Thursday, August 13, 2009

Roses and Lilies - Late and Beautiful

Yes, it is possible to grow roses in our northern climate, though I only have two of them. Of course, they need to be particularly hardy rose types, like the Parkland and Explorer series. This very fragrant rugosa rose was in the yard when we moved here. It is a very large hardy shrub rose and it would be huge if I didn't prune it down every spring. I believe it is a "Hansa" rose, particularly after seeing this rose in Saskatchewan garden centers.

Probably "Hansa" hardy shrub rose:

When I first saw the foliage of this Geranium popping up from under the cedar shrub, I didn't know what it was. Now that it is flowering, I am wondering where it came from? I've never grown one of these! It's about 2 feet tall and is a lovely blue. I think I might keep it.
Unknown Geranium:

The Papaver rhoeas/Shirley poppies "Cedric Morris Mix" (from Thompson & Morgan) are so absolutely beautiful! This area of the raised bed was planted with foxgloves last year, so there are some seedlings growing under these poppies now, ready to flower next year along with these poppies. I'll be letting some of them go to seed for more color next year. I'm sure there will be lots of seed, so let me know if you want some! Beside them are the LA hybrid lilies, which are a bit late this year.

Shirley poppies:

This is the very pretty (but not fragrant) "Morden Blush" hardy rose. This winter I'll be covering it with something, since it really gets severe winter-kill in its exposed location in a raised bed. Of course, this doesn't stop it from flowering, but does probably reduce its size and make it flower much later than usual.
Morden Blush rose amid LA hybrid lilies:

Here is one of the last of the breadseed poppies. In a few weeks, we'll be collecting seed again.

I grew dahlias this year for the first time in my life. I realized that they like the locations that get the most water. These ones are "Tahiti Sunrise" and they did very well in a large container.

Saskatoon berries are hanging off the shrubs in our flower beds now. I have told RLM he needs to go out and pick them, or I'll let the birds have them all. I like to eat some fresh off the bush, but I'm not particularly fond of Saskatoon berry baked goods. Yes, you can kick me out of the province for saying that...

First daylily bloom of the year, "Double River Wye":

6 comments:

Sigrun said...

Even late, they are all so beautiful. When I see your lovely plants I can't complain about our Zone 2b-3 area. Everything is late here, too, and still very dry.

Philosophical Karen said...

I love that breadseed poppy.

I was trying to figure out for you what that geranium is, but it's tough, isn't it? There are many similar purple ones like that.

Anonymous said...

I have to agree with you on the Saskatoons, they are hanging from the bushes like big fat bunches of grapes this year but I'm just not that enamoured of the taste. I think my dog likes them more than I do - he's always stopping and stripping them off the lower branches on our walks! I much prefer huckleberries - do you get those in Saskatchewan?

I have a mystery geranium that looks very similar and I love it. I once read an article by a lady who gardened way up at Atlin Lake. She said perennial geraniums were the saviour of her northern garden. They really are tough and pretty.

Laurel

Shakespeare's Cousin said...

What a stunning blog. You must be gardening non stop.

Muum said...

love those shirley poppies!

easygardener said...

I like Rugosa Roses - they are tough and don't seem to suffer from many pests and diseases. It is nice when a flower seeds in your garden and it turns out to be something you actually find attractive!