Holy cow, it's wet around here! The Philadelphia area had record rainfall on the 28th of July; Philly recorded - I kid you not - over 8 inches of rain in one night! I live about fifteen miles outside of town, and we got a good 4 1/2 inches here. There was a bit of flooding, though not as bad as some other nearby areas.
The net result in the garden is lots and lots of new buds. I had been feeding and fertilizing anyway, so with all the additional rain, the garden is doing the happy dance! This morning I cut some Oranges and Lemons blooms, some Mardi Gras blooms, and one divinely scented Mr. Lincoln. I mixed in one JFK, some white dianthus, and my last Shasta daisy for contrast, and have a sweet little posy on my dining room table.
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| I finally caught a Swallowtail in flight! |
I expect lots of pretty next week, too; the JFK has a few nice, fat buds that should be ready by then. The Mardi Gras, my big producer right now, is budded up all over! Hypnotize has one bud that should be opening in a few more days, and one on the way. My George Burns (which I am starting to suspect is actually a mis-marked Rock & Roll - there is NO yellow!) has one nice bloom, but it's a center flower and too short of stem to cut. There are plenty of buds growing around it, though, so after I remove it I think I'll get some real beauties - whoever they really are.
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| George? Rock? Not sure. . . |
My Papageno and Harry Wheatcroft arrived looking quite happy. I put them together in a pot to get some more growing time on them. Being 1st-year bands, I'm not expecting any bloom this year; just letting the little guys grow.
Osiria has been markedly quiet. I suspect that she's been investing in her root system, so I've been making sure to give her lots of water. I just this week noticed a few new shoots growing, so there's hope for one more bloom this season - maybe two if I get lucky! Scentimental has also been quiet, and suffering from a bout of black spot. She seems to be starting a recovery, and lots of shoots are popping out.
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| Dis is Mah Roes |
I turned 40 yesterday, and spent the morning reflecting and giving lots of love to the garden. The connection felt very spiritual and loving of the Earth; it was wonderful. I shot a bunch of photos and was blessed by visits from butterflies, dragonflies, and a hummingbird. Marveling at the beauty of nature is a lovely way to start your morning - and your 4th decade!
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| Hummingbird Breakfast |
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