Garden Photo of the Day

July in Arkansas

Looking back on a month of flowers

My name is Angie Caruthers, and this is my backyard garden in northwest Arkansas. I’ve been gardening for about five years since we moved to Arkansas from North Texas. These photos were all taken during the month of July. I typically take a slew of photos every month so I can keep track of what is blooming during each time of the year and make notes on where to fill gaps for the following year. I also try to keep to a color palette of violets, oranges, and white.

perennial purple phloxThis bed outside my breakfast nook was overcrowded with iris earlier this spring, and though I did keep some of the iris, I added some perennial purple phlox and allium along with annual white lantana (which is gorgeous) and some ‘Alabama Sunrise’ heucherella (Heucheralla ‘Alabama Sunrise, Zones 4–9), framed by purple loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense, Zones 7–10) and oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia, Zones 5–9). May Night salvia (Salvia ‘Mainacht’, Zones 4–8) in the foreground.

white lantanaClose-up of the white lantana (Lantana camara, Zones 8–10 or as an annual)

My orange daylilies (Hemerocallis hybrid) really draw the eye, and the white vinca (Catharanthus roseus) are sun-loving heat- and drought-resistant annuals that look lush all summer long.

Lady Lucille dayliliesClose-up of the ‘Lady Lucille’ daylilies (Zones 3–9)

Orange trumpet vineOrange trumpet vine (Campsis radicans, Zones 5–9) is also an eye-catching summer bloomer, though I do have to be vigilant about pruning, since it spreads via underground runners and tends to pop up in unwanted places (i.e., not along the fence).

dog in the gardenBlack-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta, Zones 3–7) and white ‘David’ phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘David’, Zones 4–8) are my other go-to summer flowers. (Isn’t my pup the cutest? She’s a great model.)

black-eyed SusanClose-up of the lovely black-eyed Susan.

 

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Comments

  1. Carolyn3134 08/04/2020

    Beautiful!!! Plus a sweet pup for a bonus!

  2. pam_clemmons 08/04/2020

    Such a lovely garden, with nice plant and flower choices. Good job Angie! 👍🏻

  3. wittyone 08/04/2020

    This is such a beautiful back yard. I find July a sparse month for flowers but you have done a great job with the orange, yellow, and purple combinations. Well, who knew that lantana came in white? You learn something new every day I guess. I've only seen the multicolored varieties. The big boulders are a great addition to your edging and the flying fish is super.

    1. Acaruthers 08/04/2020

      I hadI had never seen white Lantana either! It is so clean and fresh looking, I had to have it!

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    treasuresmom 08/04/2020

    Great pics!

  5. User avater
    simplesue 08/04/2020

    What is that purple flowering plant behind your white lantana? Love that deep dark purple color.
    Wow your garden is spectacular! Those big boulders, and large sculpture add such a big no nonsense scale and size to the garden composition. Even your grass looks great!
    You are doing amazing and no on would ever guess you've only being at gardening for five years! oh and of course- your dog is darling!

    1. perennialgrdnr_z4b 08/04/2020

      It looks like it could be an Angelonia, maybe A. 'Archangel Purple'. I like how the white centers of the purple flowers echo and pick up the white of the Lantana in the foreground. Also like the large boulders and flying fish! Great pictures and beautiful gardens!

    2. Acaruthers 08/04/2020

      yes, it is purple angelonia...such a pretty dark purple!

  6. btucker9675 08/04/2020

    Wonderful garden - love the sculpture and rocks and your "gardening assistant" is the perfectly elegant addition!

    1. Acaruthers 08/04/2020

      Lol, she looks sweet here, but she is my mischievous digger. I sometimes have to re-plant the stuff she digs up.😄

  7. cheryl_c 08/04/2020

    Hi neighbor! I'm also admiring your white lantana - never have seen it offered around here. The boulders and large sculpture play well with your plant choices. I'm not a day lily fan, but yours are gorgeous! And your canine friend convinces me that my mutt has even more boxer in her than I'd previously thought. Great job!

    1. Acaruthers 08/04/2020

      Thank you! I found the white Lantana at Home Depot of all places. I agree with you on the daylilies, I used to not be a fan either, but these Lady Lucille ones changed my mind. I also have so.e called Tennessee Vols that are very similar.

  8. Cenepk10 08/04/2020

    Beautiful!!!! Love your dog model :)

  9. Acaruthers 08/04/2020

    Thank you all for the kind words, I look forward to seeing your gardens!!

  10. darylsavage 08/04/2020

    I do not know Loropetalum since it is not hardy in No. Jersey. Reminds me of ninebark, which is hardy here, and one of my favorites. Can you tell us please how you maintain your grass? Is it new sod? thank you.

    1. Acaruthers 08/04/2020

      Ninebark is beautiful - I am always drawn to it when I visit the nurseries.
      The grass is entirely my hubby's doing. I'm not sure what type or how often he uses fertilizer, but I do know that he makes a point to mow in a different direction each time, switching between vertical, horizontal and diagonal.

  11. user-5117752 08/06/2020

    Even though I'm a cat person, I think your "puppy" pic is the winner!!! But I do love your gardens! The orange, purple and white is a marvelous combination, each color enhancing the other. And I do love those boulders and the flying fish. You've put everything together so beautifully. Thank you for taking the time to share!

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