By Thea Hegland

The Gardens are deep into a summer haze and it seems there is no end in sight for the warm sunny weather. Late summer beauty, Heptacodium miconioides (Seven-son flower), with fragrant white flowers that attract many of the local butterflies and bumblebees, is a true garden treasure. This small, woody shrub is native to China and earning its stature as a divine garden essential. Shrubs such as the hardy Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon) and the frost tender Tibouchina (Glory bush) offer exquisite blossoms, while other flowering highlights include the dynamic perennial borders filled with many unusual flowers and old favourites.

One of the many beautiful Hibiscus moscheutos in bloom

With so many flowers, it is easy to overlook the simple things that are so essential to the overall ambience; over 80 different varieties of ferns can be found at The Gardens from Osmunda regalis (Royal fern), Polystichum setiferum (Hedge fern) to Adiantum pedatum (Maidenhair fern) adding the perfect touch with soft delicate fronds.

Overlooking the Mediterranean Garden

Always a highlight, the Showhouse boasts a polished display of classic tropical finery with bold and unexpected additions that make this a must see. The Eucomis (Pineapple lily) has kindled the curiosity of many with their unusual racemes of creamy white flowers and the dainty blue Browallia (Amethyst violet) nestled amongst the lush tropical plant add the sweetest nostalgic feel. The beauty of the Showhouse is that it is ever evolving and always has gorgeous flowers no matter when you visit.

Plants that are currently blooming

• Abutilon
• Acanthus (Bear’s breeches)
• Aconitum (Monkshood)
• Achillea (Yarrow)
• Agapanthus (African blue lily)
• Ageratum (Floss flower)
• Albizia julibrissin (Mimosa)
• Alocasia (Elephant’s ear)
• Antirrhinium (Snapdragon)
• Anigozanthos (Kangaroo paw)
• Aralia elata (Japanese angelica tree)
• Astilbe
• Astrantia
• Begonia (Tuberous and fibrous)
• Brugmansia (Angels’ trumpets)
• Calceolaria (Scotsman’s purse)
• Callistemon (Bottlebrush)
• Calycanthus ‘Aphrodite’ (Sweetshrub)
• Campsis (Trumpet vine)
• Catalpa speciosa (Indian bean tree)
• Cephalaria gigantea (Yellow scabious)
• Chelone (Turtlehead)
• Cimicifuga (Bugbane)
• Clematis
• Colocasia (Taro)
• Coreopsis
• Crocosmia
• Cuphea
• Dahlia
• Echinacea (Coneflower)
• Echinops (Globe thistle)
• Epiphyllum (Night blooming cactus)
• Euchryphia
• Eupatorium
• Filipendula
• Fuchsia
• Gazania
• Gentiana asclepiadea (Willow gentian)
• Gladiolous callianthus (Acidanthera)
• Helenium (Sneezeweed)
• Helianthus (Sunflower)
• Heliotropium (Cherry pie plant)
• Heptacodium (Seven-son-flower)
• Hemerocallis (Daylily)
• Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)
• Hydrangea
• Hypericum (St. John’s wort)
• Inula
• Impatiens
• Iochroma cyanea
• Kniphfofia (Red-hot poker)
• Lagerstroemia indica (Crape myrtle)
• Lantana
• Leonotis (Lion’s ear)
• Leptospermum (Tea tree)
• Lobelia speciosa
• Mandevilla
• Manettia
• Monarda (Bee balm)
• Nymphaea (Waterlily)
• Pachystachys lutea (Lollipop plant)
• Pelargonium (Geranium)
• Pentas
• Persicaria (Knotweed)
• Petasites
• Phlox
• Physostegia (Obedient plant)
• Poncirus trifoliata (Hardy orange)
• Punica granatum (Pomegranate)
• Rheum
• Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan)
• Rosa (Rose)
• Salvia
• Sanvitalia
• Sedum (Stonecrop)
• Tagetes (Marigold)
• Tecoma
• Thalictrum (Meadow rue)
• Tibouchina (Glory bush)
• Tigridia (Peacock flower)
• Torenia
• Tradescantia (Spiderwort)
• Veronica
• Viburnum
• Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste tree)
• Weigela
• Wisteria
• Zinnia