17 August 2008 - August rains bring August flowers

With no measurable rainfall since the April, my garden has struggled.
Yes, I watered but nothing can replace rain.
Fortunately, the summer monsoons arrived just in time.

Russian Sage and yarrow

Russian Sage and yarrow

corkscrew Allium

15 July 2008 - busy bees (backyard)

12/13 July 2008 - More sun colors (backyard)

07 July 2008 - Monarch butterfly

I was lucky ... had my camera in hand when
a Monarch butterfly decided to feed
on lamb's ear blossoms.

06 July 2008 - backyard

tomatoes, variety "Fantastic"

delphinium - early blooms

milkweed

gaillardia daisies

gaillardia daisies

potentilla cinquefoil

dianthus - I love the deep coral color

feverfew

trollius chinensus "globe flower golden queen"

maltese cross

California poppy

05 July 2005 - front yard

prickly pear
The delicate, pale yellow blooms are late this year.
In fact, I didn't think they'd appear at all, given our dry spring.
Too bad each blossom lasts but one day.

campanula

gray santolina
This shurb did not bloom last year, so I'm pleased to see
scores of tiny yellow blossom rising from the sage-hued foliage.

28 June 2008 - backyard veggies

Friday's hot and dry weather nearly scorched my gardens.
Today is about 20 degrees cooler, cloudy and humid.
Go figure.

When I went to Ace Hardware,
the last Japanese eggplant on the plant rack called to me.
It looked healthy and happy so I bought it.
Now, it's right at home in my garden (far right).

heirloom "Brandywine" tomato blossoms

above and below: rain splattered "Fantastic" tomatoes
I'm glad I bought this early producer at HerbFest.
I hope the fruit ripens.
Otherwise, I'll be making soup with green tomatoes.