Yesterday was the first day of nothing we've had in a long time. Nothing had to be done other than just hangout and enjoy not having to get in the car and go somewhere. The littlest gardener and I went out and got the watering done early before it got too warm. We enjoyed blueberries and noticed that a couple of tomatoes are turning red, which is a good month earlier than usual. Later in the evening I went out and did some deadheading, cut back a few plants that were finished blooming and weeding. I love doing that type of work in the evening when it's really quiet and the temperature has cooled down, we didn't come in until almost 9 o'clock.
This is some of what is blooming in the backyard now:
Blue Pickerelweed has fully opened and more buds are on the way. I've noticed this plant, which is actually in the water, droops when it gets hot. I guess that's a sign of warm weather when pond plants droop.
Agastache
Echinacea 'Magnus' which I moved here years ago. These were seedlings from some that grow near our driveway.
Ligularia dentata 'Othello' just starting to bloom. It will have several of these orange flowers when this bud finishes opening. This plant has been suffering in the dry heat we're having, very wilty and needs lots of extra water.
Hosta
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) 'Pink Delight' is one I thought I'd lost this winter. It's blooming, but not as good as usual.
Clematis 'Ville de Lyon' is reblooming, although it's second flush of flowers aren't quite as large as the first.
My favorite discovery was this Oriental Lily that was from a mixed bag. I wish I knew the name of this one. The inside is butter yellow, and smells delicious. A few years ago I planted several groupings of Oriental Lilies, the clumps haven't multiplied much but at least they are returning. I think next year I'll be adding lots more.
Another warm day is predicted, and the girls and I are heading to the beach with friends.
I have that ligularia and am SO excited it has buds! This is the second time I've tried it and the first time it died:( This time it is planted in a full shade spot near the downspout. That must be the ticket as it is most happy! I hope it looks like yours when it blooms.
ReplyDeleteYou mention a few here today that I've never seen before. They are all so pretty. I like to get out after supper and work in the garden too. It seems very quiet and I can just enjoy being out without the hot sun shining on me. I hope you all have a fun time at the beach with your friends.
ReplyDeleteYes it is very hot when the pond plants are droopy! WoW! We got coller temps and rain, and now you got our weather!!! It will be cooling down before you know it!
ReplyDeleteI'm with DP, pond plants drooping, I'd say it's rather warm there. Your flowers are beautiful....still. Enjoy a day at the beach!!
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures... even if the plants are feeling the heat a bit! Mind you, wish we could say the same here back in the UK.... the rain's back, so no such luck as drooping flowers!
ReplyDeleteThat lily is gorgeous. I have that clematis as well although it didn't bloom this year (I pruned it incorrectly!)
ReplyDeleteI was out in my garden this am and was saying to myself that it is a good think hostas have great leaves as the flower act crazy. I have them laying down on the grown etc. Then I looked over at a variegated hosta and there was this beautiful bloom standing upright. Yours looks great. All of your flowers are really great specimens.
ReplyDeleteI love the lily too. Mine did really good this year and I am going to divide them up and get some new clumps going. And I love the way your deck looks. Yall did a great job.
ReplyDeleteYour flower photos are very nice.
ReplyDeleteLets Make History.
Sorry you are having to deal with the heat. We got lots of wonderful rain yesterday. My grass is actually green again.
ReplyDeleteYou probably feel like something is missing or your forgetting something after having so much to do then having a day of nothing;-)
ReplyDeleteThe picture of the lily is the greatest shot!
I love "do nothing" days; they're nice to have once in a while. Your flower pictures are just lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe Magnus looks lovely - it reminds me of cute pictures of little rabbits when their ears are down, like in story-book illustrations!
ReplyDeleteThose days are nice aren't they? Of course with kids grown and us retired we get lots of them now but I still know how much all of you with children and lots of things to do really enjoy having them. A slow day to collect thoughts and have some quiet time.
ReplyDeleteI may have asked you before but is Magnus big? Oh and you showed my new favorite 'gotta have' Clematis that's bloomin' again - 'Ville de Lyon' is so beautiful. I'm thinking maybe one I'm going to ask for ID on looks like your Agastache, does it have a nice smell? Your Blue Pickerelweed is very pretty. That Oriental Lily is gorgeous - hopefully someone can help ya out with the name.
What a nice day Catherine. I love the beginning and ending of days too (especially if I get to spend them in the garden). You have some nice bloomers as usual. Have a great day at the beach. I think we might head to the pool tomorrow too as it's going to be hot here as well.
ReplyDeleteHi Catherine~~ Beautiful blooms! I moved my Ligularia to a mostly shady area because it was plagued with that same pathetic mid-day wilt. Why don't plant labels warn us of this?
ReplyDeleteI can practically smell your Buddleia and lily. My lily bulbs don't seem to multiply either but they come up fairly reliably, despite the perpetually winter
soaked soil.
Your C. 'Ville de Lyon' photo really shows the texture of the flowers. Fabulous. Personally I kind of enjoy the smaller blooms.
I hope you can have several more of those days of nothing.
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ReplyDeleteI love days like these .Yesterday we went to the beach and hopefully today we will be pottering about ;-)
ReplyDeleteI love the blue Pickerel weed..I do so long for a pond!
Your pond is a harmonious place. The hosta is an unusual one.
ReplyDeleteIt's been hot here too! The rest of this week is only supposed to be in the low 90's and I am happy. Crazy to be happy about the low 90's. Your blooms look wonderful!
ReplyDeleteOh those days of nothing are worth cherishing, aren't they? Love your photos, as always.
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to take time out especially when the children are young.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your blooms. That yellow lily is especially pretty. Seeing your clematis reminds me I need to deadhead mine.
ReplyDeleteI read your post about the deck, too. I like what you did. Now, you have a place to relax after doing all those big jobs you find to do over there!
Sue from A Corner Garden