Summer Garden Maturation

July already! Can hardly believe it. The garden, of course, says it's so. The roses are in full flush, and the clematis too. Tickseed has all its little yellow heads ready to burst, and the day lilies also. Lupine are in flush bloom and the digitalis is beginning to fade.

Our hydrangea bushes have sent up their large white luscious bloom clusters. The Stella do'Oro lilies are really living it up, challenging the colour of the sun with their bright sunny hue. And the Monarda's balmy fragrance sweetens the atmosphere.

Even the hostas are in the picture, shooting up their flower stalks. Oh, and the heuchera, the coral bells, and the others, the lime rickey and other types with their long bell-stalks of flowers. Malva in white and pink, and Canterbury bells, blue and white.

Delphinium and carnations and penstemon, the Shasta daisies; they're all showing off their forms and colours. Not to forget the asters, zinnias and the marigolds, the portulaca, the dahlias, fuschias, flowering maple, cosmos, impatiens, begonias; luscious, sumptuous, dishy show-offs, all.

The garden surprises us. It never fails to delight, with its fragrance, its texture, its architecture and bold presence. Above all, with its determination to be all that nature intends it to be.

First sight at morning light. Last farewell at dusk.