Blooms August 2024

 

Amazing survivor, that lily.  It has survived in this garden for more than ten(!) years, in a climate unsuitable for it.  Accidental good luck.  It doesn't appear every year, and it doesn't flower every year.  Three flowers this time, on a towering 16" tall stalk. 

Still a few side shoots flowering on the Foxgloves.  Most are ready to be pulled. 

Bee with 'Blank and Blue' Saliva:

Eucomis 'Sparkling Burgundy':

'Iceberg' rose with Leucandendron 'Harlequin':

No flowers, just new growth on Leucandedron 'Harlequin':

They may not be blooms, but they have bloomin' great color:

Pelargonium peltatum:

 The sun-baked front bank is not without flowers.  Arabian Aloe dhufarensis loves sun-baking:

 Several Yucca 'Bright Star's are sending up stems:

Agave parrasana is opening slowly and gradually, one fat nectar-dripping cluster at a time.  Perhaps its strategy gives the flowers every possible opportunity to be pollinated throughout the entire summer monsoonal season, when the pollinator population waxes and wanes.

 Plenty of nectar and pollen for bees of all kinds:

Speaking of bees,  Bumbles on their favorite Salvia, 'Mystic Spires Blue':

This one appears to have slept through the night on Hemerocallis 'Strawberry Candy'--I caught sight of it, wet with dew, out in the garden just after sunrise.

After a few minutes, it woke up and flew off.

 

Speaking of Hemerocallis, 'Sabine Bauer': 

Hydrangea flowers that began as a mauvy-pink are now burgundy:

 These 'Endless Summer's that started pink or lavender are currently green:

These started as the palest blue.  Coleus below:

 Above the Coleus, 'Begonia 'Irene Nuss':

The Lagerstroemias begin.  'Dynamite':

 'Cherry Mocha':

'Ebony Blush':

 'Ebony Flame':

Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer':

This next compact Alstroemeria grew well from late winter into late spring, but never flowered.  It vanished for a few weeks then returned. with blooms.  I guess it forgot the first time.

Clematis 'Arabella':

Sprekelia:

'Princess Alexandra of Kent':

 Zephyranthes starting to flower:

 As are lots of Cosmos and Dahlias, joyful flowers that combat the August garden blahs. 

Little spots of bright color amidst a sea of green is a fine thing in August

 

The Cosmos were worth the wait.  They created a tallish, airy screen, wave caps in a green sea.

I did not plan to do Zinnias this summer, but in late July, seeing a few coming up from seed fallen last year, I planted a few more from last year's leftover packet.

Volunteer that appeared in the strawberry bed:

The leftover seeds produced nine healthy, rapidly growing plants.  Three into the strawberry bed to keep the volunteer company, and the rest down in the gully near the young Valencia orange tree, joining seven Salvias, a Cuphea, and a Lavender, all short lived plants that will have a good life before the Valencia grows and kills them with shade. 

The Zinnias will be flowering soon.  

Considering it's hot and August, the garden isn't too bad.   I picked a stem of 'Rouge Royale' roses for the house--they would have fried in just hours outdoors. 

I was able to enjoy their perfume while making this post.
 

Happy blooms!