September in Carla’s Garden

We’ve been in Carla Zambelli’s garden in Malvern, Pennsylvania, before (see High Spring in Carla’s Garden), and today she’s sharing how it looks in September.

September is here. It has been a crazy summer, one full of excessive heat and drought. It has tested both me and my garden, and I believe it’s a portent of the future and climate change. The weather this summer hastened the demise of two enormous trees. One was an ash, and while not one of my favorite trees, it was still a loss. However, and quite sadly, we lost my favorite tree on this property. Her name was Mama Oak, and she was older than the American Revolution. She was a beautiful red oak and so very hard to say goodbye to.

large oak tree being cut and carvedMama Oak is being carved by artist Marty Long.

large tree being carved into a sculptureThe carvings are just starting to emerge from the massive trunk.

close up of black-eyed Susan flowersMeanwhile, as we had rain earlier this week, some flowers, like these black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia fulgida, Zones 4–8) are recovering. However, it was also interesting to note all of the things that were more hardy than you would expect in extreme weather. I am looking forward to the wood carving being completed and the fall planting, which shall begin shortly.

metal mermaid statue sitting on a stone benchA mermaid in the garden manages to stay looking good even through the dry spells.

close up of a large, deep red hibiscus flowerHardy hibiscus (Hibiscus hybrid, Zones 4–10) are coming into their late-summer peak with enormous, rich-red flowers.

light pink and yellow fall flowersFall anemones (Anemone hupehensis, Zones 5–9)

two large cannas with red flowersThese cannas (Canna indica, Zones 7–10 or as tender bulbs) are still looking lush and beautiful.

banana plant in a pot outsidePotted bananas (Musa sp.) bring tropical flair to the garden and can be moved to a warm spot to overwinter.

close up of a cream colored roseRoses respond to the rain by putting out a new flush of flowers.

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Published at Wed, 21 Sep 2022 03:00:16 -0400

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