Garden Runs Amok, Obliterates Path

It's a tragedy that repeats itself each year at this time, and one that could be avoided with realistic planning. And it happens all over the world in gardens just like yours.

I thought I'd done it this time: alter the jungle-like demeanor of the east side back garden. I started early enough, ruthlessly routing out the self-seeded Geranium 'Samaboor' and the Thalictrum. It seemed so clipped and formal back in May, only to become a mass of tangled growth by July. And now, I just don't have the fortitude for it, with mosquitoes and heat both out in full force as they are. I've also been finding poison ivy seedlings everywhere there is a bare spot, and probably where there isn't as well.

In May, I could actually get into a spot where I could snap a photo.

Impenetrable former path scares me away in July.

Here lies the last unchecked bloom of Hydrangea serrata 'Blue Billow', which is very happy here.

When the weather cools off and the mosquitoes die out, I will be having a pulling party, inviting anyone who would like big-leaved hosta, Pulmonaria, Trycirtis, Hellebores, Hydrangea serrata, and Alchemilla. I'll prune back the boxwood, clip back the Chionanthus, and hack into the yew hedge. And I won't stop until two of us can walk side by side down the path without crushing or crashing into adjacent plants.

Beyond the boxwood lies the unchecked growth of Hydrangea serrata 'Blue Billow'. I still like the plant, but I'm going to have to take the hard line on its exuberance. I will have dozens of plants to give away if anyone wants this lovely woodland shrub. I will also have to yank up a few hundred Japanese anemone hybrids, which I can choose from after they bloom in late August.

Can someone remind me?