Summer Showers

Rain water streams through the flower beds as the clouds dump their bounty.  Our hillside location encourages the garden to drain, preventing the thirsty roots from drowning.  But... the delicate rose heads are overwhelmed, their paper thin leaves drenched and in danger of  turning to mush.  

This is where the statuesque, vertical berberis is a true asset in the summer garden.  Providing structure in the winter and stability in the summer; a place for the delicate flowers to rest their heads above the soil until the sunshine returns to restore them to their full glory.  

Raindrops Nestling in the Blooms

As we approach Midsummer, the garden is an abundance of colour and scent.  Each morning, as a new blossom unfurls, Icy rushes out to sample the scent.  The elegant Compte du Chambord, stays tight in bud until the warm afternoon sun dries his papery leaves; diamond raindrops simply evaporate into the ether...