Hi GPODers!
The weather outside is starting to get frightful, but the garden photos we’re receiving continue to be so delightful! Today we have another new garden to explore, and we get to experience a range of peak-season highlights. These photos are from Deborah Beacham, and showcase a range of blooms and gorgeous plant combinations throughout the years in various parts of her gardens.
In spring, Deborah’s garden comes alive with a flush of fabulous foliage that glows and shines on a sunny day, and a bright pink rhododendron kicks off the color show on a vibrant note.
Alongside the rhododendron some lovely foxglove (Digitalis purpureaZone 4–8) adds a pinch of purple.
As the weather heats up the displays also get hotter. This border of bright yellow blooms sizzles with lots of black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia shaggyZone 3–7), and some orange is added to the mix with the ‘Autumn Colors’ cultivar (R. hirta ‘Autumn Colors’, Zone 3–7) seen in the foreground.
When it comes to classic color combinations, why fix what isn’t broken? Pinks and reds always play nice with blue, and this combination of scarlet bee balms (Monarda didymaZone 4–9) and a light blue bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophyllaZone 6–9) is a superb example.
Color might be the first thing that catches your eye in Deborah’s garden, but she also plays with interesting texture and form combinations. Spires of obedient plant (Physostegia virginianaZone 3–9) are a perfect contrast to the dark purple clusters of hydrangea blooms, and a variegated kousa dogwood (Horn KousaZone 6–9) adds even more texture interest in the background.
Deborah’s plant combinations are marvelous, but even the most enticing designs are made a little more fun with the addition of garden art. This playful pooch appears to be enjoying the scent of these light pink roses.
With that being said, Deborah’s plantings are full of personality. Some gardeners opt to limit their plant or color palette, but Deborah put no limit on the interest and excitement in this bed. Garlic, agastache, echinacea, geraniumand a splash of orange butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosaZone 3–9) are just some of the plants coming together for this wonderful display.
The diversity that Deborah has cultivated over the years is astounding, and this is reflected in the many exciting combos she has shared. Blue and yellow is one of my favorite color pairings, so I find this yarrow with cornflower (Centaurea cyanusannual) particularly dazzling.
For even more color and whimsy, Deborah turns to containers. A white garden cart becomes the perfect vessel for a mini fairy garden, planted with a marvelous mix of verbena and calibrachoa.
When a garden is filled with an amazing array of blooms such as we’ve seen here, the pollinators are sure to follow. This monarch butterfly (Danus plexippus) gave Deborah its stamp of approval when it paid a visit to this peachy-pink zinnia.
Thank you so much for sharing these gorgeous photos with us, Deborah! You have an impeccable eye for color, and the combinations you’ve created in your garden are enchanting.
It’s gearing up to be a long, cold winter here in North America and we’re going to need a lot more colorful garden photos to get us through. Next time you’re scrolling through your archive of garden photos from past growing seasons, consider sharing some of your favorites with Garden Photo of the Day! Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.
We want to see YOUR garden!
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
To submit, send 5–10 photos to (email protected) along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with #FineGardening!
Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden, Revised and Updated Second Edition: A Natural Approach to Pest Control
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
This revised and updated edition of Jessica Walliser’s award-winning Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden offers a valuable and science-backed plan for bringing balance back to the garden. With this indispensable gardening reference—now updated with new research, insights, and voices—learn how to create a healthy, balanced, and diverse garden capable of supporting a hard-working crew of beneficial pest-eating insects and eliminate the need for synthetic chemical pesticides.
Spear & Jackson 4930FZ Razorsharp Telescopic Tree Pruner
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Telescopic tree pruner with SK5 carbon steel blade which stays sharper for longer. Variable length telescopic handle extends up to 92 Inch (2340mm). Lopper for cutting branches up to 1.2″ (30mm). 13 inch (330mm) saw is ideal for cutting thicker branches. Supplied with a long cord and pull-action handle. Part of the Razorsharp Advantage collection, the obvious choice for gardeners who demand and expect precise, powerful performance. “Grow Your Own” Great British Growing 2020 Award Winners.
