Comments on: Fragrant Dianthus

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:20:17 +0000

Kerri, isn’t it interesting how a flower, like the carnation, can connect us to a person or place, and recreate memories for us?
The stars on the blue waterfall bellflower last a long time, right up past the first light frosts. In July, some of the plants had around a hundred flowers on them. Although they have fewer now, they’re still showy.

By: kerri

kerri — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 01:41:59 +0000

Thanks for visiting. It was nice to hear from you.
Some of those lily/perennial combinations you mentioned were just happy accidents :)
Carnations are another flower that reminds me of my mother. I grew them once, years ago, but haven’t had them since. I never see them available in nurseries, just the pinks.
That’s a beautiful color. I know what you mean..it’s a hard color to photograph.
You have some really beautiful campanulas. I absolutely love that double, and the little stars are such a pretty, bright blue.

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:43:12 +0000

Pomona, I grew these from small plants, some planted 2 years ago and some planted last summer, all of which are still here. I had some growing here previously from 5 and 6 years ago that died out. I also used to have some D. plumarius next to this clump, but they are now gone.
The area might get around 3 hours of sun or so, with some dappled light too. I’ve been pleased with the number of blooms they’ve had this summer.

By: Pomona

Pomona — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:59:04 +0000

I’m impressed that you were able to get these to flower so well in shade. In my past semi-shaded gardens, I was always so disappointed because I could never get dianthus to bloom. Like everyone else here, I love the scent of the older varieties, as well as their colors and shapes.

Did you grow yours from seed, or plants?

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:22:15 +0000

Gail, I grew up in a humid zone 7 area, and I do tend towards plants that look like they’re from a warmer, wetter environment. I also have a fondness for plants that remind me of my father’s garden.

By: Gail

Gail — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:45:02 +0000

I loved your response to Jen…I read that we all have a garden imprinted and we recreate parts of it when we garden. I can see that I have, especially with fragrance and the plants I choose.

I love the clove scent of the dianthus but it doesn’t last beyond a season in my winter wet garden.

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:22:31 +0000

Jen, there are so many layers in a garden, the sights, the scents, the memories and the feelings. I like when gardening connects me to another place and time.

By: jen

jen — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:15:17 +0000

Those are the first flower I remember from my childhood. I was very young. Probably only 3 or 4, and I remember my Mom picking them for me to smell. She always had them in her gardens, and I still love them.
Jen

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:33:53 +0000

Meadowviewthymes, scent is a powerful memory trigger, isn’t it? It’s probably why some of the old fashioned fragrant plants, like lilac and peony are so beloved.

Philip, thanks. They do make a great cut flower.

By: Philip

Philip — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:50:15 +0000

These are terrific for cutting and fragrance. I love your plant selections and site.
Best,
Philip