Warm days; cool nights

I can't believe it's August already, and this post is long overdue. Everyday I hear someone complain about our summer that never was. I think many New Englanders are waiting for our typical hot blast of summer days and restless, humid nights. I am happy the way things are. I don't miss temps in the high eighties and nineties, and I definitely do not miss the muggy evenings. I think my garden is happy too-- although perhaps a bit neglected. I have been doing many short trips away-- Connecticut, northern Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Martha's Vineyard-- and I have gotten a bit behind.

Still, all of my work in the spring ensures that I still have an enjoyable place to stroll and sit.

In the back garden, my limelight tree hydrangea is what catches my eye the most right now. I planted it last year, squeezing it into a spot where it has no business growing, because I was missing one that we had to move from our driveway area. I am keeping my fingers crossed that with a mixture of luck and delicate pruning, this tree will grow taller rather than wider!

The 'Karl Foerster' feather reed grass in the background has taken on a lovely wheat color, although I'm afraid I didn't take these photos in the best light

The lilies to the right of the hydrangea add a perfect contrast

My garden has many fewer plants blooming in August, but phlox is old fashioned and reliable

I planted meadow rue last year, and I had no idea it would get this tall!

My shade garden, like most shady spots, isn't show stopping, but it lends the garden some consistency and stability

August brings glimpses of fall colors to the garden: the 'Karley Rose' fountain grass is airy and beautiful and the peony's leaves are surprisingly tinged with a hint of autumn

More signs of fall

Black-eyed Susans surround the 'Autumn Joy' sedum getting ready to bloom

I miss my lush hydrangeas in the side and front gardens; they really took a beating this winter. Happy to say, though, they are alive and as big as ever, but the blooms are scarce. I will enjoy the beautiful colors of the fewer blooms

I took care of my neighbor's potted plants last week, and it was so nice to spend time in another garden. She has a nice mix of sun and shade--as well as a super-green thumb--so she has created a true oasis. She has agreed to let me photograph her garden, and I will be posting on that very soon. Enjoy the breezy days and cool nights of early August!

So far, so good

We have had a few hot days and an occasional rainy day, but so far this summer far surpasses the unbearable heat of last summer, and it shows in the garden. The grass is green; the flowers are blooming rather than wilting, and I have only had to water the whole garden a few times.

As spring blooms have died away, there is new color from summer bloomers.

Fragrant stella de oro daylilies are a reliable source of bright color in the garden. Although each lily only lasts one day, there are so many flowers that it blooms for weeks

Unlike English daisies (which I love, but they can get a little messy) shasta daisies stand straight and tall, and they are great for cutting to bring inside

"Moonbeam" coreopsis is bright and airy, and it really fills out a space. I keep meaning to divide this one

Purple bellflower (campanula) is another favorite burst of color

Mixed together in the garden, these flowers delight. That's "Karl Foerstar" feather reed grass below. It's taller and narrower than many grasses and so easily becomes a part of a border

Daisies and the lighter yellow "Happy Returns" daylilies brighten up the fading catmint

Shasta daisies mix perfectly with pink bee balm to peek over the front fence

I planted allium bulbs for the first time last fall, and it looks like they are getting ready to bloom

Keeping my fingers crossed that we hold onto sunshine and sea breezes!

Window box sightings

I don't have window boxes, but I always feel inspired when I see them in town. They give a celebratory feel to a house, particularly around the July 4th holiday.

Today is a bit rainy, but I headed out--camera in one hand and umbrella in the other--to take a few photos.

I love all the differences in color and materials of the window boxes

I think this is my favorite-- the grayish indigo color of the box, the symmetry of the plantings, and the variations in plant height make a really appealing garden in a box

Love the cottage garden feel of this one

Many more beautiful window boxes out there, but I had to head home when the downpours really started!

Happy 4th!!

One of my favorites

One of my favorite perennials is globe thistle. It's bushy and spiky and not traditionally beautiful, but I just love its purple-blue flowers and grayish-green leaves. Globe thistle fills a big spot, and--for that reason--I planted a new one last year to fill a gap where we cut back some of our privet hedge.

I was disappointed that it didn't get as big the first year as I thought it would, but it was beautiful all the same.

This year, I'm not disappointed. It's nearly as tall as the fence and will be beautiful when it blooms

Globe thistle also reminds me of scottish thistle. Scottish thistle is everywhere in Scotland and has been its national emblem since the 15th century! I think it's impossible to walk in the Scottish countryside without coming across thistle.

Here is a foxglove growing next to a long-distance footpath sign-- marked with the scottish thistle emblem