July in the garden

I started this post 7 days ago & exactly like July, the week slipped by in a blink of an eye.

Before I lose track of any more time, a quick catch-up of the garden.

I'm happy to report that very slowly a few bumblebees have shown up.  Even some tiny ones lately.

It was alarming how scarce they were earlier in the summer.

July is always the biggest month for baby birds in my garden and this year is no exception. 

A nest of baby Robins fledged and immediately made themselves at home on my front patio.  This little one was on my front step!

The dearest babies ~ to my heart ~ are the baby Bullock's Orioles.  They are chattering all around the garden and curious about everything. 

I had so many adults visit the feeder this summer until something broke it earlier this week.  I haven't replaced it because it's so near to the time they'll be migrating south but I hope that's not a mistake.

The noisiest babies by far are the Blue Jay fledglings.  They are almost the same size as their parents but their behavior distinguishes them every time.  These photos are not the best but I wanted to share anyway because it shows how they stick together ~ where one goes, the other follows.  Almost in synchrony.  Above they are waiting for one of the parents to come down & feed them.

From birds to flowers:  The 'Elodie' Lilies (still my favorite) were first to bloom and seemed to be over in a flash.

I think the heat may have contributed??  The first 16 days of the month were all above 90 degrees, close to triple digits even.

Luckily others have jumped in to take their place.  'Black Beauty' ~ an heirloom species lily is currently very showy.

They have thrived in spite of neglect and not the most optimal of conditions which is a big plus for them & the gardener (me!)

'Salmon Star' Oriental Lilies are also blooming.

I plant more of these every year but I don't know what happens ~ when it comes time for them to bloom, I'm lucky if I get one or two.

Finally, the Chinese Trumpet Lilies ~ whose specific name eludes me at the moment.

A towering presence of pink.  Just lovely.

and then ~ ta da ~  I have Artichokes in the garden once again!  It's probably the first time in six years.  :)  

I forgot how much I missed them.

The birds gifted me with some sunflowers in the front garden.  I didn't plant them but I sure am thrilled to have them.  What is it about sunflowers that are just so "happy?!!?" 

Summer is flying by way too fast.  I know it's unlikely but I hope August will drag its feet a little!

 

 

Comments

[Joy]

Hi Kathleen : )
Love seeing all the insects and baby birds .. our second batch of baby robins just left the nest yesterday, although they stay close to the back garden still .. I think it is hilarious the Blue Jay kids are so noisy .. they truly ARE ! LOL
Thankfully some plants seem to survive this heat and drought thing. I have to say I still can't wait until Autumn, guilt guilt !

[Beth @ PlantPostings]

Sweet birds and bees. :) 'Elodie' is my favorite among the lilies you've shared. Wowza! My daughter spent most of July in Denver and she said it was very brown. She was glad to get back to green here, though she wasn't here for the high heat and humidity we had earlier in the summer (and it's coming back now). I hope you will get some needed rain.