep the garden going. It does bring us great joy!
Pam, your hydrangeas are stunning – each and every one of them! I love all the different varieties but I think the little lambs are my favorite. I did not realize that the heat would affect their colors but they really are beautiful in white with just the faintest hint of pink. The cottage garden looks so colorful and cheerful. I can only imagine the love and work that goes into your gardens. I am back to (very) small scale gardening this summer and even that has been a lot of work – mostly because like you, we have had very little rain. We had a shower on July 6th, nothing since, and nothing in the forecast so it’s been very hot, dry, and dusty. Summer is my favorite season, but I may be joining you ladies and switching to fall lol. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous garden and happy last day of July!
Thank you, Kim! You are in desperate need of rain. I hope the heavens open up soon dear one
I can only imagine how much time, energy, and dedication you both pour into your beautiful garden! And also how much patience it takes to stand and water everything every day to keep it all so vibrant! I pray God will soon send the amount of rain you need and that He will do your watering for you. I don’t like to think of the day that you won’t be able to keep up! I love coming here, catching up, hearing about your lives, and seeing all the loveliness that you share with the world. It truly is a ministry to me and encourages my heart, starting with the wonderful Bible verse at the beginning of each post. You two, along with your faithfulness and steadfast, stable lives, are an immeasurable blessing to me.
Cheryl, your sweet words are so encouraging. You are a blessing to us,my friend!
The garden is stunning. You must spend every free moment there.
Amalia
xo
Thank you, Amalia. We spend a lot of time in the garden, especially my husband!
Simply stunning in a million ways!
Thank you, Mary !