Hi GPODers!

If it’s a cold fall day where you’re located, let the chill slip away as we jump back into Lee’s summer garden in the Mohawk Valley of New York State. In case you missed it yesterday, go to Part 1 to get caught up, or keep on scrolling to see more of his incredible collection of lilies and the other colorful flowers that bloom alongside them.

Well, I do believe that summer is over, seeing that it’s now November 1. With that said, I’m going to drag us back into the warm summer for a few minutes. I hope that people won’t get too upset about leaving the wet and cold for a bit.

Even though I have a sizable property, I “labor” in thinking about what is next. Now in my seventh decade, after gardening for decades and decades, I think my additional plantings and extra flair items are starting to wane—not in spirit—just in actual additions. I’m dropping in five new lily bulbs soon, and that will be it for newbies next spring. I now will be counting much more on all of my previous seasons’ plantings to provide me with my spring and summer energy, color, and enjoyment. Not the worst thing in the world, I guess. . . .

We’re starting Part 2 off with a bang, thanks to these bold ‘Viva la Vida’ lilies (Lily ‘Viva la Vida’, Zones 3–8). The high contrast of yellow and deep red make these blooms really pop against the bed of deep green foliage.

Another bold and vibrant cultivar, ‘Forever Susan’ lilies (L. ‘Forever Susan’, Zones 4–8) amps up the drama with dark burgundy—nearly black—petals accented in bright orange. It’s also the perfect companion for the dramatic garden statue in the background.

A closer look at the ‘Forever Susan’ lily gives a better view of its intense color gradient.

However, the lily’s striking blooms don’t need high contrast or interesting patterns to draw attention. Even among many other flowers and with a sun-soaked border just behind, this bright red cultivar easily steals focus.

Lilies also don’t need to be boldly colored to make an impact. This creamy cultivar, potentially a variety called ‘Mister Cas’ (L. ‘Mister Cas’, Zones 3–8), creates a glowing moment in the garden.

And there’s this light pink cultivar, maybe ‘Pink Perfection’ (L. ‘Pink Perfection’, Zones 3–8), that is always a sweet color companion to greenery.

It’s clear that Lee likes it hot in the garden, with lots of red, yellow, and orange blooms on display. A bed full of bright yellow will always elicit a smile, especially when the centerpiece is a glorious yellow daylily like this one.

Lastly, another light pink cultivar looks out on the rest of the garden. Lee has planted an amazing amount of color in his landscape, yet it all comes together cohesively.

Thank you so much for another incredible submission from your garden, Lee! Even without new additions, there would still be plenty to be excited about when this garden performance begins again in a new spring.

And I hope Lee has inspired you to consider sharing some highlights from your garden this summer. Maybe you collect a wonderful array of flowers, like Lee does, or perhaps you’re missing the greenery that makes your garden feel lush and alive. Consider scrolling through your garden photos and sharing some of your favorites with the blog. 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!

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