Here we are, near mid-July. It’s hotter than Hades…. but the day lilies are thriving.

Long time readers will know I have many varieties (some not yet blooming) and I usually add more every year. In fact, this year, I’ve added five. It was a “purple” mix, so I’m not quite sure what I’ll get. I started them in pots. As soon as they bloom, and I figure out what colour mix they are, I’ll find permanent homes for them.

The “true lilies” aren’t doin quite as well.

I managed to stay on top of the Asian Lily Beetle early in the season, but as things got busy, my efforts fell off. They’ve come back with a vengence and have eaten quite a few buds. Even the ones that managed to bloom have a few holes in them.

Like the day lilies, I’ve started several new ones in pots. Six in fact. So far only one has bloomed.

It’s called Lady Alice. It’s a Turks Cap Lily (petals curl backwards). It only got one bloom, and sadly it was half eaten. But it’s still quite pretty.

There are still more lilies to come, depsite the beetles efforts.

My daisies are blooming and looking beautiful!

The other day, Araignee posted about some Susans she didn’t realize were Susans. There are many varieties out there and I have several in my garden.

But I still can’t get over the size of the blooms of the ones I have along the front walkway. They are easily as big as my hand.

I absolutely adore the multi-coloured ones I have!

One of the really stars of this summer is looking to be the coneflower.

They are all so robust and bright this year!

The Tickseed (AKA Coreopsis) are starting to shine too.

These are just two of the dozen or so varieties I have.

And I still can’t get over how amazing the annual poppies have done.

They are all just blooming their little hearts out!

The pansies in the front boxes are still thriving… and some little Johnny Jump Up have popped up in each box! No idea where tehy came from because they certainly weren’t there when I first planted them! I think it will be pansies in the front boxes from here on out – they’ve done so well!

The gardens are so amazing this year! I wish I could bring you all around for a personal, guided tour!