June--Such a Pretty Month

How can you not love the garden in June? The bugs are still relatively small. The plants still have that fresh look. And there is still so much yet to look forward to. I've still got areas that need mulch and there are a few plants that still need to be put in the ground but overall, I can just relax now and enjoy the fruits of my earlier labors. 

This species hardy Orchid Gladiolus blooms happily. I wish the others I've planted were as delightful. 

Orchid Gladiolus

While two of my three daughters and I were at a farm stand looking at strawberries, we found this Portulaca. Such a pretty thing. And although I try to avoid buying too many annuals, this one had to come home with me.

Portulaca oleracea 'Purslane Pazazz™  Fuchsia'

All three of my two-plus year old Coreopsis 'Mercury Rising' began blooming on the same day.
They will continue to push out flowers until fall.

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Teller Red'

New to me this year, Nasturtium Tropaoleum majus 'Tip Top Alaska Red'
On this one, it's more about the foliage than the flower.

Showy Milkweed Asclepias incarnata 'Cinderella'
Can you see the bee?

Stachys lavandulifolia -- the first bloom.

This Penstemon is very happy.

I finally succumbed to purchasing a Digiplexis when I saw this healthy specimen for $7.99. I'm going to keep it in a pot and bring it indoors should the mercury fall below its comfort zone. That's my plan anyway.

Digiplexis 'Illumination Flame'

Silene armeria from seed

Salvia 'Wendy's Wish' successfully wintered-over last year.

Clematis 'Madame Julia Correvon' just keeps pumping out more blooms.

Remember last week when I was all excited about my blooming Ixia? Here is a photo to remind you.

Ixia blossom during the day

Well, look what happens after the sun goes down. The flowers take on a different look as the petals close up.

Ixia blossom after sundown.

Check out the cool stripes on my Ornamental Corn. I purchased the seed here.

Ornamental Striped Corn.

Finally, a few critters. 

My first sighting is a highly controversial critter. People don't like this poor guy because he eats people's plants. Bad. But after his tummy is full, he spins a cocoon and sleeps and then wakes up with wings that go a bazillion miles an hour and has a new name--the Sphinx Moth. A very cool, almost mystical creature of the nighttime garden. 

I've never seen a Tomato Hornworm in my garden but I spotted this guy hanging out at a nursery. And guess what. He was eating a weed. Yes, a stupid, silly weed! Despite having over an acre of lusty, tasty plants to choose from, his preference was a weed growing just off the parking lot. Bless his little green heart. 

Tomato Hornworm

If you ever come across a Tomato Hornworm, please don't kill it. Just move it to a delicious looking weed and carry on. 

Our froglets are getting bigger and stronger. Here is one sleeping on the Calla foliage. Still very tiny.

From a distance...

Close up.
Isn't he just the cutest thing ever?

And finally... a waking Bumblebee on the Lysimachia.

Love this little guy.

I hope you are enjoying your gardens, the flora and the fauna.