It Just Keeps on Keeping On!

It seems like the last bloomers are blooming way early this year, altho I have to admit that I don't keep records - well, not written ones.  It's in my head ... sort of.

The clethera sweetspice is usually the last shrub to bloom and sometime in July seems about right.  Mitchell always thinks it's not going to, but it's always last. 

The last summer flower is always the hibiscus, but it's in the very back of the border - on purpose.  The blooms are nearly twice as large as usual this year.  Guess it's all the rain. 

And the last tree - at least in our yard - is crepe myrtle.  They bloom over a long cycle here and mine happen to be late bloomers, altho other varieties have been in bloom since early June.

So, now we have 60 days of late perennials and annuals before the fall change-over.  Can it really be the middle of the summer already.  Yep!  it definitely is.  Slow down, already!  I am not ready.

Rain, Rain, go Away!

What is this Seattle?

Nearly every day we have gotten rain for the past week.  Oh, and this is Virginia.  With rain comes humidity - you know like 90 degrees and 95%.  It hasn't been that bad all day, every day, but late afternoons are pretty bad right now.  

And we aren't even half way thru July.

West side of kitchen, late afternoon.  It really was not that hot!  Felt like it, tho.

Welcome to summer in the South!

Of, course the garden just keeps on keeping on.  It seems churlish to complain.  

Am I churlish?  

Certainly not ... well, maybe a little.

This is absolutely the most gorgeous double lily.

Hope things are going well in "your neck of the woods".

It's my First Time ....

Honest. 

I've wanted to for a long time, but I've resisted.

You all said it would be good ...

But I wasn't ready.  Until now.

My very first David Austin rose. 

Her name is Sister Elizabeth.

She's doing well and flowering.

April 18, 2013

I think the second time will be easier.

Lillyville

Welcome to Lilyville!  

 Burgundy and yellow day lilies in front, then burgundy and pink orientals and 'Happy Returns' mini day lily in back.

 'Cobra' from Maplecrest Lilies.

 Pink - from Maplecrest - variety unknown.

 Remember that I got a bit carried away in February when I was buying and ordering bulbs and not keeping very good track of what I had ordered?  

 'Strawberry and Cream' from The Lily Garden.

 'Silk Road' from The Lily Garden.  I think the center may darken as this one matures.

I chose four bulbs from The Lily Country on Marie's recommendation, only to find fifteen (yes, 15!) bulbs that i had purchased at the Home Show and stored in the cool storage room.  Then then there were a couple more from .... somewhere.  

 Have no idea what this is, or where I got it.  Only know that it is six feet tall and drop dead gorgeous!

These were all orientals, since I already have lots of daylilies and one clump of asiatics.

 Lilium 'Tiny Ghost'

And, they were nearly all shades of pink.  There is supposed to be one white one, but so far that one has not opened.  Hadn't really planned to make such a big splash with one flower, but wow!  am so glad i did.  Mother Nature is looking out for me again.