Hibiscus in Custody

| Flower Roberts

Last year my four hibiscus plants were out in the yard around the fire bowl in big pots. I planned on doing the same this summer. The hungry deer had different ideas. One hibiscus plant died over the winter, so I cannot blame them for that. The other was brutally eaten beyond any chance of recovery. The surviving two had to be wheeled into protective custody inside the fence on hand trucks.

I guess they will spend the remainder of their lives behind bars.

The peach double seems to have recovered rather nicely.

The red had more limbs removed , but is finally blooming.

Hibiscus blooms are even lovely from the back.

I am glad I was home to rescue these lovely plants from our hungry herd.

FLOW

Happy Hoyas

| Flower Roberts

Hoyas must thrive on rain and neglect because that’s what they have gotten this summer. The plants have more blooms than ever.

I love how shiny the surface looks.

The complex structure looks like an umbrella underneath.

I hung these in my workshop over the winter. No trimming. The blooms emerge from the trailing tips of the vines.

FLOWER

Spider to Fly

| Flower Roberts

This is a striking daylily. It is larger than most and the colors are vivid.

I was going to move ‘Spider to Fly’ because it was too close to the steps.

I have changed my mind. I like to be able to see it from above and get close to it.

Spider to Fly is a new favorite.

FLOW

Not Eating the Tigers

| Flower Roberts

I am grateful that our deer herd is not eating the tigers.

There has been quite a bit of trimming and beheading in my garden this summer. Now we have lopsided sedums and chomped-to-the-ground Rudbeckias. I also had to rescue my potted “hibiscus circus” by moving it into the fence.

I appreciate any plant that the deer find offensive, especially when it’s as gorgeous as Double Tiger Splendens.

Double Tigerlily ‘Splendens’

Peachy orange with plum-colored spots and no staining pollen. That’s a triple plus plant!

These are over four feet tall, so plant them in the back of the border. They will still be seen.

Tigers are hard to ignore…unless you are a deer.

FLOW

Stargazer Stain and Smell

| Flower Roberts

I absolutely lover Stargazer lilies. Their color and texture are hard to ignore.

Their aroma draws anything with a nose closer. It is hypnotic in nature.

But beware of getting too close while entranced. That rusty, dusty pollen has a dark secret.

It stains everything it touches. Sniffer beware.

If you want to clip some for an arrangement, it is best to snip off the stamens first.

FLOWER

The Sparks in the Parade

| Flower Roberts

A parade is a show moving by as one stands still. Spectators must pay close attention so as not to miss the small, special elements that give the whole thing its spark. My goal was to catch those jewels among the steady flow.

There is a technique to this scan and zoom kind of photography that is very dynamic compared to taking pictures of flowers in a stationary garden.

Here is a gallery of my favorite special sparks.

I love the Blowing Rock parade!

FLOW

Lucifer Steals the Show

| Flower Roberts

This Crocosmia is my absolute favorite. It blooms so prolifically that it requires support fences to hold up the flowers.

I love the symmetry which reminds me of Stealth bombers flying on stalks.

The best part about Montebretia ‘Lucifer’ is that nothing eats it.

I really love Lucifer in bloom.

FLOWER

Priscilla and the Hummer

| Flower Roberts

I have gladiolas planted in groups throughout the gardens. They are bright spots in the backgrounds of the beds.

Their form, height and colors draw the eye from far across the lawn. I have Priscillas and a mix named Mardi Gras. The pink Priscillas bloom first.

The hummingbirds are attracted to them as well.

Female hummingbird among the gladiolas.

I am glad I have glads.

FLOWER