Last week I went to some garden centers searching for a particular rose for my daughter-in-law’s new garden.   I didn’t find the one she wanted, but I did find one that I needed.  It is called “Grandma’s Blessing” and is an ‘Easy Elegance’ rose.  Last week, I had the pleasure of seeing my two grandchildren meet each other..one is nine years old and one is 6 weeks.  They are truly Grandma’s Blessing.

We are still in drought, so succulents are doing well since they require little water.  These wonderful “Talinum” add color and texture to this planter.  They are hardy and expand each year.  The lovely blossom opens in the afternoon and is surrounded by yellow and white portulaca.

I put my orchids outside for the summer,  and they seem to enjoy the weather.  The tillandsias I brought back from Florida last winter also love the humidity.

Today’s hoped for rain missed us, so I will be out with the hose again tomorrow trying to keep all the other plants going.

Well that was fast.  Summer scooted on by without too much posting on my part.  I guess some of it was the drought.  There were still some little pockets of loveliness but they were hard to come by, so I just didn’t take as many photos.  We can only hand water with a hose now.. no sprinklers… and that takes a long time.  My goal at the moment is to water just enough to keep plants alive.  Many plants are stunted, dull in color and putting out fewer blooms, but most are responding to the water.  There should be much more color in this photo, but the rabbits continue their nightly visits.

The Brugmansia usually puts on a show this time of year with multiple blossoms.  This year I have one.  Its a beauty though.  I love the color changes as it matures.

The dahlias have a few blossoms – and those too are lovely – just scant in number.

Sunflowers are happy

The bees have found the sedum

I love the softness of this Hibiscus blossom

The zinnias are wonderful this year..

A fading Echinacea will bring in some goldfinches soon

All in all not too bad.  Asters, mums, sedums, fall anemones and grasses  will bring some beauty to the garden as the weather cools off , and perhaps we will have a good rain again some day.