Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Permission to Brag

This time of year is all about enjoying the fruits of our labors, don't you think? I mean, what's not to love about a garden brimming with blossoms and buzzing bees? It seems like around the middle of August [at least here in the Pacific Northwest] things start on a downward turn so right now, at the end of July, things just beg to be enjoyed [and photographed]. 

 I'm psyched about my 'Morello Cherry' Lupine from Annie's Annuals. Purchased in May, this is its first spiky blossom. It's supposed to be a repeat, summer-long bloomer.

 This plant always makes me think of Sue, the Milkweed Queen. It just started blooming after a slow start. What do you think, Sue?

 Stachys monnieri 'Hummelo' Purple Betony is a veritable bee-magnet right now.

 Spiraea japonica 'Neon Flash' is flashing up a floriforous storm right now.

All of my 'Jolly Bee' hardy Geraniums are multi-bloominous!

 This Clemmy, 'Multi-Blue' has been in bloom pretty much non-stop since May.

 Veronica 'Eveline' or 'Sonja' I'm not sure which--is another bee-magnet.

 Finally, I thought I'd share a photo I took on Sunday of Silver Falls, Oregon. I hope those of you affected by this heatwave are finally seeing some relief. Cheers.

29 comments:

  1. Gorgeous. Simply. Gorgeous.
    Silver Falls Oregon looks like a little heaven on Earth!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I just love the Betony! I remember you showing pictures of it before and since then I've been looking for it. I hope because our summer was so cool and slow that the flowers stay looking good longer into August.

    ReplyDelete
  3. All so pretty, especially that Lupine! I really should grow some Milkweed, I might see more butterflies if I do. Maybe next year.

    That's a very pretty waterfall too.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Grace girl you can brag all you want : ) these are gorgeous flowers looking fantastic .. that is one heck of a PINK lupine ! and my Hummelo just bloomed this year and I love it too : )
    Yes .. a small break from the heat .. but it is sneaking back ..
    Hey .. how did you like Diane's smack down of Phyllis ? more excitement to come !!
    Joy : )

    ReplyDelete
  5. Grace that is a gorgeous lupine! And your clematis has been blooming since May? I've got to get one of those! Great pic of the falls ~ were you there on Sunday when the little boy tumbled down and his Dad when after him? Was quite the article in the Oregonian! Cheers, Jenni

    ReplyDelete
  6. You are certainly Queen of the Pink! That Lupine is super!
    What a beautiful waterfall.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Grace, So much worth bragging about in these photos. This is peak time in my garden, too, but our unusually dry July have left my plants looking a bit brown around the edges. Yours look so lush and green; like a tall drink of cool water. -Jean

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love your blooms! Yes, please brag! I am so glad someone's garden is looking great - mine is suffering from the drought right now. Especially love your geraniums and spirea.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Grace,
    Yes, that bloom looks very much like milkweed. The leaves do, too. I love your other blooms, too. I think your betony is different from mine. It sure is pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh, and you are fortunate to live near waterfalls like that. I have always liked them, but don't see them often.

    ReplyDelete
  11. It seems like every time I stop by here, I see plants I neve knew existed :)
    It's a whole wide world of beauty .....

    ReplyDelete
  12. We are such lucky duckies here in Oregon-the-Cool. Nice shot of Silver Creek, and I do appreciate that blue "Clemmy" of yours!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Bragging rights all over this post! I really don't know which one I like the best.....

    ReplyDelete
  14. wow, how beautiful - love that waterfall.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Damn, it's all looking good, Grace. I planted 3 of that betony 'Hummelo' expecting what you've got going. Except for basal leaves and one bloom, I've got zip. Too dry, I expect. And that veronica is fab too. I hope that lupin repeats for you this summer -- it's so your color!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Mmm, love the waterfall shot! Your hot pinks look fabulous. And wow on the long-blooming clematis. I need to find better spots for my clematis vines. They're not getting enough water or sun and aren't especially happy.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Beautiful pinks and purples and neons, oh my!
    It is nice that summer is finally making an appearance here; not complaining esp when I hear how hot and dry it has been in other parts of the country.
    The waterfall shot is so peaceful looking. Bet it was a nice hike to get there.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Permission granted, Grace! I've been feeling the same way the past few weeks...I just walk around feeling so amazed at the bounty around me...and I haven't been able to focus enough to blog on anything!!! I adore absolutely EVERYTHING in your post...just stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  19. How do I spell relief from the heat and humidity! A visit to the NW and then when I return home~a visit to Grace's garden! You have bragging rights for sure~Everything is gorgeous. gail

    ReplyDelete
  20. Grace,

    The pinks and the purples are so beautiful. I have never had luck with lupines but yours is lovely.

    Eileen

    ReplyDelete
  21. Grace your garden is looking fabulous. I love your flowers. Silver Falls looks so beautiful and cool, a welcome sight, as we are roasting here today.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Grace,
    Brag away!! lovely photos, especially of the Stachys Monnieri 'Hummelo' and the Clematis 'Multi-blue'. I have a multi-blue, but it didn't perform well this year.

    glimpsesofglory-karen.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a beautiful waterfall Grace. You know I love them since they are all around me here. LOL!
    The Lupine is so pretty. I wish I could grow the things.
    But I love the Purple Betony. What a pretty one.
    This has been one hot month here too but I am not going to complain after all of the bellyaching I did last winter and spring.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Loving all the blue !!!
    That Jolly Bee sure is a keeper,didn't realize there are so many different geraniums.

    ReplyDelete
  25. You know I LOVE that lupine, mostly I've got purple but when a red shows up it is the star attraction. You've got a great colors going on, beautiful and now we are having the sunshine to make them pop even more.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Grace, I have to say ...I can't feel to sorry for you not being able to grow the Tupa or Mel. Not when you have sooo... many lovely plants.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Love your lupine! When I lived in New Brunswick on the east coast, lupines grew wild everywhere, including the ditches between the highways so I've always had a soft spot for them.

    BTW, that waterfall is a stunner. Nothing like Mother Nature for creating water features! lol :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Permission to brag, of course, but please have permission to exult, in addition! Your lovely pink-themed blooms are a fitting reward for what I know is lots of love and attention to the plants earlier in the year. This is such a lovely month in Oregon, made all the sweeter after our extended spring weather. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for being here! Your comments feed my soul.