Spokane Temple Annuals July 2012

What a difference a month makes!  The annual beds at the Spokane Temple have filled in after we finally hit some summer weather.  Of course us volunteers are now struggling to keep up with watering as temperatures hit the upper 90's, which is hotter than usual for Spokane.  Above you can see violet 'Evolution' salvia, pale lilac 'Opal Innocence' nemesia, 'Bandana Light Yellow' lantana, 'Lilac Opera Supreme' petunias, pink alyssum and lime 'Marguerite' sweet potato vine. 



The heat-loving sweet potato vine and petunias have grown all over the cool-loving lobelia and most of the short pink alyssum.  Above you can also see some silver licorice plant (Helichrysum) weaving through the flowers.  That plant seems to grow fine in cool or hot weather.



These photos all show the annuals around the front entrance on the west all of the temple.  Above you can see the two spiral-pruned 'Emerald Green' arborvitaes (at least, I'm pretty sure that's what they are) that frame the front doors.



The 'Opal Innocence' nemesias (the small pale flowers in the center above) have been blooming their heads off ever since they were planted at the end of May, with no deadheading.  The flowers stalks just keep putting out more blooms at the end.  They are starting to look a bit gangly and will need to be trimmed back soon, but I've been very pleased with this plant's performance. 



Here is one of the pots that flank the front doors with an ivy geranium, a deep violet double supertunia, yellow-leaved creeping jenny, 'Silver Falls' dichondra, 'Diamond Frost' euphorbia, and purple angelonia in the back.  Growing below is more lime green sweet potato vine, silver licorice plant and white alyssum.  All the angelonias we've planted (including some from the 'Serena' series and some 'Angelface')  have been a disappointment.  They need more heat than we've had so far, though maybe next month they'll be impressive. 



I'm loving the height that the violet-blue 'Evolution' Salvia farinacea brings to the beds.



In the photo above you can see some purple 'Marine' heliotrope, which smells especially nice in the evenings when temple patrons pause in this area to chat as they leave the temple.



In the background of this photo you can see the Liatris spicata blooming its mauve heart out.  When selecting plants for this area, I kept in mind the mauve liatris nearby, and I'm pleased with the way it has all worked together.  Phew!