July's garden is dominated by the exuberant growth of the many vines which flourish in Mediterranean climates.  Of these  both Bougainvillea glabra and Bougainvillea specabilis  have already been cited.  Another colorful vine worthy of mention is Campsis radicans   (Begonia radicans) . Also known as  the Trumpet creeper, this is a rampant,  woody stemmed, drought-tolerant vine for full sun conditions. It has orange to red flowers. It dies back every winter and the woody stalks need to be cut to the ground. New growth starts up in the spring. This vine is not for the small garden.

Plumbago auriculata , with its light blue phlox-like flowers is still putting on its vibrant display as well as the pelargoniums in various shades of pink, purple, and red.  Lantana montevidensis in purple and white also continues to thrive during the heat and long days of July.

Solanum crispum  is an evergreen shrub which boasts blue star-like flowers with a contrasting yellow center.  It is maintained to a manageable size of 1 meter by 1 meter and is  growing at the base of the Buddleia davidii which is still going strong. 

It is now time for the Agapanthus africanus, the "Blue Lady of the Nile" to send up its tall naked stalk and display its gentian blue flowers.  This hardy evergreen bulbous plant has strap like leaves and, if left to multiply, will form a ground cover in time.

Color also comes from the half hardy annual 'Black-eyed Susan', Rudbeckia hirta 'Marmalade', that I sowed three years ago. Every year thereafter it surprises me to see where it has self sown.  It has rich golden orange flowers with a contrasting black cone.

Cutting back the Salvia farinacea in early June has paid off as it is now beginning its second period of flowering and contrasts  beautifully with its neighbor, the light purple/pink Phlox. 

The yellow repeat blooming, climbing rose and the jasmines will continue their display throughout the summer and into the fall.

Maintenance consists of:

• Fertilizing the perennials and vines to encourage continuous blooms.  A fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in potassium and phosphate is recommended.
• Continuous weeding.
• Repeated application of mulch to discourage weeds and moisture lost.  I apply grass cuttings which have dried out for one to two days.
• Pruning of vigorous vines such as the Bougainvillea and the  Star Jasmine.