So much is going on in the garden that I fear I have missed a glorious moment or two. I still have plants to get into the ground and the days seem to whir by like dragonflies ... are those dragonflies already out prowling the garden? Yes, they are! And evenings seem to sparkle ... yes, those are fireflies! The Catbird has finally come out of hiding and I watch him hop about the Potager. He even dares to perch on a trellis and study me. It's mid June, and time to pause, sit in the garden instead of running around frantically with my shovel leading the way.
Out front chives are cheering like pom poms and Sambucus Black Lace is revealing her best show ever.
Sambucus Black Lace
Clematis are creeping and peeping from corners along the drive. My native clematis, Virginiana were coming up nicely until Mr. Rabbit ... well actually it must be Mrs. because now there are little rabbits hopping about! ... decided they would make a tasty salad. I have wrapped them so that they can hopefully, reestablish themselves.
Clematis Claire de Lune
Clematis Rooguchi
This year I am enjoying the changing palettes of the garden – pinks and purples, blues and yellows.
Spiderwort, Tradescantia Osprey
Yellow Evening Primrose with Cranesbill
The foamy yellow flowers of Lady's Mantle
Blue Flag Iris
Amsonias with golden Creeping Jenny
Overnight, my swamp rose burst into bloom and surprise!, this year a neighboring rose that was on our property line decided to creep under our new fence and join us.
Swamp Rose, Rosa palustris
The flowering raspberry bushes, Rubus odoratus, that the Rabbit seemed to enjoy dining on so much this winter are bigger than ever in spite of all my worries. Their blooms resemble wild roses. Their leaves are big and beautiful.
Thank you Carol atMay Dreams Gardens for hosting Garden Bloggers Bloom Day the 15th of each month.
On Mother's Day, private Sycamore Hill Gardens in Marcellus, NY opens its gates for a minimal fee to allow the public to view its magnificent gardens. (Ticket fees benefit the Baltimore Woods Nature Center.) Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic and stay the entire day. My family and I spent several hours touring these beautiful grounds and plan to return next year, picnic basket in hand. Please enjoy a photographic tour of the path we took.
Perhaps why this garden is named Sycamore Hill. A plaque adorns the base of this amazing Sycamore tree, officially proclaiming its age originating to the times of the Revolutionary War.
Just around the corner is an asian inspired shady oasis.
Moving along we encounter Koi Watch on Lake George and proceed to cross the lake over large stepping stones towards the Dragon Pagoda.
My niece seems totally unaware of the dragon lurking in the pagoda. Look out!
The Dragon Pagoda is surrounded by Fairy Woods. Sculptures of fairies and other flying creatures seem to guard the trees.
More evidence of fairies in the Children's Garden. I think they purposely blurred this photo to escape detection.
Everywhere are interesting sculptures, urns, ornaments, plant groupings and beautiful blooms.
Now I know I want to add Sambucus Golden Elderberry to my garden
A serpent of weeping evergreens guarding the Tower
Peony blooming in the Peony Garden
Crabapple Lane
I loved visiting the Vegetable Garden. The rooster and ornamental gate especially caught my eye. My nieces were more curious as to what was inside the shed.
In all of the garden, the busiest and most bustling spot was the Bell Garden. The chime of the bells could be heard wherever we journeyed. Even I tried my hand at ringing a bell or two. Listen for yourself.
If you have the chance to visit this wonderful garden, I recommend you do so. Learn more at www.sycamorehillgardens.com.
Here it is June, already! I'll be honest, I've been in the garden and not at my desk. Actually I've been in two gardens – this is the first year I have joined our wonderful community garden at Zenda Farm. Mother's Day I toured a beautiful private garden that only opens its gates, well, on Mother's Day. Poppies, columbines and iris are now showing in my garden. May certainly is, I mean was, "Mayhem." More about our community garden, my Mother's Day tour, picks for Diana's Dozen, and new projects coming up I promise as soon as I catch my breath.
