We've made it through August and survived with the minuscule amounts of rain that August usually provides. Now that rains have resumed on a more frequent but still irregular basis quite a few things are blooming. Here's a look at the herb garden and the basil going to seed. I've periodically pinched off the blooms but inevitably the determination of mother nature wins.
Near the herb garden is the Caryopteris x clandonensis. It's the 'Longwood Blue' variety which are still small but will eventually grow to be rounded 3'-4' shrubs full of blue blossoms. Blue Mist shrub is a great perennial for attracting pollinators to the garden!
In the front garden you'll find the 'Autumn Joy' sedum peaking from behind a red chrysanthemum. The bees seem to really enjoy the 'Autumn Joy' sedum! In the foreground you can see the foliage of a hollyhock I started from seed this year. Hopefully next year it will shoot up some blooms.
The next small collection of photographs comes from out 'Oranges and Lemons' Gaillardia. It's been a powerhouse bloomer this summer. Even though a significant number of blooms have gone to seed it is still producing multiple blooms to enjoy. It's a butterfly magnet, not bad for a former discount plant!
Now for a look at the wilder side of our garden. On our northern edge of the property is a small naturalized area with mostly grasses. Within those grasses you can find a few blooming wildflowers. The goldenrod is blooming even stronger this week than last!
Other plants blooming but not pictured in this post: Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna', Salvia longispicata x farinacea 'Mystic Spires', Impatiens, Coleus, Hostas, Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), Chrysanthemums (red and yellow), Morning glory, Asters, and Zinnias.