A Jolly June with a profusion of Sweet peas, Poppies and Roses

There’s an old saying “A mist in May and heat in June, brings all things into tune”.  The rains in May and the warming temperatures of June have made fine crops in the cutting garden, with fragrant sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus), Shirley poppies (Papaver rhoeas), bachelor buttons (Centauria cyanus) and false Queen Anne’s lace (Ammi majus).  These flowers have been worth the wait! The sweet peas have just started to bloom on the bamboo arches designed for easy access to inhale the fragrant blooms, which have conveniently grown to nose level now. The first pink double-flowering peony poppies (Papaver somniferum) have just opened. They are Blithewold’s signature poppy, reseeding year after year.

The perennials in the North Garden that bloom at this time also benefited from the weather. Goatsbeard (Aruncus ‘Horatio’), bear’s breeches (Acanthus hungaricus) and Japanese iris (Iris ensata) are all overachieving with blooms.  This garden has a new look as early June blossoms transition to a new set of colorful perennials.  The Rose Garden is still bursting with blooms as the climbing roses start to come into their own to add to the colorful mix.

This week I noticed a pair of cedar waxwings visiting the cutting garden. They were on the bamboo arches determined to snatch every bit of twine not tied down.  The arches are the perfect place for birds to perch and it’s been a delight to see so many different birds there. Goldfinches have been singing a jolly June tune enjoying the gardens. You should too: come for a visit!

Click Here to see a video of the cedar waxwings.