As we progress into the month of July the picture looks very different from this time last year when we were threatened with a nearby forest fire.  Due to varying weather patterns the garden is looking very lush and green and the blooms are very vibrant.  In particular the hydrangea paniculata has almost doubled in size with its heavy white conical flowers.

The shasta daisies and lavenders are beginning to fade but in its place come an array of summer perennials and annuals.  First up is the perennial phlox which is a great mid border plant.  I mainly have the purple blooming variety but did discover a little gem the other day at the Fintry Fair  (courtesy of Willowbrook Gardens in Armstrong – www.willowbrookgardens.ca) which has vibrant orange/pink blooms.

I am starting to get a second round of roses flowering which obviously adds to the summer colours.

The perennial gallardia (mid border) and helenium (back of border) are also in bloom and when intermixed with the annual rudbeckia make a lovely display both in the garden and in flower arrangements.

As far as the annuals are concerned, I still have poppies blooming and now the sunflowers are in flower.  I particularly like the burnt orange variety which I started from seed earlier in the year.   I almost forgot the cosmos and I have both pink and white varieties this year. 

I would say at this point the garden is looking its best.  Once the hotter temperatures do arrive, hopefully soon, the flowers and lawn tend to get very stressed.

Even though we only have a small water feature I am forever fascinated with the pond life.  We have a small number of gold-fish that almost eat out of my husband’s hand and I love watching the birds bathing.  We recently had nuthatchers nesting close by and there are plenty of orioles and black-capped chickadees to observe.  I was happy to see just the other day that my first waterlily is in bloom.   

Now is the time to relax and enjoy all of the hard work that has been put into creating this little piece of paradise.  Happy summer days.  Soon we will be busy harvesting the fruit and vegetables.