Happy Friday GPODers!
As promised, we’re back in Broomall, Pennsylvnia today to see more of Dot Lenahan’s fun and fabulous garden in its fourth growing season. If you missed the first half of this update yesterday, be sure to check that out here: Part 1. If you’re ready to see more of her bright blooms and whimsical garden art, scroll on for her second batch of gorgeous garden photos.
Hello from Broomall, PA. The garden has been blooming thanks to rain and deadheading (not to mention weeding!). This is the first year I have had so many hummingbirds; usually they are more territorial. My morning coffee has been made even more enjoyable as they buzz around me as I smell the reblooming roses and honeysuckle. I am starting perennial and biennial seeds and hope to be able to transplant into the garden in late fall. An update will follow in the future. Happy gardening. Dot Lenahan
First up is the small mulched path that leads to Dot’s “fairy garden room.” A black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta, Zones 3–7) spills onto the path while whimsical sculptures and trinkets invite you in for a closer look, and a basin of water in a cool and protected spot is perfect for birds—and fairies—to take a relaxing dip.
On the opposite side, a bi-colored rudbeckia allows for some repetition and consistency in this section of the garden.
As I mentioned yesterday, Dot’s garden is a vast collection of diverse blooms that she is able to mix and match to create incredible color and shape combinations. This deep red zinnia with a profusion of petals stands in stark contrast to the light peachy-pink Bathsheba roses (Rosa ‘Bathsheba’, Zones 5–11).
Dot’s designs are an enchanting concoction of colors and textures. Lush foliage and pops of bright blooms have already developed into a rich tapestry, even though the garden still as plenty of growing to do.
Dot has an amazing collection of roses that lend to her fairy garden design. This creamy orange-yellow Moonlight Romantica® rose (Rosa ‘Meikaquinz’, Zones 5–9) stretches up toward the sun on tall stems, making it a great option for a cutting garden.
Even the seemingly mundane garden activities, like starting seeds, Dot is able to turn into opportunities for more interest. A bare are in the garden is the perfect spot for a table covered in a range of pots. A gingham tablecloth adds extra style and color, while blocks under the table legs prevent the wood from rotting quickly in wet soil.
Lastly, yet another striking flower combination, the bell-shaped blooms of Princess Diana clematis (Clematis texensis ‘Princess Diana’ Zones 4–8) is a sweet accent to some gorgeous butter-yellow roses.
Thank you so much for sharing your gorgeous garden with us again, Dot! We’re endlessly impressed with the decadent landscape you’ve created in less than five years. I hope we continue to receive updates as your garden grows and matures.
If you have a newer garden, like Dot, or have been tending your landscape for decades, we would love to see your designs on Garden Photo of the Day! As you venture outside this weekend to enjoy late season blooms or work on fall chores, I hope you take some photos to share 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.
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