Well without a doubt we are into high summer now. July as always has been a busy month both in the garden and with various trips away. The high temperatures these past few weeks have brought on the hot red and yellow colours. In particular the heleniums, my favourite, rudbeckias (blackeyed susans), sunflower as well as the hydrangea paniculata. I think the hydrangea has doubled in size and is heavily laden with blooms.
Despite the heat, the containers and hanging baskets continue to flourish. I particularly like the orange/red nasturtium that I grew from seed. Along with the calendulas, pansies and red geraniums, my large container stands out in the patio area. I also like garden accents so the latern goes well in this spot. 
The shasta daisies are fading now. I have a number of clumps in the garden beds. Earlier in the month they contrasted well with the phlox, salvia, lavender and my light pink hydrangea.
Sadly my sweet peas didn’t do too well this year. I am not sure if it was to do with the seeds I planted or weather related. I did manage though to get some bouquets of dark purple blooms. Just love them on the kitchen windowsill with their lovely scent.
I have already harvested my red currants and was pleased to get 6 to 7 jars of jam and have been busy picking raspberries along with my neighbour’s too. I will be busy jam making again in the next week or two in between company arriving. The peaches are starting to ripen along with some roma tomatoes in the greenhouse.
Just about a week ago my husband and I took on a big garden project. My daughter and family were moving to a new home in North Vancouver but the garden was terribly overgrown. My husband and I along with our family had fun discovering this once well cared for garden. In among the brambles we uncovered rhododendrons, many perennials and rockery plants. I even revealed a fig tree. It took a while too to return the lawn to its original state. Many bramble scratches later….
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. It is super hot here in our neck of the woods so happy to have some designated shady spots in the garden. The arbour is covered with grape vines and virginia creeper and is a great spot for eating outside.
