Summer Days

So much has happened in the garden that my last garden update is already outdated, so I thought I'd show you what's in bloom now in my rather messy garden, along with a few other things that are keeping me pleasantly busy this summer...

We recently bought this swing from one of our neighbors...it's so nice to have a place to relax and enjoy the garden whilst reading or shelling peas! 

​The Valerian is still heavenly fragrant.

'Black Currant Whirl' hollyhocks...there are a lot more double or semi-double flowers this year than last for some reason!

Close-up of mignonette...

These petunias looked dazzling in the morning sunlight!

The Morning Glories are making their way upwards...and the Forget-me-nots are looking weedy. 

I love taking close-ups of them!

The Castor Beans are loving the heat...

And they are even starting to ripen seed! Yippee!

Stocks really should have a prettier name! I usually think of them as Gillyflowers, but I know a lot of flowers have been called by that name so it could get confusing.

Nicotiana perfumes the evening air...

'Emperor William' Bachelor's Buttons...I like these simple flowers much better than the newer doubles!

'Picotee' Cosmos...I had high hopes for this variety, but I think I still prefer 'Sensation Mix' over all the others I've tried. 

The lovely Balsam...

Malope is always one of my favorites...and I just found out it does have a couple of prettier names including Mallow Wort and Purple Spanish Mallow!

The 'Flemish Antique' poppies are just about ready to burst!

Heartsease and Rue...there's an old book of poetry by that title! Rue is another new herb in my garden. I have some doubts about it surviving the winters here but just had to try it!

Toadflax just starting to bloom. I had planted a lot more of it and it was all coming up beautifully. Then one day we had a man here helping with some roofing, and he turned the dirt over with his hand (the seedlings were still very tiny) and said that this would be a great place to plant flowers! Arrgh! I'm learning to be on my guard when men are working around my gardens!! 

Part of the herb garden with Lemon Balm, Borage, Oregano, Basil, Sweet William and Stocks.

Lemon Balm in bloom...

Comfrey...about a week after I cut it back to the ground!

The "seed garden" with Lovage, Basil, Wormwood, Balsam, Dill, and Borage...

I'm so happy with the basil this year! I've never had them grow out so bushy before.

More Balsam...

Dill in the seed garden...

And now getting random...
I'm keeping 6 hens for a friend right now. I had to give my birdies away last year (to another friend!) and I've really missed them, so it's nice having these around again. They wait expectantly for an extra treat when I'm weeding the garden!

Speckles enjoying their "Flock Block"...

And of course, the "pupkins" keep me plenty busy! Now that they are being weaned, I'm practically their mommy, and it's a lot like taking care of 7 toddlers! They are such fun, though. They've learned that when my alarm goes off at night that means I'm about to take them out, so even before I can turn it off I hear a rush of little feet scampering for the door!

This little one looks exactly like her mommy did at that age! 

Here's mom now, just being silly! :)

Goldfinch at my sister's feeder...

Moose across the road last month...

I need to do another woods update soon, but just had to share these pictures now. This little feller wasn't very happy about my presence! 

A sunny bouquet of St. John's Wort...but that's a subject for another post!

I hope you are enjoying these busy summer days, too!