"It is well to remember that the entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others." A.Holmes

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Bugle-Weed Becomes Us ~

The front walk-way to our home has been a true gardening challenge.When we first built our home it was shaded by towering firs, cedars, and hemlocks. We loved the trees surrounding our home and by choice planted shade-loving flora & fauna, and just as we felt our landscaping plans were finished, needing only maintenance, a windstorm knocked our trees down and 3 of them fell on and through our roof crushing it, requiring major repair.We had the few remaining trees surrounding our home cut down and then had to re-think our shade garden landscaping, because now most of our flower beds were in the sun.
What surprised us was many of the plants we had already planted for shade, were thriving in full sunshine now.The blooming plant here is Ajuga, or commonly called 'Bugle-Weed'. Along with the a fore-mentioned violets, and Lady's Mantle,the Bugle-weed not only thrives, but prospers. The blue color appeals to us, but even better, my husband & I sit on the porch and watch the bees and hummingbirds constantly humming and buzzing to and fro. Butterflies too are attracted to the flowers.
 The Bugle-weed has popped up in other places around our property, just as the violet and Lady's Mantle have, showing an ability to withstand the extremes the weather dishes out. From very hot and dry, to very wet, cold, and dark. These plants all have withstood my dogs urinating and defecating on them regularly, my ducks digging through them and squashing them, and slugs galore!Here they are, my Ajuga, violets, and Lady's Mantle, blooming again to please the bees and hummingbirds, make our entrance pretty, and this pleases us. I need to mention, they are growing on rocks,with sidewalk on one side, and the house foundation on the other, so when I say the growing conditions can be very hot and dry, believe me, this is true!
I should also mention the Bleeding Hearts too. They grow up along our porch and they have seeded themselves in many other places on our property. Oh boy do the hummingbirds love these!
Look at the Ajuga and Bleeding Hearts ,what abundance, especially for nectar gatherers.
I do miss our shady porches and the towering trees,but a sun-shiny front porch with such hardy and prolific flowers has proven to be just as much of a respite from the days work, and I have to admit, seeing hummingbirds flying around the porches and enjoying the blooms, and realizing although we had planted for shade,the plants have done even better in the sun ,has more than made up for what we considered loss.Besides, now when the windstorms rage, I don't worry about our roof giving way to trees, and that counts for a LOT! "Ajuga :about 50 species of low-growing annuals ( they grow all year round here *) and perennials make up this genus, which ranges through Europe, Asia,Africa, and Australia, mainly in cooler regions....the plants spread by runners or underground rhizomes, some forming extensive carpets.They make attractive ground covers, especially for shady places, such as corners of courtyards." 'The Plant Book' The Plant Book (Mynah)
 

17 comments:

Timi said...

Your flowers look beautiful!!!
You have very nice garden :o)! Thanks for sharing with us :o)))!

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Kathy! I love the combination of plants along your front sidewalk. I see one of your beloved dogs on the front steps, too! Wishing you a Happy Mother's Day.

Deb from WhatsInMyAttic said...

Hmmm...I've planted bugle weed three times and just can't get it to thrive, although I see it everywhere here. I must be doing something really wrong! Lovely post, lovely gardens!

Debbie said...

Ajuga was the first plant someone gave me when we moved here and I bordered my front lawn with it. When we put our fence in, I kept it to help keep the weeds under control around the fence base. I bloomed especially pretty this year and is ever abundant.You've done a beautiful job with your entrance. It would take me awhile to get to the door with so much to tempt me! :D
Debbie

A.K.W. said...

Nice pictures!

Amy

xinex said...

Wow, your ajga flowers are really tall. We have them too all over. I planted them around stepping stones and love them there butour blooms are shorter. You have a beautiful front garden, Kathy....Christine

Pondside said...

I can see that your garden is a source of great pleasure to you and your husband - and there is now wondering why, as it is beautiful. The pink and blue together are lovely, and I can imagine that the birds and butterflies provide endless amusement. I often wonder about some of the giant cedars close to the house and think that they should be removed before they come down, as yours did. The gardening possibilities would certainly be great!

Cora from Hidden Riches said...

I'm having a love-hate relationship with the trees around my home right now. I love the shade they give, but this oaks do not have a long life and are starting to drop limbs, etc. So I, too, am having to rethink and find what will take their place. Your flowers and plants are so beautiful. I tend to look for things that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. I think I'd be addicted to sitting on your porch!!!!!

myletterstoemily said...

i love how the sweet bleeding heart
lifts its pretty neck over the bugle
weed!

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Kathy - the gardens are beautiful and I can just imagine the companionship you two enjoy as you share the porch.

Connie said...

What a lovely view that would be from your porch, Kathy. I love the bleeding hearts and the blue flowers are such a pretty color too. I would love to sit and watch the hummingbirds there.

GardenOfDaisies said...

Your garden is beautiful! I love bleeding hearts!

Mary Bergfeld said...

The approach to your home is very welcoming. The color in the spring time must be like an artists palette.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Blessings...Mary

Dolores said...

Your front porch, the plants and flowers are absolutely gorgeous!!
Ajuga actually grows here in our part of Texas, but nothing as beautiful as yours.

Happy Mother's Day Kathy!!!

Lady Jane said...

You certainly weathered the storms and you have a remarkably lovely porch garden to show for all the heartache it must have caused you both. Have a wonderful Mothers Day Kathy. LJ

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy said...

What a beautiful place to relax and enjoy your hard work, Kathy. It is neat to know that your plants are happy in the sun!

Kathy M.

Kathy B said...

Isn't it interesting how these plants grow different in other climates. Here in the high desert, it grows well but is 1/3 the size of yours! One day I must get up to the NW to see the green :)