DIG IT

HOME AND GARDEN: DIG IT! Concert of the Flowers photos and text by Michelle Riley

Editor’s Note: Read carefully, and discover the following story is actually a creative planting guide for a summer garden with flowers whose varying heights and bloom times will complement each other.

Color lights the eyes. Fragrance inhabits the soul. A wonderful combination of both sets the stage for summer love, and you are invited to the show.

The platform is set aglow as the morning sun sweeps her hand across the landscape; each participant placed to express their deepest gift in bloom.

The backdrop is draped with the warm smile of the Cornus kousa Stellar Pink (dogwood).

Little Henry Clethra (hummingbird shrub) peaks out of the dappled shade with softly fragrant spikes, inviting the hummingbirds for a sweet delight.

Sedum Angelina rolls out the bright carpet as the Allium Millennium dance above her foliage.

The English garden bursts into song as the variegated hydrangeas stand poised for their cue. The Bobo hydrangea takes a leap among the Heuchera Fire Alarm. The ants sit at the long-awaited nectar bar whistling to the purple salvia, who is quietly sitting across the room.

The peach rose drifts onto the stage blushing at every turn and twirl. The red floribunda rose is trying to see above the Magnus coneflower, who has worn her summer bonnet to the show.

There is no shutting down the Endless Summer hydrangea as he brags to the others of his season-long tickets. The Snow Queen hydrangea, covered in light perfume, offers a curtsy to the Polar Bear hydrangea as he ushers her to her seat.

The show has begun.

Song birds are enchanted by the mix of players and frolic in the harmony of the garden. The At Last rose, pleased she has made it on time, is dressed in the sweetest scent hoping to entice an attractive pollinating love.

The Giant allium, not wanting to be left out, has painted himself in summer glory.

Who would not be sad to leave, as Jack in the Pulpit narrates with his stunning cape invoking everyone to return tomorrow, as the show must go on.

The hydrangeas collect their bounty to surprise the guests with glorious party favors to remind them of the time they have all shared together, this moment of rapture when the garden bloomed in love.

Michelle Riley is a local horticulturist, landscape designer, and consultant. She is the founder of the gardening subscription service, https://theplantmall.com/; MichelleRileyHorticulturist.com; and NeOhioGarden.com. She also is the president of All About You Signature Landscape Design, Inc. Riley can be contacted atInfo@MichelleRileyHorticulturist.com or by calling 234-678-8266.