Gardening Notebook: July

I've been making an effort to take more photos of my perennial gardens this year, primarily so I can document how they are developing and remember the problem areas. Here are some observations about my perennial beds in July from my gardening notebook:

* Overall, the color is fairly balanced. Staggered bloom times should ensure color through August.
* In general, the three garden areas I've created on the back of the house are looking better this year than last. If I make some changes this fall and next spring, they should all be in good shape for next summer.
* I need to find a taller variety of zinnia to plant next to the wrought iron fence. Hollyhocks or cosmos would be another option.
* Why, oh why do I have so much yellow coreopsis? A little is alright, but it's everywhere!
* Where is my purple coneflower? It's gone!
* I need to add more native plants to the sun perennial garden.
* There are a couple of awkward spaces in the sun garden that need to be filled.
* The Kansas gayfeather is much too large for the space I've allowed for it. It should be moved to allow space for the globe thistle plant.
* I have never before had a bloom on a sweet potato vine planted in a pot. Does this mean I'll get a sweet potato?
* I need to consider adding another daylily plant next to the existing one on the side of the house. It is doing very well there.
* I need to find some lower growing sun perennials for the edges of the oldest perennial garden.
* I should move some of the astilbe from the front of the house to the new shade perennial garden.

No matter how hard I try, this gardening business is still a matter of somewhat educated trial and error. And that's OK. For me, it's the journey, in addition to the destination, that makes gardening worthwhile.