Sunday, June 9, 2013

June Garden Party

Welcome back for our June Garden Party!
To celebrate summer, we're hosting a monthly Garden Party!
I shared features from our May Garden Party earlier this week.
In case you missed them, you can check them out here.
Elizabeth and Co.

Before we get started, I thought I'd share one of my garden favorites with you. It's a plant that I rarely ever see in person, in garden centers or even in garden catalogs.


It's called a sundrop. It's from the evening primrose family and it's botanical name is oenothera fruticosa.


Sundrops are native to the eastern United States and often grow as wildflowers in open meadows.


They bloom in early summer with bright lemon yellow flowers that remind me of buttercups.


The open in bright daylight and close in the evening.

They grow from dense, spreading roots that can easily be divided.


One of the special things about this plant is that it made it's way to my garden as a gift from a friend many years ago. What started as a small clump has become a drift that has survived all kinds of garden upheavel. Every year about this time, it just makes me smile!


Most perennials can be divided and it's actually a good way to rejuvenate a plant every few years. It keeps then from getting too large and creates wonderful new plants in the process.  The rule of thumb is to divide spring and summer bloomers in the fall. And divide fall bloomers in the spring. I can't think of a better gift than a plant from your garden - it's personal and thrifty too! 


Have you ever shared a plant with a friend?

Now on to this month's party. I'm not big on party rules, so let's keep it simple...
*Link up any outdoor/garden related projects you'd like to share - what's growing in your yard or garden, patio gardens, landscaping ideas, garden furniture or décor and of course we love porches, patios and garden parties!

*A link back would be appreciated, especially if you'd like to be considered for a feature.

*We'll start a new party on the second weekend of the month and share features throughout the month. Feel free to link up as often as you like. And it's okay to link up the same project to our Garden Party and our Be Inspired Party held every Tuesday.
I can't wait to see what's happening in your outdoor space!



21 comments:

Margaret said...

Wow, I have these growing along the west side of my house! They are in full bloom right now and have the most cheerful yellow blooms! I acquired them years ago when my neighbor re-landscaped and never new their name! Love them!

Dawn said...

I have that growing in my flower beds and it spreads like crazy. I have always referred to it as buttercup.

Pat said...

My Mom had those in her garden in the house where I grew up. Didn't know the name and always called them the crazy yellow flowers...

Debbie @ MeandMyDIY said...

Your Sundrop is so pretty, Sharon! I've never seen one. In fact, didn't even know they existed! I have its cousin, the evening Primrose. I planted it in a bed that's enclosed on all sides by way of a concrete sidewalk and the driveway. I was afraid it would spread to vigorously. It's always in bloom this time of year and looks really pretty. I'm going to have to check into getting some Sundrop. By the way, thanks so much for your thoughtful and helpful email the other day to answer my questions about furniture! Hope you had a great weekend.

Debbie

Cassie Bustamante said...

they are beautiful! and i love dividing plants because it is a great way to share with friends!

miss flibbertigibbet said...

Those are so pretty! I need a yellow perennial.....I seem to keep having trouble with coreopsis which is strange because they are pretty hardy....think I'll look for these!

Kathy said...

Yellow, Yellow is my favorite color. Your flowers are so happy.
I have never seen a Sundrop and I am wondering if they don't do well in our climate. Heat, Heat. But they are early bloomers, I will have to check them out.
I only wish I had an abundant to share more often then I do.
Thanks for sharing and hosting the party.
Kathy

Unknown said...

Very pretty flowers! I have not seen them in my neck of the woods! Thanks for hosting a fun party!!~~Angela

Good Time Charlie said...

I didn't know that about dividing plants in the Fall and Spring! Yes, I agree, a plant from a friend's garden is the best kind of gift. Your garden just makes me smile, how gorgeous that carpet of yellow blooms is! What a fun party. Hope the weather is Spring like and not hot where you are!

Unknown said...

I'm so happy you're doing a Garden Party! Thank you Sharon and blessings to you, Patti

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Love Garden Parties and this is just fabulous. Can't wait to see all of the inspiration. Love your Sundrop and how you divided her:)
Happy Hugs-
jemma

Highpoint Circle said...

I hopped over to return the visit and WOW! I love those sundrops and knowing their history. I think I may try to get some--somewhere. What a pleasant visit and I would have missed it all if you hadn't visited me. I linked up about the coffee plantation--hope that is okay. Have a wonderful week.

Laurie said...

Help Sharon! I was joining the June Garden Party, and my picture was cropped wrong! Now I can't get back in to correct it!! What do I do?
laurienuske@yahoo.com

Laurie said...

Thanks for the help Sharon, I'll try again I don't know about the no comment reply's?

Laurel Stephens said...

Hi Sharon! Your sundrops are so pretty! (I especially like the photo of them next to the striped hosta - your photos are wonderful!) I received a six inch pot of violets from a friend's yard long ago, and they spread over the years to fill all my beds. I always would think of her when they bloomed and filled my yard with fragrance each spring. It will be interesting to see if they come back in the new yard. Your party is inspiring me to write some garden posts in spite of having no garden! Thanks for hosting. Have a great day!

Leslie Harris said...

Hi Sharon, I was so tired last night when I published my post I went to bed without linking it around. Thank you for the kind comments, I'm so happy I finished my garden post for your linky party.
hugs,
Leslie aka gwen moss

Unknown said...

I love your Garden Party! It makes me all summery, even on this gloomy day we're having. :)

Rhondi said...

I have this evening primroses too. My mother had the minor gardening Canada when I was little too. I love the but they don't last long ;(

Anonymous said...

don't think I've ever seen the sundrop, but it is loverly :)
as eliza doolittle might say

and yes! I love to exchange plants and cuttings. I try to bring a cutting of at least 1 plant along with me anytime I move. good karma.

take care! xo

Donna said...

Thank you for posting the name of the Sundrops. I have them in my yard, but I never knew what they were called.

Donna said...

Thank you for posting the name of the Sundrops. I have them in my yard, but I never knew what they were called.