OK I’ll have to admit it the arbor part of this post is an attempt to offset some of the misery that my nasturtiums are suffering. The heat of this summer has been way too intense for any of my nasturtium plantings to thrive so I guess I should just be happy that they continue to survive. Before I show you the current state of my nasturtiums I’ll sow you want the arbor garden looks like at the beginning of August. The arbor and the nasturtiums do have a small connection – they are planted near each other!
If you were following me way back in the April of 2009 you probably remember the arbor I built for a Better Homes and Gardens contest. I didn’t win but I did manage to add a beautiful arbor to the side garden. On the other side of the arbor is the self sowing garden which is where one of the nasturtiums was planted. Close by you can see a young crape myrtle which was a cutting from my parent’s crape myrtle. Moonvines are twining up the posts of the arbor and should start producing blossoms in mid to late August.
The other side of the garden is where I’ve allowed self sowing plants like celosia and cosmos to grow. Behind these rampant self sowers is the obelisk where I planted the nasturtiums.
And here we are at the first nasturtium. It’s alive which is about all the good news I have right now. The nasturtium is covered by poppy seed pods. (Poppy seeds are very easy to collect and store. The fall is a good time to sow them.)
The other nasturtium still hanging around is under a Japanese maple just off of our back patio. I planted it there for the shade but even full shade isn’t good enough without adequate rain and too much heat.
I had hoped for a better showing for the Grow Project but we can’t change the weather to suit our needs. Unfortunately this week looks like more of the same. I’m definitely looking forward to the cooler weather that fall is sure to bring. How about you?
I’m growing Nasturtium “Spitfire” for the GROW project. Thanks, to Renee’s Garden for the seeds.
Oooh, that Arbor is gorgeous! I've been wanting one in our yard. And how cool that someone else picked up the tab, that's like already winning if you ask me.
The arbor garden is looking good. Wow on the seeds from the poppies!
Love the arbor. Noticed you added the hanging lanterns which are an added attraction. A candle glowing in the dark would be very impressive.
I love your arbor Dave…and how lucky to have poppy seeds! gail
Beautiful arbor Dave!
Yep, the nasturtiums do seem to be languishing, even here a bit further north. The spitfires here are a little bigger, but still no blooms. The buds just keep drying out and falling off shortly after they form.
Your arbor is beautiful! I wish I had one like that to distract from some of the weedy growth in the garden. We had a dry spell but it looks like everything survived and held on until a massive rain we had a week or so back.
Mine are starting to take off and I've got some blooms to show for it.