what I'm liking today

in the garden (of course!) ~ 'Red Caroline' Delphinium opening it's first blooms:

Third year in my garden ~ still not increasing in size but really not planted in optimum conditions either (too much shade).  I'm just happy it continues to stay true to the red coloring.  

Another new "red" just beginning to bloom ~ Monarda didyma 'Cambridge Scarlet:'

Aaah, I know when they open, it's just about time for the hummingbirds to arrive!  Seeing their blooms opens a chasm within me tho as I am torn between being sad that summer is nearly halfway over but eager to see them again for the finale.

Backtracking for a moment to Friday's post, another pairing I forgot to include that day are Violet Tubeflowers and yellow (unknown) Sunflowers:

 

It's hard to be anything but pleased with a yellow and purple color palette.  It will also be interesting to see if the hummingbirds are drawn to these tubular flowers (since they're new to my garden) ~ I'm thinking the answer will be a resounding "yes!"

Not one individual thing but an entire bed (on the north shady side of the house) is really electrifying (in a calm, soothing way) right now.  Below you can see a slice of its contents ~ Ligularia dentata 'Othello' (top right), with hosta, fern, heuchera, chelone (in the very background) and Campanula punctata 'Cherry Bells' in the foreground.  I desperately need to take a wider angle.  The shade container that you can also see is home to my prize Colocasia 'Mojito' ~ one of two "hort couture" plants I managed to snag early in the season.

 

Doesn't matter what the temperature is, it always looks cool and inviting in that corner.  A great effect on a sizzling day....

Comments

[Nancy Bond]

Oh, that red delphinium is simply beautiful! And your shady corner of the garden really is...cool! :)

[RobinL]

There you go, teasing me with those Violet Tubeflowers again. I've never seen anything like them in local greenhouses. My attempt to google the species, only leads me to your blog, and not the real name! I think my buddleia is early this year, but I'll have to dig through last year's photos to be sure. September is my prime butterfly month, but this year it's already a party out there.

[Shady Gardener]

Very pretty, very relaxing place over there! :-)

I messed up and didn't get a photo of the completely blooming filipendula! I'll see what I can do about a post soon, anyway. :(

[Northern Shade]

I haven't seen red delphiniums before. I love delphiniums, but can't grow them anymore as the leaf tiers always got them.

I love your shady nook, so pretty, full of beautiful leaves, and those showy Campanula. Colocasia 'Mojito' is really eye-catching with those big leaves and dark colour.

[Kala]

Beautiful image of the red delphinium - the color and depth of field are lovely.

[Joy]

Kathleen girl ! I have lost track of you .. I have been caught up in so many things going on here my blog reading is almost zeroed out .. BIG sigh !
Your new header picture is beautiful : ) Guess what ? .. I threw in the towel even with that good looking passion flower vine from Home Depot .. it stalled and turned a yellowish colour the flower buds just dropped off .. total loser ! .. Did I tell you that my on line garden company gave me credit for the May Pop that didn't "pop" ? LOL .. I have JP Connell rose and it is a beauty .. I think I will give up passion flowers for a WHILE !! LOL
Joy

[tina]

Such pretty flowers. Your north side bed sounds like it has great pairings.

[marnie]

Hi Kathleen, you always have lovely flowers that I never see anywhere else. The violet tubeflowers are lovely and I've never seen a red delphinium.

I'm in the process of creating a little shady niche. Hope it turns out as well as yours.
Marnie

[Racquel]

I wasn't aware there was a red Delphinium, so pretty. That's a tricky color for me in the garden, but it does stand out from a distance in this bright sunlight. :)