Surprise

After a soaking summer rain, if bloom succession has been considered and enough  planted, we can

expect something new. In my garden although other things are blooming, the basic summer succession  is

daylily, Oriental lily, naked ladies/Lycoris squamigera. Naked ladies are so called for the scapes shoot

up without leaves or sometimes surprise or magic lily because one day there is nothing and seemingly the

next a flower. The color is unusual due to a blue cast overlay. I like them and have quite a display which

will be evident in the next few days. Stay tuned.

Only a few daylilies now, but Best Kept Secret is nice. I’m eager to see if the well timed rain will generate an

abundant re-bloom. I have been busily removing all old scapes and seed pods, except for a few selected, to

induce re-bloom of those genetically inclined. We’ll see.

There are several large clumps of phlox I can count on at this time of year. They are tall and right at eye level

when you walk by giving a feeling of being immersed in flowers. Although they are tall, they are strong and

can weather storms without damage.

Desert rose continues to unfurl its eye-popping color with several more buds remaining. I should probably

shelter it from getting too much rain now since it is a succulent.

My beautiful white hibiscus continues to bloom. I think the rain helps it combat its assailants. Many plants

can combat insects better if they are not suffering from drought.

I like to see spangles of cleome around the garden. It seems they bloomed earlier last year.

There are many sprouts about so there will be more until fall frosts.

Remember to visit May Dreams Gardens for GBBD to see what is blooming around the world.