What's Bloomin'?

We were away for a few days over the fourth and I could hardly wait to get home to see what had bloomed in our absence! Do you feel that way about your Garden too? I hate to miss any part of my garden as one blossom gives way to another.  There were some wonderful surprises waiting! For starters, the old antique tea pot finally brewed us a beautiful batch of bright orange Nasturtiums!

They were also in bloom around the base of  my  Lady Banks climbing rose. I can see now why Monet' planted the edges in long stretches of his garden with these lovely, loose natural blooms. They lend a casual feel anywhere you plant them. I love how the tendrils spill out onto the grass...

I did learn however that they do not transplant well if started by seed indoors. I sewed these directly into the ground ( and tea pot ) after the danger of  frost here in the south coast area of New England near Cape Cod.

We found the Tiger Lillie's dancing with the Hydrangea... Glad they had fun while we were away.

One white Oriental Lilly blooming among the yellow day-lilies. By the looks of the dust on the petals I would say the bees have been busy!

Although this photo is a bit bleached out, I wanted you to see the whole picture before we go in for a closer look at the bright red Bee Balm, Black Eyed Susan's, Clover Root, Hollyhock and the Sink Garden.
I wait all year for the brilliant red blossoms of Bee Balm in my garden. The hummers love it and I even got a shot of one this morning, but it's blurry! See?

  I stood in the middle of the garden and pretended to be a statue for the longest time hoping to get in closer ( need a zoom lens ) but this was the best I could do to capture the little bugger! He or she out-flitted me again!

The Clover Root which looks like a bottle brush is showing off it's purple spikes in contrast to round red blossoms of the Bee Balm. I didn't plan it that way, but I like the effect! This variety gets to be 5 feet tall and self sews. I started with 3 plants three years ago and it has filled in quickly creating a bold splash of red excitement in my early Summer garden.

The Sink Garden is tucked away in the center of the Garden and plays nicely with all the tall flowering plants that surround it.

Oak Leaf Hydrangea is looking very full and you can really make out the OAK shape of the leaves as well as the cone shape of the blossoms which are a soft creamy white. I can't wait to see how the blooms dry for indoor fall arrangements. These Black Eyed Susan's are putting on a lovely show of vibrant golden yellow!

As I explored further into the garden I noticed some white blossoms peaking out in front of the Little Red Hen House. My heart began to beat faster! Could it be? Could the Hollyhocks finally be in bloom? 

YES! I saved my very favorite new bloom of the week for last!

It's just loaded with buds!

I am just in awe of this old fashioned favorite. Did you know in the olden days Hollyhocks were planted alongside Out House's? When a lady needed to use the facilities, she just asked where the Hollyhocks were. Where are your Hollyhocks?  

Lacy Lou, Chestnut and Hazel feasted on some watermelon rind while I poked around and snapped photos. 

Here's what they see from inside the run! Lacy Lou said I should try a new perspective of the chair with the brewing Nasturtiums. What do you think? 

Gardening can be challenging and even defeat us at times but it is so worth every bit of effort and planning we put into it and the rewards are wonderful! 

One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides.  ~W.E. Johns, The Passing Show

Don't you agree? 

I'm linking to these great blogs: Tuesday Garden Party at An Oregon Cottage

  Tootsie Time Fertilizer Friday,  Fresh From the Farm Farm Photo Friday and Cottage Flora Thursdays with Fishtail Cottage.