more blooms

I haven't had time to blog much but I have been taking photos...

from the front garden I have purple cone flower, purple ballon flower and liatris

in a very small and controlled area I have goose neck loosestrife, I've learned these little gals cannot be trusted to stay put!  Although I love them besure to keep them under control. 

This is Nikko blue hydrangea.  I rarely feed her and so I get pink blooms...I'm okay with that.  I've found this plant to be extremely picky.  It doesn't like the sun, it will wilt.  But it has to have some sun or it won't bloom.  It blooms on old growth so be sure to protect it, and it only blooms blue if you feed it acid.  Way too many  "I wants" for me!!  I've not enough time for a "Diva"  so I get a often wilted, sometimes blooming, pink hydrangea.  Which is fine, but my next one will be an Oak Leaf. 

although the blog flipped this picture it's still pretty!  This is Stargazer.  I love these lilies, although shaded in my garden I fear what the heat will do so I cut them and brought them in.  A beautiful addition to my desk!

I've been trying so hard to get a good picture of the "outback garden"  Doesn't seem to matter what time of day I shoot, it's just not what I want it to be.  The colors are so bright and strong but not in the photos.  I'll keep tryin...til then good night and please leave a comment.  I don't want the hubby to think I'm just talking to myself...

It's on!!

OMG, these Japanese Beetles are killing me!  This morning I took this shot of this clematis blooming.  It's been growing so well even in this heat and I've been so looking forward to it!  (this was one you gave me Connie)  This evening I made my usual rounds and I couldn't believe it!!  There were at least 6 beetles!!  Please stop it!  I've been pulling them by hand and squashing them (gross but effective)  but I give up!  Everywhere I look they are eating!  I decided to get the sevin out.  I know, I try to keep it all natural too but this is nuts!!  Here's a look this morning

If you click on the picture you will see my despair!!

Anyway, let me share with you some good images...

George's garden is still very pretty in sprite of the pests!

the liatris, daylilies and Becky daisy are still blooming strong, I'm really surprised how well everything is doing in this heat.  I've been trying hard to keep up on the watering.  By this time I've usually given up and gone to the lake.   

the white ballons flowers are blooming

as well as the phlox. I love this purple with the yellow daylily

This Tiger Lily is new to me this year.  My Mom's had died (or so she thought) so when a friend offered I took some.  More than enough for Mom and I!  I really had planned on giving them away but when time came to put them in or toss, I couldn't do it.  Now I've decided  I really like them!!  My Mom always had them in her yard, back by the swing set where us kids would spend many a hot summer's evening.  Those are good memories!  My brother and I could sing up a storm!  "Yellow bird, up high in banana tree...." 

 Good times!  Hope you have a great one,  I'll catch you later! 

Happy GBBD in July!!

The heat is on here in the midlands!!  It's been hot and getting hotter but I've still enjoyed many blooms. Some sadly, didn't last very long.  Many of the daylilies are still going strong.  Wish I had more names to offer but haven't gotten my research done.  They're still beauties anyway!!  I'll start with the daylilies:

more maroon w/ yellow center

bright red!!

The garden is really full of blooms but time is limited today.  I 'll share more later!  Enjoy your "Bloom Day" and hop over to Carol's May Dream Garden to continue your hop!!   

purple cone flower (the June bugs are really a pest this year)

My "birthday" Asiatic Lily, which is blooming late this year. 

I did divide last fall, I'm assuming that slowed it down.