Summer Flowers

Summer came early here in Seattle, and it has been brutally hot and dry much of July.  With some water and some attention, we have kept the blooms coming.  When one kind shuts down another appears. Here are some of the things we have blooming in Reeder Gardens in mid July. 

 The lilies are replacing the roses in the sunny rose bed. 

 Rose campion (Luchnis coronaria) helps out. 

 Daises and phlox are always reliable for putting on a show. 

Bishop of Llandaff dahlias play at their feet.  I see we are finally attracting some real honey bees.  We have lots of bumbles. 

 Knautia macedonia adds whispy color. 

 In the shade Fuchsia ballerinas dance.

 This pretty purple pansy persists despite the heat. 

 This pink/purple hydrangea enjoys the pansy's company. 

 Out in the sun, in the vegetable/cutting garden, the old style crocosmia add a splash of color against a green glass flower. 

 Threadleaf coreopsis

 It's time for zinnias and dahlias in the cutting garden, and lots of big bright bouquets in the house. 

 I always forget what this shrub is called.

 Corcosmia Lucifer is almost dome.  The hummingbirds have loved it. 

 Orange and yellow cosmos

 Sweet peas

 and marigolds

 Some marigolds just have a mind of their own. 

 Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) enjoyed by the Western Swallowtails and the bees, and by me for their sweet fragrance.  And yes, we keep them under control.  I don't think they are invading any neighboring yards. 

 Above them all, reaching for the sun, the sunflowers smile down on us.