May favorites

Between the outburst of spring in April and the symphony of flowers that begins in June, is the quiet month of May. The garden is lush and green. A few favorites made their appearance in my garden this week.

The passionvine (Passiflora incarnata) started blooming this week. Bees adore this native vine and so do I. It wanders around the garden, but it is always interesting to see where it will pop up next.

My daughter painted this pot for me on Mother's Day one year long ago. The golden oregano (Oregano vulgare "Aureum") enhances the blue tones.

On the house, Jackson vine (Smilax smallii) is used a trellis for coral honeysuckle. Jackson vine is the kinder, gentler smilax, a well-behaved companion for the honeysuckle.

More coral honeysuckle. At the entrance to the backyard, Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirons) is used as a trellis for coral honeysuckle. A distorted oak tree is a trellis for the Carolina jessamine. This all sounds impossible, but this combination is mature this year and looks lush.