DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

The dog days of summer are definitely here! (see pic below)

At this time of year I am tired and so is my garden.  We have had rain all around us but none here.  I am hopeful though that we will get some this week.  I am thankful though that some flowers thrive in these xeric conditions. 

LIMELIGHT HYDRANGEA

RUDBECKIA "GOLDSTRUM" AKA BLACKEYED SUSAN, OSTRICH FERN AND SHASTA DAISIES

RUDBECKIA "TRILOBA" OR BROWN EYED SUSAN

MORE RUDBECKIA, PURPLE PHLOX AND AGASTACHE "TUTTI FRUITTI"

I have been working on my woodland/shade garden in the past few weeks and it's really taking shape.  I'll post my progress soon.  Till then I'll have to steal my tolerable moments in the garden and wait for the next act and the flowers/foliage it brings..FALL!

St. Louis Botanical Garden

We are back from our 3 day trip to St. Louis.  The last day there we visited their botanical garden.  We were blessed with an overcast day and not miserably hot temps.  Here are some highlights.

THE SECRET GARDEN

VICTORIAN GARDEN

DAYLILY GARDEN

LOVED THE GLASS SCULPTURES IN THE FOUNTAIN!

GLEN IS COOLING OFF IN THE MISTERS...

I took many individual flower pics for my own reference.  Here are a few I thought were neat-o.

FIRECRACKER FLOWER "ORANGE MARMALADE"

DAYLILY "PARDON ME"...LOOK HOW SMALL!

ROSE "STRIKE IT RICH"

We visited the famous St. Louis Arch and Anheuser Busch factory, ate tons of food (Lamberts--yum) and did some shopping.  Glen is such a sweetie...he took me to the Lowe's near our hotel and I hit a honey-hole of plants!  I got several clearance plants...variegated yucca (3.62), 3 evergreens (1.00 each) and a pygmy red barberry to replace the one Glen mowed down this spring (4.25)!  We took the scenic route home (off the interstate) and I got to hit an antique mall.  Can life get any better?? 

VACATION: A Tiny Glimpse of Retirement

Hello from Utopia!  Tomorrow starts my first full day of 9 days off work!  What shall I do I ask myself?  It stretches out before me seemingly without end.  We're travelling to St. Louis for 3 days next week.  Hope to take in the Arch, Botanical Garden and maybe see the Bellefontaine cemetery plus anything else we have time for.  I saw a garden show about the St. Louis Botanical Garden and it looks like my kinda place.  Since the humidity has been lower I am back in love with my garden again.  I have been enjoying some late season blooms and garden views. 
Phlox "Peppermint Twist"----

Hydrangea "Cityline Paris"---

Watermelon "Sugar Baby" is definitely my baby and first attempt at growing watermelons- ever!

Is "cottage garden" a synonym for "eclectic mess??"  I sure hope so.

Pond - I like to keep my tropical looking plants segregated to this area.

I think the Tiger lillies look like fireworks (how appropriate)!

These orange daylillies are real troopers and the most vivid orange.

The spring house depends on foliage for interest right now.

This white rose was a "foundling" 2 years ago and started from a cutting.  It gives a shot of coolness right about now that is desperately needed. 

So whatever your 4th of July holiday plans are...make sure you get out and see what's blooming in your garden.  Like fireworks..those blooms are  here today and gone tomorrow in a flash!