What is a Maritimer to do when the forecast shows gray and wet as far as the eye can see? Suck it up and go about your business.
I’m happy to say that the eight people who joined me for my weekly tour had the same attitude and we were rewarded with a (mostly) dry walk through the Gardens.

Tracy not only went about her business, but claimed to actually enjoy working in the damp weather. My tropical side was aghast, but then again when it reached 32 degrees on the previous sunny day, I was sitting by the waterfront with a refreshing breeze to cool me off. The gardeners were toiling and broiling in the sun.

White gardens are famous for lighting up the night. They also light up dreary days…

Scents are also intensified by the damp weather. The perfume seems to cling to the moisture and becomes an (outdoor) room deodorizer.

Our damp weather has delayed the blooms on many plants. By this time last year the Rhodos’ blooms had come and gone. They also last longer.

The trunks of these Betula alleghaniensis (Yellow Birch) appear metallic in the diffused light.

 This newly planted  Mediterranean garden by the Main Gates, is getting watered in by Mother Nature. There are some interesting plants there, including some Palms that just might survive our winters.

My once favorite tree, Cornus kousa paired with Viburnum tomentosum. I first spied the flowering Dogwood trees on a trip to the Botanical Garden in Athens, Georgia. I wanted one but that particular variety wasn’t hardy to us. Now everywhere you look there are pink Cornus kousa. I have a white variety in my garden which I still enjoy. They aren’t as popular and so widely used.

Even Flora and Diana get to enjoy flowers.

The pedestal where Diana once stood is now occupied by a planter. I think it looks great and it saves having to explain to visitors why we have an empty pedestal. It’s a good temporary solution.

This Rose bed across from the Dahlia beds drew me like a magnet. The color of this Cuthbert Grant Parkland Rose is stunning though they aren’t  very scented.

Another plant that shone in the grey were these yellow-leaved Mock orange bushes. There are two by the benches facing the bandstand. Their scent is lovely though you’ll have to bend down to smell them.

ln my quest to find the positive in this wet and dreary week, I marvelled at the Wisteria blooming on the new fence I built last year (I’m way off the Garden’s path). When I looked up their varietal name I discovered that these Blue Moon Wisteria are native to the swamps of Kentucky. As I planted them at the top of a 5′ stone wall, I was grateful for all the water we’ve had. Right plant but definitely not the right place! I’ll deal with that next year.

The sun is breaking thorough the clouds for a few hours so I must go out and enjoy my garden. Don’t read this post until tomorrow when the grey and damp weather promise to return.
Happy Canada Day!

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