By Johnson 
Hi GPODers!
As we all know, gardening is full of highs and lows. As one plant flourishes, another can be completely failing. Sometimes, however, the stars align and provide the perfect conditions for a garden display that you’ll be talking about for years to come. Maxine Brisport is having one of those miraculous growing seasons so far this year in Rotterdam, New York. Maxine is a frequent contributor who always has incredible displays to share (check out her previous submissions: Hot-Season Flowers in Maxine’s Garden, Saying Goodbye to the Growing Season, Rabbits and Their Leftovers in Maxine’s Garden, Blooms in Maxine’s Garden, and more), but this year the right amount of rain and sun has given her plants exactly what they need to put on a standout show.
Hello,
Each year I think there is no way that I can love my garden more than the year before, but once again I am proven wrong. I must admit that the conditions since early spring have been optimal for growing flowers in upstate New York. We have had the right mix of rainy and sunny days, which ensured adequate sunlight while providing appropriate moisture levels.
There is no doubt that the garden has become a daily haven that boosts my mood and engages my senses. There is a sensation of peace on my morning walk through the lush greens, soft petals, and sometimes spiky foliage. In addition, the mix of fragrances along with the chirping birds bring a true connection to nature.
Overall, I cannot wait to see the garden in full bloom mid- to late summer, knowing that to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.
Flowers abound at every angle, but this variegated yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata ‘Alexander’, Zones 4–8) absolutely steals the focus.
A closer look at that fabulous yellow loosestrife, absolutely covered in bright, sunshiny blooms
Between Dot’s garden yesterday and Maxine’s garden today, I think it’s safe to say that roses are having an excellent year, at least in the northeast corner of the United States. This deep red variety is gorgeous and covered in buds.
Maxine’s garden is undoubtably flower filled this year, but the foliage isn’t slacking, either. This bed has a wonderful range of colors and textures, without a bare spot to be seen.
A garden really shines when flowers and foliage work together. Spirea provides a bright pop of color, and Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum × superbum, Zones 5–9) bring tantalizing texture with spiky leaves before their blooms really begin.
Hungarian bear’s breeches (Acanthus hungaricus, Zones 5–10) always adds an exotic element to the garden. The spikes of flowers have a tropical feel with their large purple bracts, and the thistlelike leaves look like they would bite back if you dared to touch. In reality, they’re completely harmless and most successful at deterring deer from snacking.
Another look at the Hungarian bear’s breeches as more flowers start to open, and Shasta daisies and bee balm towering in the background
Lastly, a striped, bright pink clematis pops against a beautiful backdrop of bright green foliage. The scene epitomizes that bright, bold energy that feels abundant at the start of the season.
Maxine sent a very generous batch of photos from her vibrant garden, so we’ll be back in New York tomorrow to see more of her late-spring and early-summer displays. Be sure to keep an eye out for GPOD in your inbox tomorrow so you don’t miss it.
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