There are so many salvias to love. I'm going to show you three to salivate over. They will take your garden on a flight beyond the ordinary. Save this page for next spring, run out to your garden center and search/ask for any of these. Better yet, ask now so they can start cuttings for spring. If we don't ask, they won't grow them. S. splendens 'Van Houttei' is a favorite. I try to find it and the selection 'Wendy's Wish' each spring. There is also a solid red variety 'Paul.'  This year, I found the burgundy/red strain at Bustani Plant Farm, but I had to ask for it. Apparently, it isn't a hot seller in spring because salvias aren't all that showy then. Well, duh, of course they aren't. They need heat to perform. When the mercury rises, watch how they glow in morning light. Salvia splendens 'Van Houttei'...

Tattered blooms on 'Cramoisi Superieur' Some days are diamonds. Others don't glitter with promise. Instead, they are as jagged as rocks jutting out from a precipice. This summer, with its steady rainfall and cooler than normal temperatures, created beauty and surprise, but not all surprises are welcome. More rain means more weeds. Those I can handle with a tug and pull at their base. On the days I don't drive to school, I spend early mornings writing and weeding, weeding and writing. Rose Rosette Disease on 'Cl. Old Blush.' I guess sweet autumn clematis did win in the end. Rose Rosette Disease returned late summer with a vengeance. It staked a claim on the 'Cl. Old Blush' on one side of the arbor. I noticed the telltale signs a few days ago. I hope it hasn't spread to 'Cl. Old Blush' on the other side. I can't remove the sick...

Early morning in my garden on Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, August 2013 This Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, you get two, two for the price of one. I'm still working on the book, and I'm too tired to think about much of anything. Early this morning, I went out and took photos. The garden is in between bloom stages. I'm going out to trim up the roses this afternoon once my self-imposed word count is reached. Blogging, for me, is an inspiration exercise. I find that if I warm up writing here I can do the hard stuff later. From the mid position in my garden, you can see the house, crapemyrtle and our grill. Sorry. It still gives you an idea of what a jungle this is right now. Everything has responded to the rain. Garden Bloggers Bloom Day is held the 15th of each month by Carol of May...

Have you ever visited an artist's garden? One of Keeyla's cool statues of women. During the summer of hell in 2011, the OHS tour featured the gardens of local artists. That tour remains one of my favorites. I find artists' gardens full of inspiration. I love the use of color and playful shapes to create the artist's vision. I've written about Keeyla Meadows before. Her garden announces her vision before you even step up to her door. Vivid colors, multiple shapes and a mix of flowers and leaves combine to make your visit one of eye-popping delight. Petunia against a hot pink fence in Keeyla's garden. This petunia may be 'Fancy Dress.' I grow it too. From her books, I knew there would be color. What I didn't expect was how the color worked with the mixed media Keeyla creates. I found myself wanting to pack her containers in my...