I sure feel like my posting this summer is not keeping pace with the garden. Whether it shows or not, I honestly HAVE been using my camera (almost) every single day but just don't go the extra step of uploading & blogging. Today I thought I'd pick a handful of recent images in an attempt to bring you abreast of current happenings.
As the post title indicates, delphiniums are the latest perennial to bloom. They are planted in the same protected area as the foxgloves:
Towering giants, wouldn't you say ~ much taller than in summers past ~ I'm guessing almost six foot?? As a precaution (against the wind we've been receiving all too frequently) I've staked the tallest stalks. Hopefully they can retain their impressive stature for a longer period of time that way...
I am a little worried about my pink specimen since it hasn't made an appearance yet? I hope it's not lost.... For now there is only the white with green bee (eye):
and the gorgeous pale lavender plant:
I'm not giving up tho.
Something else beginning to come on strong are the Monardas.
I thought I had only planted 'Blue Stocking' and 'Jacob Cline' in this new back bed, imagine what a nice surprise to find pink mingled in!
It must have been a tag mix-up at the nursery but now that it's here, I'm happy. The Monardas generally begin blooming about the time hummingbirds show up. That works out pretty much perfectly, doesn't it? I would say we are right on schedule too, despite a cooler than usual spring. I wouldn't be surprised to see one anyday.
Something new to my garden ~ or at least I haven't ever observed them before ~ is a Mourning Cloak Butterfly:
I happened to notice him while doing some late planting. Lucky for me, he stayed put while I ran and got the camera! I think I would have walked on by if his wings were closed ~ he's fairly "non-descript" in that position but once they flutter open, those iridescent blue spots are very eye-catching.
I had just sprayed the new plantings so I think he was sipping up moisture drops from the fallen rose petal (that light colored blob in front of him)? Now that I know he's here, I hope I will spot him again in the garden.
I've selected Penstemon 'whippleanus' for the last image in this post:
Isn't that a gorgeous tubular bloom? This penstemon is unique in that it's quite tolerant of shade, not their normal "M.O." My clump has been growing (and spreading) nicely for several years now receiving only morning sun. It's a good option if your garden has limited full sun but you still want to grow these beauties.
Now I better get scooting. I hope your garden is growing well and not as infested with mosquito's as mine. We are having the biggest outbreak in years due to a very wet May followed by warm weather in June. ugh. Where are the bats??!!!
Oh how pretty they are Kathleen. Girl how do you keep them standing so straight. LOL!
Posted by: Lona | July 07, 2011 at 09:56 AM
Beautiful garden, Kathleen. I can't get Delphs to grow here so I'm admiring yours from afar. Lovely penstemon too. Nice butterfly too.
Posted by: Grace | July 07, 2011 at 10:25 AM
Your delphiniums and penstemon look wonderful! Your Monarda is probably 'Marshall's Pink'. It looks lovely with 'Blue Stocking'.
We were having a lot of trouble with mosquitos earlier until the weather turned drier in June.
Posted by: sweetbay | July 07, 2011 at 10:43 AM
I envy your Delphiniums & Foxgloves. Never had much luck with either one, but yours look just like the photos I've seen in magazines. And that butterfly is a new one on me, never seen his type in my area either. :)
Posted by: Racquel | July 07, 2011 at 01:01 PM
foxfgloves i can grow, delphs are a lost cause. my sister grew delphs in Wyoming, loved them as well as yours.
Posted by: Greggo | July 07, 2011 at 03:52 PM
in regards to the comment you made on my xeriscape post. actually my foxgloves are in my moderate watering zone. I only have one dry zone, xeric. I call it the hellstrip.
Posted by: Greggo | July 07, 2011 at 08:59 PM
Love the color and detail in the last photo Kathleen.
You have so many beautiful perennials growing in your garden!
Posted by: Kala | July 08, 2011 at 02:46 AM
Your delphinium are BEAUTIFUL! The blue ones are very special to us as they were one of our wedding flowers. Love all of your photos - the butterflies are lovely as well. Your garden looks like it's a real showstopper.
Posted by: Cathy | July 08, 2011 at 12:15 PM
They are as tall as my okras but what a beauty those two colours! Your photos are great!
Posted by: p3chandan | July 09, 2011 at 12:30 AM
I just planted my first delphinium. I got it half price at Wal-Mart:-) I hope I can keep it alive. I don't have your green thumb!
Posted by: Nancy Anderson | July 09, 2011 at 12:30 PM
That is one gorgeous penstemon, I've never heard of one for shade before. Very nice butterfly.
I'm jealous of your delphiniums, I've never had luck with them. This year I was given some starts and since they're still alive!, I'm optimistic for next year.
Posted by: Victoria | July 09, 2011 at 07:14 PM
Your delphiniums are beautiful! Love your Monarda, too. I need some for my garden! But that mourning cloak butterfly is amazing! I have not seen one in my garden. Your photos of it are wonderful!
Posted by: Holley | July 11, 2011 at 06:42 AM
Kathleen, Your delphinium are just beautiful!
Posted by: Jennifer | July 14, 2011 at 09:15 PM