As the vibrant energy of summer slowly begins to transition into the softer, more reflective tones of the approaching autumn, avid gardeners know that the work in the soil is far from finished. Today, the Garden Photo of the Day (GPOD) series returns to Broomall, Pennsylvania, to check in on the continuous evolution of Dot’s flourishing Zone 7b landscape. Longtime readers of the publication may fondly remember Dot and her stunning horticultural updates from previous seasons, notably her striking displays of cool-toned spring flora. However, observing how her garden adapts, transforms, and matures across the changing seasons remains an ongoing source of inspiration for enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
Reflecting on the rhythm of her landscape, Dot shares a brief introduction to her current efforts: "Although summer is slipping away, I am still planting perennials and bulbs. I’ve included some garden highlights that I hope you enjoy."
True to her word, Dot’s latest photo submission reveals a masterclass in dynamic plant combinations, thoughtful layering, and brilliant color pairings that capture the eye even as the calendar turns. Among the most prominent features of her updated garden layout are the sophisticated pairings of climbing specimens and perennial anchors that give verticality and depth to the suburban landscape.
One of the standout highlights captured in the update features the beloved ‘Abraham Darby’ rose, a resilient cultivar hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9. In Dot’s Pennsylvania garden, this magnificent climber makes its way gracefully up a garden arbor, creating a romantic canopy of lush, apricot-pink blossoms. To ground the towering structure and provide a striking visual counterpoint, veronica (Veronica cvs., Zones 3–9) has been planted heavily around its base. The upright, densely packed purple-blue flower spikes of the veronica create an arresting chromatic contrast against the warm, blush-pink tones of the climbing rose, demonstrating Dot’s keen eye for harmonious yet daring color theory.
Moving deeper into the landscape behind a quiet seating area, visitors are greeted by a cheerful and timeless pairing of classic summer perennials: daylilies (Hemerocallis cvs., Zones 3–10) and Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum × superbum cvs., Zones 5–9). These reliable garden staples mingle effortlessly, creating a bright, textured backdrop that feels both welcoming and effortlessly naturalistic. The golden-yellow centers of the daisies and the rich, sun-kissed orange hues of the daylilies work in tandem to amplify the lingering warmth of the late-season sun.
Vertical interest continues to play a major role elsewhere in the yard, where a Cathedral Bells rose (Rosa ‘DELamo’, Zones 5–9) climbs in close partnership with the legendary ‘Jackmanii’ clematis (Clematis ‘Jackmanii’, Zones 4–8). This specific pairing has long been praised by horticulturists for its ability to maximize visual impact in limited spaces. The deep, velvety purple flowers of the clematis weave through the foliage and blooms of the rose, allowing both plants to stand out more vividly than they might if grown in isolation.
Dot’s commitment to keeping the garden fresh and engaging is further evidenced by her newest plant acquisition for the season: helenium (Helenium cvs., Zones 3–8). Making its debut in the landscape this year, the helenium introduces a burst of fiery orange color with dark, prominent flower centers that anchor the late-summer display. Tucked snugly among these vibrant new blooms sits a charming rabbit garden statue, adding a touch of whimsical personality to the meticulously curated perennial border.
In another section of the garden, a complex tapestry of textures and forms comes together in a densely planted mixed border. This thriving assembly includes lythrum (Lythrum cvs., Zones 3–9), white garden phlox (Phlox paniculata cvs., Zones 4–8), bush clematis (Clematis cvs., Zones 3–9), agastache (Agastache cvs., Zones 4–9), and Russian sage (Salvia yangii, Zones 4–9). Among this dense collection of purple, blue, and violet tones, the brilliant white blossoms of the garden phlox act as a visual anchor. The white flowers break through the heavy layers of color, keeping the observer’s eye moving dynamically across the entire width of the planting bed.
Dot’s mastery of color and spatial arrangement is perhaps most evident in her raised beds, where annuals and perennials engage in a lively dialogue. Bright orange nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) weave their way organically through stands of purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea cvs., Zones 3–9). The saturated, tropical intensity of the nasturtiums against the deeper, dusty pinks of the coneflowers creates one of the garden’s most visually arresting moments. Beyond their aesthetic contribution, the sprawling nasturtiums serve a practical purpose in the garden ecosystem, functioning as an effective seasonal ground cover that easily fills in bare patches of soil and spills over the wooden edges of the raised beds.
Nearby, another raised bed showcases a harmonious blend of Shasta daisies, purple coneflowers, and yarrow (Achillea millefolium cvs., Zones 3–9). The subtle interplay of white, cream, and soft pinks provides a soothing visual rest for the eyes, balancing the bolder, more saturated orange and purple combinations found elsewhere on the property.
As Dot continues to plant bulbs and perennials in anticipation of future seasons, her Pennsylvania garden remains a testament to the rewards of continuous experimentation, thoughtful plant pairing, and a deep-seated passion for horticulture. Her latest update offers ample inspiration for gardeners looking to extend color and interest in their own landscapes well beyond the peak months of summer.
