By Thea Hegland

Mid-August brings a warm rich glow to The Gardens. The long stretch of heat has brought the perennial borders to the best of the season with a jeweled collection of outstanding flowers and golden grasses. It is here you will find masses of Helenium, Helianthus, Aster, Vernonia and Ornamental grasses all glittering in the summer sun. The art of succession along the perennial borders is most imperative; carefully selecting plants for their colour, size, bloom time and artistically arranging them requires a skilled eye for detail.

Helianthus (Sunflower)

The legendary Dahlia border is living up to its long-standing reputation as a summer star. A wide range of colours and shapes dazzle with outstanding blossoms. Over a hundred different varieties are amongst the collection, which entertain and enthrall visitors each year.

The legendary Dahlia border

The Mediterranean Garden is another star rising from the summer heat. The warmest spot in The Gardens is full of mystique. Here one will find all the plants and flowers that push the limits of our climatic zone thriving effortlessly. Olearia (Daisy bush), Anizgozanthus (Kangaroo paw), Punica (Pomegrante)and Lagerstroemia (Crape myrtle) are all striking with their unusual flowers. It is no wonder visitors come to The Plant Identification Centre with challenging questions!

The Mediterranean Garden

Plants that are currently blooming

• Abutilon (Flowering maple)
• Acanthus spinosus (Bear’s breeches)
• Achillea
• Aconitum(Monkshood)
• Alocasia (Elephant’s ear)
• Anigozanthos (Kangaroo paw)
• Aruncus (Goat’s beard)
• Astilbe
• Astrantia (Masterwort)
• Begonia
• Callistemon
• Catalpa bignonioides(Indian bean tree)
• Centaurea macrocephala (Giant knapweed)
• Cereus ‘Queen of The Night’ (Night blooming cactus)
• Cosmos atrosanguineus(Chocolate cosmos)
• Dahlia
• Delphinium
• Dianthus (Pinks)
• Dierama (Angel’s fishing rod)
• Fuchsia
• Helianthemum (Rock rose)
• Hemerocallis (Daylily)
• Hydrangea
• Iochroma
• Inula
• Lathyrus (Sweet pea)
• Lavendula (Lavender)
• Leptospermum (Tea tree)
• Lilium (Lily)
• Lysimachia
• Olearia (Daisy bush)
• Optunia
• Punica (Pomegranate)
• Romneya coulteri (Tree poppy)
• Rosa (Rose)
• Rudbeckia (Gloriosa daisy)
• Salpiglossis sinuata (Painted tongue)
• Spartium junceum (Spanish broom)
• Streptocarpus (Cape primrose)
• Tecoma
• Thalictrum (Meadow rue)
• Thermopsis villosa (Carolina lupine)
• Thunbergia
• Tradescantia
• Vitex
• Zinnia