Summer Sights to Savor

Aren’t all gardeners anxious to celebrate Summer Solstice 2023 

occurring in a few days?   

It marks the official start of our summer season, as well as the most daylight in a single day of our calendar year.  This day is sacred in some cultures, but for gardeners it will be a day to get a few additional garden tasks completed before sunset!  Although summer hasn’t officially begun, there are numerous summery sights appearing throughout Southeast Wisconsin backyards, gardens, parks, neighborhoods. 

One summery sight I eagerly anticipate in June is the emergence of peony blooms… always bold and dramatic, and always a welcome sight; mine began blooming last week. The hot pink species in my garden has minimal scent, but those who raise peonies which bloom in WHITE can boast of that aromatic, intense floral scent!

(NOTE:  within any floral genus, often the WHITE species have stronger aromas than their COLORFUL counterparts.   My horticulture instructor explained that white blooms must work harder to attract pollinators, so the white blooming plants managed to develop scent glands over time.)

Paeonia… peonies can be used in bouquets or left on display in the garden.  Some varieties require support for each plant, while newer varieties are being propagated with stiffer, stronger stems and don’t require structural support.   I especially enjoy planting something small and dainty below those bold blooms of the peony.  During 2022, I planted a specimen from the genus Dianthus, the cultivar ‘Angel of Peace.”  It wintered over beautifully and was filled with bi-color blooms since May.

Iris sibirica, my favorite species from the genus Iris, has been relocated from my backyard garden to the front yard.  Digging this plant can be a challenge since its roots are a mass of tangled tissue… I was able to transplant one specimen with a two-ft. diameter in early May.  I was pleasantly surprised when buds formed and began to open last week!  (Some plants take a “rest” after transplanting so floral buds may not form during initial growing season.)

Hosta, a genus which commonly appears in Southeastern Wisconsin gardens, offers an incredible variety of colors, textures and sizes.  Many hostas are shade lovers, but the specimen shown here is SUN-tolerant!   Since our area has received barely ¼” of rain this past month, it felt awesome to photograph it following a summer shower!

Although plants listed above are considered perennials, I also like to pay homage to annuals, which provide amazing colors and textures for our Wisconsin gardens. The dwarf snapdragon pictured here wintered over in our basement under a grow-light system.  It has been blooming boldly since early MAY and should bloom all summer!

M. Lynn Schmid, Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture