Hi GPODers!

Today we’re returning to the garden of Maxine Brisport in Rotterdam, New York. Recently, Maxine shared the rabbit residents in her garden and the plants that survive their snacking (Rabbits and Their Leftovers in Maxine’s Garden and More Rabbits and Flowers From Maxine’s Garden). In this submission, she’s dealing with another garden obstacle, heat. Below you’ll find some of Maxine’s incredible flower collection that has managed to survive scorching temperatures.

Caring for our garden during last month’s heatwave was a challenge. It was especially worrisome, because due to a very busy schedule of weddings and other events, we were away for several days at a time. Fortunately, we had several drought-tolerant plants that adequately coped with the heat wave, and minimal watering. However, plants such as the astilbe did not appreciate our time away. As mid-august approaches in upstate NY, we are already seeing the changes in the plants as they prepare for the cooler weather ahead.

Though the color pattern on this beautiful ‘Peppermint Schnapps’ hibiscus (Hibiscus ‘Peppermint Schnapps’, Zones 4–9) gives the illusion that pigment is melting right off the petals, this gorgeous bloom is standing up to summer heat in style.

A heavenly hydrangea and a pop of cheerful alliums look absolutely unfazed by the soaring temps.

There are several rose varieties with great heat hardiness, but their delicate blooms can always benefit from regular watering.

And it’s not just flowers flourishing in the heat, the foliage on Maxine’s plants is looking lush and vibrant. No visible signs of drought in this diverse garden bed.

Another fabulous flower in the hibiscus genus, looks like the Blue Chiffon® rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus ‘Notwoodthree’, Zones 5–9). A gorgeous double bloom that brings some cool color to a hot day.

More rose of Sharon, this time in a cheery pink.

On closer inspection, these might also be a part of the Chiffon® series with this one being Magenta (Hibiscus syriacus ‘Rwoods5’, Zones 5–9).

More fantastic foliage looking lush and colorful. What appears to be a Double Play® Candy Corn® spirea (Spiraea japonica ‘NCSX1’, Zones 4–8) as a colorful backdrop for the darker toned penstemon—hard to tell if it’s a ‘Dark Towers’ (Penstemon ‘Dark Towers’, Zones 3–8) or ‘Midnight Masquerade’ (Penstemon ‘Midnight Masquerade’, Zones 3–8).

Another hibiscus thriving in the sun, this one appears to be ‘Red Heart’ (Hibiscus syriacus ‘Red Heart’, Zones 5–8) showcasing that stunning red throat on pure white petals.

Last, but certainly not least, a stunning lily giving the sun’s rays a run for their money. Like the hibiscus above, white petals of ‘Venezuela’ lily (Lilium oriental ‘Venezuela’, Zones 3–8) serve as a vibrant canvas for the colorful centers to pop off of.

When Maxine sent over these photos of her garden post-heatwave she also sent over a bunch photos showcasing the many visitors that come to her garden and enjoy her plantings as much as she does. Keep an eye out for those photos tomorrow!

Have a garden you’d like to share?

Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

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