Something old, something new.

We're back from my daughter's soccer tournament.  We had a great time and she played really well.  Unfortunately the team didn't make it to the playoffs, but they still had fun.  The tournament was in Bellingham which is about an hour and a half drive north of Seattle, just before the Canadian border.  I wish I had taken more pictures.  It's absolutely gorgeous there, and anyone visiting the Seattle area should make the trip up there to visit.  I passed so many beautiful gardens and nurseries while we were there, but we didn't have time to stop for pictures or shopping.  I read about a place called Tennant Lake Fragrance Garden which is wheelchair accessible and plant labels are in braille.  Everything is planted for texture and fragrance.  I definitely plan to return to visit it sometime.

Here are some sites I found when we returned home.  First the "old" plants, most of these have been in the garden for quite a few years.

Echinacea 'Magnus' is close to blooming.  This one has reseeded around and blooms it's head off until fall.

Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue' is just about in full bloom.  I'll show the whole shrub and area it's in soon.  It's turning into the bird hangout of the front yard.

Hydrgangea 'Preziosa' has such prettily marked flowers.

Monarda 'Jacob Cline' is at least 4 feet tall already and just starting to bloom.  This variety is mildew resistant.  I've already seen mildew starting on some of the other Monardas that haven't even bloomed yet.  I've read several places lately to use milk to get rid of mildew.  Just spray it on apparently.  I'd love to hear if this has worked.

Daphne 'Summer Ice' in it's second bloom already.  The whole side of the backyard smells good from it.

And now a few new plants from the great 2 for 1 sale I found last week.

Agastache 'Golden Jubilee' is one I've had before but it didn't survive the winter.  It's so pretty I had to try it again.

Astillbe 'Maggie Daley' is a very interesting mix of purple and red.  I planned to put it with some red flowering Coral Bells, but it looked terrible.  It found a nice spot in another space instead.

Masterwort (Astrantia) 'Sunningdale Variegated' is really unique.  It's supposed to bloom into the fall.

The other old is me.  It's my birthday today and I told my daughters all I want to do is "play" outside in the garden with them today.