Beautyberry shrub/Callicarpa Dichotoma.

Bridgehampton - With all of the creative energy and enthusiasm that spring inspired, the gardens we created were a blaze with the early season colors and textures, plus the promise of continued garden bliss.

As the season rolls on we find ourselves pinching and dead heading and eventually visiting nurseries, and being seduced by the fresh on-going array of blooming trees, shrubs and plants that can dutifully keep (the music) going in our landscapes deep into the summer season.

Our beautiful and abundant Hydrangea flowers begin to turn their delicate apple greens, mauves and lavender colors that are bidding us adieu for the season. The Astilbe's whimsical and colorful fluffy plumes have billowed, entertained and performed in the wind for the most part of the late spring and summer season. Even hard working shrubs like Spirea (when maintained) have managed to squeak out a couple of rounds of new magenta flower blooms. Something tells us, that now it is time that we find some new companions for the sensual, heady and hard working Buddlea and Daylillies, and evergreens.

Japanese Anemone.

Some of my favorite mid summer end of season plant and shrub choices are
Beautyberry. The Beautyberry (common name) gives the most beautiful bright purple berries on a delicate deciduous light green shrub that grows in a cascading form. Beautyberry shrubs do very well in part shade and or, in a woodland environment. Because it is rarely used in landscapes here on the East End, I especially love the surprise and wonder it creates when first discovered by garden visitors.

Another big favorite of mine is Limelight Hydrangea. Unlike summer Hydrangea shrubs, Limelights are at their best right around now (early August) through to September. Their colossal, brilliant lime and creamy white color combination is just astounding. One can never go wrong introducing them to their garden design plan.

Caryopteris.

Of course knowing what other perennials compliment this impressive shrub is essential.

I love purples and chartreuse always. Therefore, Morden's Pink Lithrum, Dark Night Buddlea, Russian Sage, and Caryopteris are great combinations for me.

Anemone, September Charm, and Queen Charlotte, are both superb perennial choices for mid to late season blooms. They are hardy and yet very delicate looking. Their colors vary from dark pink to double pink. These stunners are always wonderful in bouquets as well.

Caryopteris, (Bluebeard) is another shrub that blooms bright periwinkle blue flowers. Similar to Russian Sage as it is somewhat spired. Late in the season it is an unusual and welcome addition.

Crape Myrtles are most wonderful late season flowering trees. The variety of color blooms range from Purple, to Red, to White, to Lavender. Reminiscent to me of the deep south.

With the addition of late blooming trees, shrubs, perennials, as time goes by you will find great pleasure in your garden as it unfolds and entertains you right up to and through early fall.