Another busy August

I have had this Scarlet Hibiscus swamp mallow for a number of years.  If you recall, I was elated a couple of years ago when it bloomed for the first time.  Last year. it bloomed and I collected the seed.  I had noticed that the local garden center had their Scarlet's planted in their landscaping. I decided to plant her in my gardens and with any luck she would survive the winter.  Not only did she survive, but she has never put out so many blooms.  I am also happy to report that I have 4 other plants that I started from the seeds.  None of them are blooming however.  Maybe next year.  

   The first picture did not really capture the color of the blooms because the sun was so bright. 

 Last year we got a couple more Swamp Mallow plants, a red and a pink.

 The Red one was the first to bloom.

Followed by the Pink one.  I personally think it looks purple most of the time, imagine.

 Only one bloom at a time, unlike the red one.

The Purple Datura Moon plant blooms of a night.  Our blooms have been staying pretty until late morning the following day.

Here is a surprise in our garden.  I am not exactly sure what this is, but I think it is a Celosia Flamingo Flower. I cannot wait until it is in full bloom.

With my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary party right around the corner, I am watching the gardens like a hawk, to see what will be in bloom. 

Dog days of July

We are suppose to limit our outdoor activities today because we have a heat index of 110.  OMFG!  That is ridiculous.  I took the opportunity to water the plants that are in the shade, and give the dogs a bath.  Other than planting a cactus, there is not much I can do in this weather.  I have managed to go out a take a photo or two, and then run back into the house.  All kidding aside, it is much better than a foot of snow and no foliage, so I will not bitch.  Just trying to keep the gardens watered and looking good for the Anniversary party is going to be a job.  I know, an irrigation system is definitely needed.  Maybe that can be a fall or spring project, if I can figure out how to do it without spending big bucks.

Here is a few things that are going on in the gardens.

The new Hosta bed on the west side of the house.  I was given these interlocking blocks and found the perfect spot in the yard to use them.

If you recall, I started the Luna Hibiscus from seed last year.  They had a few blooms last year, but this year, they are demanding attention.

 

More Oriental Lilies

 Tiger Lilies

 Not sure what these lilies are called, but they are one of my favorites.

 She smells as good as she looks.

The Balsam impatiens that reseed themselves each year.

Pink

 Purple

 Red

The Pink Cleome has decided to get out of control, which is fine with me.

Five of the nine Canna lilies are blooming.

The Autumn Joy Clematis should be in bloom next month.

Cleome correction

Turns out we do not have two different purple Cleome plants as I had previously posted.

Purple Cleome

One of the purple plants is really pink.  Who knew.

Here are a few more Lilies that have bloomed.

Stargazer

Our 4 O'clocks are starting to bloom. 

 This is one of the last spots in the yard that needed some love.  It was time I started to do something about this eye sore. 

My sister had some Hosta's that she wanted thinned out.  Say no more, I was on it.  I am planning on putting some large paver's down under the water faucet, and I must get something to hold the garden hose.

It might be unnecessary to talk about the Plumeria cutting so soon, but I can't contain my excitement.

This is the original plant that I took the cuttings from. 

The first cutting to leaf out.

The second cutting to leaf out.

The third cutting to show signs of leafing out.

Random updates

Our Kroger Hydrangea bloom is looking better everyday.

 But unfortunately, still only one bloom.

Endless Summer Hydrangea bloom.

So far, we have only had the Purple Cleome (Spider plants) bloom.  We are keeping our eyes open for the Pink plants to bloom.  Just putting it out there, would love to have White Cleome, just sayin.

 Though they are both Purple, there is a subtle difference in color in the two plants.

The birthday Banana is coming along just fine.

Elephant ears are thriving in their new home.

 The Balsam Impatiens are waist high despite the fact that they want to wilt in late afternoon.   In my experience they just wilt when it gets too hot, regardless if they have just had water.  Once the temp cools down they perk right up.

 The Moon plant blooms stay open until almost noon each day.

 If I am being honest, I did not think that the Canna Lilies would bloom this year.  Two of our plants have proven me wrong.  Yeah.

The Castor plants are not growing as fast as I thought they might, but they are holding their own.  They are right around 4 feet tall, and one is starting to set a seed pod.

The Pink and Red Swamp Mallows are putting on buds.  I was worried that they might not have enough sunshine to bloom.

 I find it interesting that the buds are growing on each plant differently.

This has nothing to do with gardening, but I am going to share anyway.  I am putting together my parents 50th wedding anniversary this summer.  Of course, anything I do, I must do on a dandelion budget, so let the games begin.  I am planning on having a cupcakes in place of a "wedding/anniversary cake".  I need an attractive way to display the cupcakes, so...

Mother and I are quite proud of this endeavor.  A few serving trays, candlesticks, a flower pot and some acrylic glue.  What do you think?