I had a delightful group of Master Gardeners from Michigan stop by to see my gardens today. In advance of their visit I decided that some areas at Poison Ivy Acres really needed to be labeled. I thought they should know that the bed at the top of the property was a dry garden, and the areas just below that were cutting gardens and test plantings.

I wanted it clear that the entry garden was planted around a color theme: blue, coral, yellow and white flowers predominate here. And the strip above that? Annual Alley.

I think that knowing that one garden is devoted to a particular type of plant, and others to plants that tolerate drought, do well with wet feet, or are fragrant might expand a visitor’s appreciation of what they are seeing. I should never assume that someone who views what I’ve planted would automatically understand what I had in mind when I planned or planted these gardens.

My garden signs were constructed out of scrap lumber that happened to be painted pink, and letter tiles from a garage sale anagrams game. One glue gun and thirty minutes later I had ten signs for different parts of the garden.

It occurred to me as I stuck the markers into their respective places, that we’re well served by some clear signage out of the garden as well. How can we assume that others know what we intend? I’m not about to glue wooden letter tiles onto myself, of course, but perhaps I could be clearer about my intentions, thoughts, desires or expectations.

The entry garden is planted in one of my favorite color combinations.

I'll be looking for some great coral colored dahlias to add to this garden next year.

Lost? No, you're right here on Annual Alley.

The balsam impatiens were glorious early in the summer, but they've slowed down now that it's mid-September. The sweet potato vine and ageratum are going great guns, however.