Summer Surprises

Summer has been a continuation of the drought that has been hovering here for some time. Record heat has us in it's grip. Since there isn't a thing I can do about this I have decided to try to take the high road and tell you about all the fun surprises I have found in the garden thus far. I will try not to complain, much. After all we haven't had fire or flood to deal with. It could be worse right??

During a drought you certainly learn to appreciate succulents that you might be growing. Of course Hens and chicks are common but when they put on a show of blooms you forget all about that.

 One of my favorite succulents this year are the Echiveraias that have inhabited this pot for the past 18 months or so. They are the first plant that I have had luck growing in one of these pots. I have tried several different strawberry pots and different plants all without success until this combination. The Echiveraias are growing and I think a couple of them are even going to bloom for me.

Another nice combination is this hollyhock and clematis that are blooming together. I am sorry that I can't take credit for anything other than planting the clematis. The hollyhock chose this spot to grow and the clematis is taking fair advantage of a taller structure to climb.

 This hollyhock is TALL. Here is a picture of me standing by it. I am 5'6" tall and the hollyhock towers over me. And yes, that clematis is that blue even though it normally isn't. It's deep blue must be another affect of the drought.

I admit that I bought some Oriental Lily bulbs from a big box store. I have said before that I wasn't going to do that anymore due to the disappointment they often are. When I opened the package I told myself...here we go again. Such little ole bulbs didn't look promising.

I am glad I went ahead and planted them. They have all emerged and just take a look at this beauty.

I know I am not the only one that likes them either. 

The blackberries are fighting valiantly trying to produce enough berries for our new supply of  jelly. Unfortunately after I picked a nice bowl of berries they seemed to think that was quite enough.

Instead of having enough for a mess of jelly I just have enough for a generous topping on my cereal or better yet on ice cream. Aaaa, you will have to excuse me I think the ice cream man is calling. 

Do you have any surprises in your garden this summer?