orange is suddenly

coming on strong in my garden.  I like the vibrancy of the color especially paired with other colors like purple, blue & white.  I have a variety of hues, some with red tones, some with pinkish/apricot tones but all predominantly that in-your-face color.  The latest to open (and first year in my garden) are the Tiger Lilies:

 

I have them planted by the pond where, I might add, they are not reaching their full potential because it's probably shadier than they would prefer.  I was thinking they could grow to a height of 48" but these are half that at best.  That's okay tho, they are still adding some great color in the exact spot and way I envisioned.  The next orange is 'Summer skies' Echinacea:

  

You all know that I am a "pink" girl but this color (for me) tops the readily available pink Echinacea by far ~ maybe because I see a little pink mixed in??  This way, I can have both my colors.  Whoever said orange & pink don't go together was infinitely mistaken!  Look at how it mixes even more exquisitely (and subtlety) in my new 'Abraham Darby' rose:

 

Can I say (without feeling as tho I'm rubbing it in) how much I am still thrilled by finding him??  I am outside at least one time a day with the sole purpose of visiting this bush.  I cannot get enough of him.  Everything is so captivating; the scent, the colors, the lushness of the blossoms, etc., etc. 

  

These photos were taken in morning light, which I've discovered, changes the color of 'Abraham Darby' ~ afternoon light for example makes him look more pinkish?  Or maybe that's only in newly opened buds where the colors haven't washed out so much?  I'm still learning about him but it's an education I will thoroughly enjoy.  I feel I could talk and talk and talk about 'Abraham Darby' so give me a nudge when that happens and we'll move along ~ like right now.  How about another orange:

 

a really true, hot one like Asclepias.  I only have one plant but this is it's third year (or maybe fourth??) and it's really making a splash.  I have zero butterflies on it so far unlike last year when we had an abundance of painted ladies that were always adorning it.  Maybe they are just late this year because of the cool, wet weather?  We'll see.  I will have to try and take some long views of all these blossoms too but you know me, I keep my macro on until I'm forced to switch it out.  Two more bits of orange are the:

 

'Zauschneria Arizonica' which has decidedly red tones to it.  The hummingbirds eat this plant up (not really, but you know what I mean!) so I'm glad it's starting to open.  I have a pretty good grouping of these perennials up by my front door (mixed with red hot pokers) both of which can stand the heat and less water.  I leave them alone to do their thing, it seems they like it that way.  Finally, my last little speck of orange:

 

in the pond ~ one of only two goldfish that have survived (originally five were added).  I don't know if I had the water ph wrong or what but three kicked the bucket about a week after they first came to live here.  This one and another seem happy & healthy.  I was thinking about shaking them up and adding a couple more?!!  Good idea or not??

Comments

[Tyra in Vaxholm]

Lovely Kathleen...hm I would love to have a Mr. Darby too, he is gorgeous!

xoxo Tyra

[Marnie]

Hi Kathleen, I love Abe, the fragrance and those lush blooms. I'm partial to pink too, any shade. The recurved petals on the lily are so graceful. That's what I like best about them.

I have had zero luck with the pink and yellow colored coneflowers. White Swan, Mangus and the species are all I've managed to overwinter here.
Marnie

[Catherine/gardenerprogress]

I agree that orange and pink look pretty together! I love the Tiger lily! I think Abraham is the best too, really my favorite plant this year. Now I wish I planted him closer to where I could smell him.
I wouldn't be too surprised about the goldfish.
I've had some that all lived and others that only one survived. Sometimes I think it's just their health when you get them. Some people quarantine new fish before adding them to pond that already have fish. I've never done this and had no problems. I think the "feeder" goldfish tend to be the unhealthiest so those I probably wouldn't add right to the pond.

[Meems]

Hi Kathleen,
I think that orange and pink thing is an old myth... on your coneflower it is very hot, hot!

And you go right ahead and go on and on about Abraham... I can see why you would... it is a gardener's delight to have a plant you cherish in every way.

The tiger lily is just exquisite.
Meems

[Shady Gardener]

Yea! Lots of color over there! My tiger lilies are about ready to bloom (I also call them Turks Cap lilies)! My Butterfly Milkweed is going strong. I do not have that beautiful rose (go ahead, rub it in!) nor the fish. I'd bring home a couple more fish and incubate them (in an aquarium?) first.

[tina]

Orange is such a great color in the heat of the summer. I say yes on adding more fish. They'll adapt.

[Mary Beth]

I love your orange and pink combos - does that echinacea have pink stripes along the petals? so pretty! Your hot colors are perfect in this hot weather, aren't they? I wonder if I planted more blues and whites, I would feel a little cooler?

[Beckie]

Orange is the color of this month for sure. Lots of it blooming in my gardens too. I have the Sunset coneflower and love it. And my butterfly weed is in it's 2nd blooming now-but like you no butterflies?? Great pictures of all, and especially the rose. I don't blame you for visiting it often. :)

[Gail]

I love orange and pink together, and see this combination all the time with zinnias and let's not forget daylilies...The Tiger Lily is a beauty...love the recurved petals...BTW, I so totally agree, that AD is a fantastic rose and it's perfectly fine to talk about him when ever he has a gorgeous bloom. gail

[Janet]

hi Kathleen, isn't is interesting how different times of day will change the colors of our blooms? Your Tiger Lily is just great.

[Racquel]

Orange is predominant in my garden this time of the year too. Looks like you have some beautiful choices, love that Echinacea. Pretty!

[Victoria]

You can talk all you want about your Abraham Darby, and I won't complain one bit. It's so pretty. I checked our local nursery, no sales on roses as of yet.
For your pond, I'd let it go for a while if I were you, make sure the ones present are still OK before adding more.