I Had Raspberries For Dinner

YEP, IT'S TRUE. WITH CLEAR, blue sky to entice me and my workday behind me, I ventured into the garden and had my raspberry fill. Of course the evening was all the more pleasant thanks to a happy and adamant robin gracing the garden with birdsong.  

'Autumn Gold' produces fruit all summer and well into fall. 

And 'Autumn Bliss' is an equally prolific producer. 

The weather people have declared this June as the third wettest on record here in western Oregon. While the rain has been good for the garden, I can't help feel pangs of sadness over the horrific fires raging in Colorado. I sure wish I could magically send them our rains.  

Fireweed 

A few years ago, I dug up a single stem of a Fireweed plant among a modest clump on a roadside. I stuck it in a pot and forgot about it. Last year, I got a single flower panicle which solved the question I had about what mystery plant was growing in that pot. This year, there are two panicles so far and several more to come. I know this is a weed and all but I really love these flowers.  

Alstroemeria 

More June bloomers...

Bletilla striata or Hardy Orchid

A serendipitous combination: 'Belle Etoile' Philadelphis (Mock Orange)
 and Nepeta subsessilis  

Veronica longifolia 'Evelyn' or was it 'Sonja'? leans into the pathway.
Behind it is Phygelius 'Cherry Ripe.' They seem to be competing with each other
to see who can trip a passerby first. 

My Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica 'Purpurea' is blooming. It smells heavenly.

One of my deciduous ferns. Although it's a little late emerging, I love the color of the new foliage.

One of the corners where I keep a bunch of plants. 

Clemmy 'Julia Correvon' in full regalia. 

The Berberis foliage is a dead match for the splotchy chevron in the Persicaria 'Painter's Palette.' 

My Darmeria peltata is huge thanks to all the rain. The Callas are starting to bloom. 

And finally, the photo below is a drive-by. I had to capture these Eremurus or Foxtail Lilies growing at one of the entrances to the university campus. The school's colors are orange and black. I don't have any Eremurus in my garden which makes these all the more special.  

As always,

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.