The China aster above is the only survivor of the seeds I planted this spring. I need to be more aggressive in eradicating gastropods, especially those huge nasty brown slugs. Where's that garter snake that I found in the compost last month?
Although I've been planting "Thai Silk" seeds for a few years, this is the first time that I've noticed them blooming. Planting them in a container that I see every day helps.
Although it's not too lush yet, this "Mutabilis" rose shows how it got its name. The flower buds are orangeish, then change with age to a deep pink. I had fallen in love with it at Fickle Hill Old Rose Nursery in May, but they didn't have any ready for sale. My friend Holly got one for me from her mother, who seems to have the knack for sticking a cutting in soil and getting it to root. My Mutabilis surprised and pleased me when I went out a week or two ago, and found several blossoms.
Many of the heaths and heathers are beginning to bloom. Along with the thyme-leafed fuchsia, abelia and French lavender, these offer some late season forage for the bees.
The naked lady amaryllis have had a brief reign, signaling the start of school. I think that I need to divide mine, because they just aren't blooming as wildly as in years past. The hostas are already done, and need another application of Sluggo to keep the gastropods from devouring them completely. I call hostas "snail candy".
Many flowers are fading, and I need to finish deadheading them. There was one fresh gladiolus remaining. The English lavenders are mostly done, though the bees know how to find a little more nectar from them. This week I plan to replace a couple of old rangy plants with fresh new ones. I also plan to try my hand at propagating some from slips.
The "King" apples are ripening, and I picked a basketful this weekend. Some have a condition called "watercore", but ought to be fine for juicing. Maybe it's time for applesauce, too.
It's termite flying season, and that means it's also pumpkin spider season. These orb weavers are around all spring and summer, but don't get big until about now, when the insect harvest is good. Unfortunately they are also dining on some of my honeybees, but I can't get too stingy with my helpful garden occupants. The webs of the pumpkin spiders grow as they do, and I have to walk through the garden with one hand in front of my face. Fortunately they seem to train well, and stop building across a certain space after having a web or two removed.
We had the first significant rain for the season on Sunday. A heavy mizzle last week didn't count. Maybe things will start greening up again soon, and I won't have to water so often.
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