We’ve been in Carla Zambelli’s garden in Malvern, Pennsylvania, before (see High Spring in Carla’s Garden), and today she’s sharing how it looks in September.

September is here. It has been a crazy summer, one full of excessive heat and drought. It has tested both me and my garden, and I believe it’s a portent of the future and climate change. The weather this summer hastened the demise of two enormous trees. One was an ash, and while not one of my favorite trees, it was still a loss. However, and quite sadly, we lost my favorite tree on this property. Her name was Mama Oak, and she was older than the American Revolution. She was a beautiful red oak and so very hard to say goodbye to.

Mama Oak is being carved by artist Marty Long.

The carvings are just starting to emerge from the massive trunk.

Meanwhile, as we had rain earlier this week, some flowers, like these black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia fulgida, Zones 4–8) are recovering. However, it was also interesting to note all of the things that were more hardy than you would expect in extreme weather. I am looking forward to the wood carving being completed and the fall planting, which shall begin shortly.

A mermaid in the garden manages to stay looking good even through the dry spells.

Hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus hybrid, Zones 4–10) are coming into their late-summer peak with enormous, rich-red flowers.

Fall anemones (Anemone hupehensis, Zones 5–9)

These cannas (Canna indica, Zones 7–10 or as tender bulbs) are still looking lush and beautiful.

Potted bananas (Musa sp.) bring tropical flair to the garden and can be moved to a warm spot to overwinter.

Roses respond to the rain by putting out a new flush of flowers.

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