It’s been a very nice week in terms of weather. Cool at night and perfect for sleeping, the days have been sunny but not hot and miserable. Getting rain last week helped the gardens and my overall mood.
Late fall and/or early spring, I do significant preening of P.G. Hydrangeas much to the horror of homeowners and friends. They looked like characters out of Dr. Seuss books. They are now in full and glorious bloom and I have been vindicated. They bloom on new growth, which is often three feet from the cut.
Along the front of down Island Cronig’s there is an impressive display of Joe Pye Weed. An Eastern North American native, it can take full sun or partial shade. It is best planted where it is free to roam as it can grow in size over the years. It’s a favorite of bees and butterflies and I’ve never had it bothered by deer (that doesn’t mean they may decide otherwise — the little jerks).
Another North American native blossoming right now is the Turk’s Cap Lily (see photo taken by Violet this week). It will spread by way of the black seeds found along the stems. Sadly, for the first time I seem to have some of the red lily beetle on the plants for the first time. They will destroy the bud before it has a chance to bloom. Hand-picking is the best way to remove them but I swear they see me coming and drop out of sight when my hand approaches.
As long as I’m complaining, there is no point in stopping now. So many items that I like, get discontinued. The latest is Amber Moon Astilbe. It has chartreuse leaves that really make a statement in a shady area. The pink flowers come early but the foliage remains attractive all season.
I used to get plugs from Walter’s Gardens in early spring and grow them in gallon pots for use on job sites. I’ve been on a mission to locate some with no luck.
Shasta Doublefile Viburnum just might be one of the prettiest shrubs a person could put in a garden. In late spring the tops of branches are covered with beautiful white flowers. Then, by mid-summer, the flowers turn to bright red berries. They hold color well until fall. I’ve experienced little or no problems with the plant. Deer seem to avoid it and it requires very little pruning or fussing.
Second Nature Nursery next to Woodland in Vineyard Haven is having a sale on spring blooming shrubs. They keep the place looking great and is worth stopping by.
I like to grow the Moon and Stars Watermelon. Both the leaves and fruit develop what looks like yellow stars and a moon on a dark green background. An heirloom variety, it dates back to the 1920’s. Some can grow to be 20 pounds. I never get them that large as I rarely get them into the ground in a timely manner.
For years, I’ve enjoyed the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. It’s a good-natured good time. Presidents are able to take a ribbing and are self-deprecating. That is until last Friday night. DJT is the most humorless of all the recent presidents. He seems particularly bothered by Kaitlan Collins.
I think I speak for all women and girls when I offer this advice to older men. Please do not tell them to smile. It’s offensive at best. I guess the only response could be — say something funny!
This article appears in July 31, 2026.