Blissful Confusion

Let me explain. When it was sunshine and cloudless, blue sky day in and day out--the typical Oregon summer--it was a given that I needed to religiously haul the hose around and provide much needed hydration for my plants. But then clouds rolled in and teased me with ideas of downpours and soggy soil. Empty promises, mostly. Despite the rainy-looking clouds, I'm still hauling the hose around. Just not as often.

Rudbeckia 'Cherry Brandy' in front of Calamagrosis x acutiflora 'El Dorado'

Dahlia 'Sayonara' I think

Dahlia 'Fatima'

Dahlia 'Mystic Dreamer'

Dahlia 'Wildcat'

Dahlia 'Ivanhoe'

Dahlia .... can't remember the name...
I like the variable petal colors.

See? Some of the flowers are pure white.

Here's another NOID... the petals are dark purple underneath and lighter up top.

It has nice form but I'm not sure if that color is bright enough (or pink enough) for me.

Dahlia 'Dutch Explosion' or is it?

Dahlia 'Juanita'
I love that this blossom is exactly like the pink one above,
only deep red.

Dahlia 'Otto's Thrill' I'm not sure if it's my thrill though...

Clematis 'Haizawa' has been blooming since June. 

I have been cutting off the seed heads and keeping the soil moist.
And this is my reward!

Clematis heracleifolia

Clematis heracleifolia

Epilobium fleisheri

Geranium pretense 'Double Jewel' and Leptodermis oblonga

Both are reblooming!

Pelargonium 'Apple Blossom' before the little bud worms took over

Fuchsia 'Olympics Sunset'

This is one of those impulse purchases. Obviously a double fuchsia which I don't typically
go for. But I love the colors. The name of it escapes me.
I hope it's hardy.

Fuchsia magellianica

Fuchsia 'DeBron's Black Cherry'

Fuchsia 'DeBron's Black Cherry'

Amaranth from my friend Annie

Pink Baby's Breath Gypsophilia repens 'Rosea' 

Four O'Clocks are going crazy this year. (Mirabilis jalapa)

Salvia 'Wendy's Wish'

Salvia 'Wendy's Wish'

A few more blooms on this Loropetalum

Oreganum x 'Bristol Cross' has been blooming nonstop since June.
The bees love it.

The Asters are starting to bloom

Kiss-Me-Over-The-Gate (Polygonum orientale)

I'm very impressed with this Veronica that has been blooming nonstop since May.
Veronica spicata 'First Love'

I've pulled out most of my annual Impatiens glandulifera but a few low-growing
late-bloomers remain to satisfy the bees.

And of course it's time for the Sedums to bloom!

Last week, before the predicted rain was supposed to hit, I picked most of my
Hydrangea serrata 'Preziosa' blossoms. 

However, I left the rest of my hydrangeas.
Here is Hydrangea macrophylla 'Glowing Embers'

Now I understand the reason for the name. This photo doesn't do it justice.

Here is Hydrangea paniculata 'Pinky Winky'

 And now, for some garden shots:

Lots of amending to do in this border.

Look at my new scrap yard score! It's the lower part of a vintage, White sewing machine.

And finally, Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata) through the Seven-Son Flower's Trunks (Heptacodium).

I hope your garden is giving you many late summer pleasures!