Above is a photo of what my garden is up to these days. Everything is so far ahead of where it would normally be that I can’t even remotely plan a succession of bloom. It’s futile.
I have a fondness for Monarda. You have to stay on top of it, because it can get a bit pushy, but nothing beats the tall stems and red flowers of “Jacob Cline.” It is irresistible to hummingbirds, and the plant is tall enough to keep the hummers out of the clutches of my neighbor’s incredibly annoying and predatory cat. ( I could rant for days on this subject, but I will spare you.)
And this is my new lavender, called “Grosso.” The people at the nursery assured me that if it was happy, it would overwinter just fine (it’s hardy to Zone 6). We’ll see. It is a lovely plant, though, and I like lavender near the sea. I think it’s right for the coast.
We just had some cool thunderstorms, and the light is amazing right now – brilliant sun against an inky sky. Note hummingbird feeders.
I dashed outside to snap a few, and caught this sunflower shedding some raindrops. This is a gift from my avian friends, who deposited seeds in just the right places. Thanks!
A Happy Fourth to my American readers and friends!
Digging RI 
Everything seems extra high this year. I’ve got queen anne’s lace that is six feet tall — and the sunflowers are towering.
LikeLike
6 feet! Wow! It should be a good tomato year with all this heat – I say should because you never know…
LikeLike
Bloom time is way early down here in the south, too, dn. My “garden clock” is really off this year.
I didn’t put up any hummingbird feeders this year. It would have been a constant bother keeping the nectar unspoiled in this heat. I see hummingbirds daily, though, feasting on the blossoms around the yard. I call them my organic hummers. 🙂
LikeLike
You are brave, CJ. I just can’t go through a summer without hummingbird feeders. It tok me an entire season to attract them after we moved and we now have a robust population. I adore them. (Of course, they love foraging in my garden, too!)
LikeLike
Beautiful! I especially love that sunflower. I have a couple of Monardas in my garden, and they do tend to be a little pushy, but so far I’m managed to keep them under control. They are such lovely plants. It looks like you have a beautiful view and lots of land to enjoy!
Happy 4th of July!
LikeLike
Thanks, Martha. I hope you had a great Canada Day.
Actually we have a very narrow lot, and I yearn for more privacy. Luckily, our neighbor’s properties are relatively open, so we can see the water.
LikeLike
You can see the water and smell it too! I enjoy walking in your neighborhood because it’s hard to lose the sight or the smell of the ocean. Am taking an imaginary whiff now.
Hats off to you for reminding us that it’s Independence Day. I so enjoy seeing your photos; this other side of town is definitely shady so I experience garden envy when I see your Monarda.
LikeLike
Thanks for being such a loyal reader, GP, and for your insightful comments. I guess we are never satsufied. You want more sun, while I yearn for a bit of shade.
LikeLike