I always thought that gladiolus were too fussy for my garden. They make such pretty cut flowers, though, that last year I broke down and bought some at the local Christmas Tree Shop. I was pleasantly surprised a week ago when I noticed a pink gladiola in one of my perennial beds. They had successfully overwintered; we had a very good snow pack this past year, and it doesn't seem that there were any frost heaves. Normally, glads do not survive the winter. I have a pretty rigid planting scheme in this particular border. The advantage with such an approach is that you have good structure. The problem is that you can go through spells where the garden needs a little more excitement. The gladiolus did not destroy the structure, and introduced a delightful, if unplanned element.
Phlox is a flower that typically blooms this time of year. You have to be sure to cut off several stalks early in the summer. I like to cut off all but 3 or 5 per plant. Unless you choose a plant that is labeled "mildew resistant" you are going to get mildew, even if you trim the plant back. The flower is so pretty, though, and goes well with so many other flowers, that I keep it.
Lobelia Cardinalis is a tall plant with bright red flowers, When I originally tried to purchase it several years ago from a mail order firm, they refused to sell it to me, because it is not supposed to overwinter in the western suburbs of Boston. Indeed, my Uncle Norm, who has a magnificent garden outside of Cleveland, Ohio, has told me that his always die out. I have had mine for three years. Last year I was delighted to have a pair of hummingbirds visit them each day for several weeks right around five in the afternoon.
The lobelia has just started blooming. Sadly, I have not seen any hummingbirds yet, but I am hopeful. After all, isn't hope a big reason for gardening?
