It’s Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day again! Let’s talk about what’s blooming in my garden. The answer to that would be: lots. June is when the garden really comes into its own, especially if there’s been rain, and in the past two weeks there’s been PLENTY. Click photos to enlarge.

Verbascum ‘Southern Charm’ is a floppy mullein I love. Purchased two years ago at Goose Cove Gardens in Gloucester, Mass., it always flops over, but I don’t have time to stake it, so this year I finally moved it where it could flop into the butterfly bushes. It seems happy, and there are several mullein babies in the spot I moved it from, which is great because I could use more — this was purchased when I was a “one here, one there” gardener.

I’ve discussed my driveway roses on Twitter and Facebook — gifts from friends who were tired of maintaining them. I plunked them in the ground by the driveway, where they’re somewhat inconspicuous, and they bloom their heads off even if their leaves get bedraggled or bug eaten. If you like roses for cutting, plant them in an out-of-the-way spot, and don’t worry about keeping them perfect! I sprayed mine with some organic Spinosad when I was spraying for winter moth earlier in the season, and I threw down some extra compost around them. Last year they got Wormjava, which is supposed to fertilize and repel bugs too. Some bugs, some holes, but mostly so far, so good.

I’ve expounded at length in this space about Phlomis russeliana, the Jerusalem sage. I’ll let it speak for itself.

Last but certainly not least, here’s my beloved beauty bush, Kolkwitzia amabilis, by far my favorite thing that came with the house. I’m so glad it did, because otherwise I’d likely have never known how great it is. This is an old-fashioned shrub I’ve read about and often see in foundation plantings, and I’ve heard it’s sold at nurseries, but I’ve never seen it for sale. I don’t think it’s so much in demand anymore. I can’t imagine why. Sure, it’s a bit unassuming when not in bloom, but when it IS blooming, watch out. A fantastic plant.

As usual, if you enjoy my garden photos, check out Oakleaf Green’s Facebook page and become a fan. These and many more are posted there.

What’s blooming in your garden?