The Flora and Fauna Frenzy of June

Ornamental onion (Allium schubertii) in the Rose garden

Itoh Peony ‘Julia Rose’ in the Rose garden

The transition from May to June signals a frenzy  of new flower combinations that gives each garden a completely new look. Ornamental onions (Allium spp.) of all sizes and shapes are first to bloom, along with the bearded iris, peonies, oriental poppies, nepeta and geums, to name just a few. For gardeners or people who love gardens, this is the time of year when succession planting for continuous blooms comes into its own.  June is notorious for its exuberance of blossoms.

Rock garden with cranesbill ( Geranium spp) and sea thrift (Armeria maritima)

The Rock Garden continues a sweet showy scene by the bay; cranesbills or hardy geraniums (Geranium spp.), sea thrift (Armeria maritima) and Japanese primroses (Primula japonica ‘Appleblossom’) making an eye-catching pink ensemble. The yellow groove bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata) shoots are beginning their fast ascent to 30 feet high. The viburnums (Viburnum plicatum tomentosum ‘Summer Snowflake’) are loaded with white flowers, as are Deutzia gracilis and the Enkianthus campanulatus complementing them both with creamy pink bell-shaped blooms.

Chipmunk in Rock garden

There is also a frenzy of activity with all the little creatures in and out of the gardens. From mighty red tail hawks to tiny hummingbirds, all seem to be ever-present and vocal when we’re working in the gardens. They are constantly busy and a pleasant distraction.

Be sure to visit soon or you’ll miss the frenzy!