I am so happy to announce that both of my Maypop are blooming beautifully.

Like all passionflowers, the blooms only last one day. But they are glorious in full flower. Now.. you may recall that I said I was waiting for the pink one to bloom… and that one on the left is decidedly purple in my view.

Now.. one of three things happened.. either I got the species version (not a hybrid) which is purple, this is a pink “variation” which apparently can happen (though pink is used loosely in this case), or the website grossly misled with their photos.

This is the picture from the website. Now.. based on internet descriptions, I think I got the species version – specifically because they mention the banded fringe, which mine has the pink advertised one doesn’t seem to have.

Either way they are stunning and I’m so glad I added them to my collection of native plants. It’s unlikely I’ll get any fruit this year, or if I do that it will have time to ripen. But as the roots mature, they will put out bigger, stronger vines, and more flowers each year. I’ve got them growing up the east side of the catio fence, so they will provide a nice bit of morning shade to the boys during one of their favorite times to be outside.

Another stunner is this beautiful dahlia! It’s called Wizard of Oz, and it’s a ball dahlia. It will get paler as the bloom matures, and becomes reminiscent of Glinda’s gown. I have three of these plants. Two are still in pots, and I need to get them out in the garden. And then remember to dig the tubers up before the frost!

Sunflowers continue to brighten our days. And let me tell you – I am never having a garden without sunflowers ever again! They are just so cheerful!

Chopping Back the False Sunflower in the front garden has really let the Pink Princess Butterfly bush shine. As you see, she had very full, large panicles of flowers. They only other butterfly bush I have that compares in size, is White Profusion, which is out back on the back fence.

I know I gushed about my spotted bee balm before, but I really just can’t get over how wonderful it is! I want MORE of it!

I recently cut back my perennial sweet peas, and they’ve rewarded me with another flush of flowers. I have two colours – a bold pink, and this lovely white with touches of mauve! The perennial sweet peas don’t’ have any scent, but I find them much easier to grow than the annual ones.

The days are noticeably shorter, and the nights are getting cooler….

Soon enough the 2026 garden will come to an end. But for now, we’re just going to sit and soak up the beauty!