The scent of summer’s warm earth energized my spirits the minute I stepped down off our farmhouse porch early this morning. Taking a deep breath, I was instantly reminded why I love summer so dearly. All winter I anxiously await her arrival and I cling to her fleeting exit when autumn makes its appearance. Feeling inspired, I quickly ducked back into the house to grab my camera and then headed towards the flower beds to capture my early summer garden.

The regal Purple Salvia is in full bloom.

I’m working on creating a border of this striking flower in front of the house.

 

The shade of Salvia always takes my breath away and captivates my heart.

My mother was a huge fan of Salvia and I planted it in her honor (she’s still living).

 

The Hostas are looking mighty healthy, too.

We have different varieties growing throughout the gardens.

 

I’m anxiously awaiting this one to open its pale lavender bloom.

Hostas make terrific shade plants and I love their beautiful leaves.

They really make an architectural statement in the garden.

 

To add contrast to the purple, I like to add touches of yellow like this Sedum ground cover.

Purple and yellow are opposites on the color wheel so they make a great combination in the garden.

If you’re looking for a sturdy, fast-growing ground cover … Sedum is a great choice.

 

Another great ground cover choice for a shade garden is Lamium.

They add a shot of color in an early summer garden.

 

The Lamium’s flowers remind me a little of miniature snapdragons with their open mouths.

 

The Lamium’s leaves are quite pretty too.

A minty green etched in a darker shade of green.

 

Of course … I’ve gotta have pink in the garden!

These pink New Guinea Impatiens are sturdy annuals if you’re looking for a low-maintenance flower.

 

I love the early summer garden with its intoxicating fragrance.

Later today I’m planting more impatiens and some French lavender.

Be sure to check out the start of my vegetable garden, too!