Back in April, I introduced our blue garden which we planted in July 2011. This garden features plants that flower predominately blue, lavender or purple. To add depth and texture to this tone-on-tone garden, I mixed in plants with interesting foliage as well.
I designed this informal garden with scale and height in mind – one we can see and enjoy from inside our home. Also, I wanted to attract butterflies and birds. Most importantly, this garden needed to offer privacy from city neighbors.
It has been a challenge to find plants that bloom a true or pure blue color. Do you have any plant suggestions?
The following photos were taken at dawn or dusk (when light was softest) throughout May – July.

 The blue garden at it’s peak in June.

I sketched this quick garden plan. For reference, bench is 8 feet long. C = Cryptomeria, M = Magnolia, D = Variegated Dogwood, V = Verbena Bonariensis, R = Russian Sage, B = Baptisia, S = Smokebush, A = Agastache, H = Hydrangea, L = Lavender

American Wisteria blooming in early May. There are now small boxwoods under the Wisteria.

Spikes of indigo blue Baptisia flowers behind fresh green Hidcote Lavender, mid May.
 Baptisia flowers fade as Lavender blooms in early June.
 So
far lots of bees, some butterflies, and even a few hummingbirds.

A contrast of textures in June: Russian Sage, Blue Paradise Phlox, Hidcote Lavender, and Smokebush Grace’s purple foliage and flowers. Interestingly, the Smokebush will turn into a big gray cloud in early August.

Early June with perfectly formed Allium Globemaster.

 A dizzying display of Verbena Bonariensis.

Buddleia Purple Emperor will bloom all summer. I took the photos during last light one June evening.
 Feathery foliage of Arkansas Amsonia with flowers of Geranium Johnson’s Blue.
 Blue Satin Rose of Sharon next to chimney pot, early July.
 The courtyard garden is behind this pavilion. We planted mature Cryptomeria evergreen trees, and they are already over 20 feet tall (3 shown top right).
 Close up of Stokesia, which will bloom from July – Aug.
 Early July: Agastache Blue Fortune is another abundant long bloomer.
Hope you’ve enjoyed this tour. Thanks for visiting!