Elevate Your Summer Garden: Expert Picks for July
As the summer sun reaches its peak, our gardens often need a little extra love and attention. The challenge of maintaining a lush outdoor space during the hottest months can be daunting, but with the right plants, you can create an instant luxury upgrade. I've delved into the minds of top designers and landscape architects to uncover their go-to choices for July gardening.
The Power of Ornamental Trees
One standout recommendation is the Cornus Kousa, a Japanese cousin of the American Dogwood. This tree is a true conversation starter with its bushy foliage and eye-catching bracts, making any outdoor seating area feel like a lush oasis. Imagine a tree that blooms from mid-June to late August, followed by a display of vibrant red berries. It's a designer's dream, and New York-based landscape designer Jon Fargion agrees, suggesting a creative pairing with geraniums for an extra pop of color.
But why stop at one tree? The Acer, or Japanese Maple, is another favorite for its elegant structure and stunning foliage. It's a versatile choice, suitable for shaded areas and a perfect addition to any Japanese-inspired garden. These trees thrive in July, offering both bloom and leaf development, and can be paired with hakone grass or gallium odoratum for a truly captivating container combination.
Flowering Plants for Abundance
When it comes to creating a sense of abundance, flowering plants are essential. Enter Gaura lindheimeri, a perennial with long-lasting summer blooms in light pink or white. Its graceful, flower-laden stalks resemble a cloud of butterflies, making it an ideal choice for patio containers and flower beds. This plant demands attention and plenty of direct sunlight to thrive.
For a more traditional burst of color, Pelargoniums, or annual Geraniums, are a reliable choice. These tough annuals are readily available and can handle the intense July heat. With a range of hues, they can be styled to match any garden design, from overflowing pots to hanging baskets, creating a vibrant backdrop for outdoor gatherings.
The Art of Layering
Marci Bonner, Associate Landscape Architect, introduces us to the concept of 'spillers' with Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia). This mat-forming perennial is a versatile plant, adding a unique touch to any container. Its foliage color varies from yellow in the sun to chartreuse in shade, making it an intriguing choice. Marci suggests pairing it with colorful florals in light-colored containers for a stunning contrast.
For a more patriotic theme, Marci recommends a combination of bold red Geraniums, white Million Bells, and chartreuse Creeping Jenny, a trio that embodies the classic 'thriller, filler, spiller' gardening method. This arrangement creates a lush, cascading display, perfect for celebrating Independence Day with a touch of botanical flair.
Practical Considerations
When selecting plants for July, it's essential to consider their specific needs. Some plants, like the Million Bells, prefer a bit of afternoon shade during the hottest days, while others, like Pelargoniums, can survive with minimal watering. The Cornus Kousa, for example, thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil and requires 6 hours of sunlight daily. These details are crucial for ensuring the success of your garden upgrade.
In my opinion, what makes these designer choices so intriguing is their ability to transform a space instantly. By carefully selecting plants that offer both visual appeal and adaptability to the summer climate, you can create a garden that not only survives but thrives during the hottest months. It's a delicate balance of aesthetics and practicality, and with the right plants, your garden can become a luxurious retreat, even in the heart of summer.
