• Mount Cook

    I planted one of the Mount Cook bulbs to my balcony and it sure has large blooms.

    What surprised me is that it also has strong scent. Strongest I have ever faced. I can smell it when sitting in my living room.

    Such an outstanding Lily. Happy to have it.

  • Red Chief

    This is the first year I have red California Poppies growing. Only have had the orange color before.

    I was a bit surprised that they turn more to orange when blooming longer. For some reason I was expecting them to stay red. You learn new things every day.

    Well, I like them anyway. The color is so strong and vigorous.

  • Baby Blue Eyes

    Baby Blue Eyes started late this year but are now ready to bloom.

    I think that week from now and their show will be reaching the highest peak.

    Unless the mold I have terrorizing the flower bed decides otherwise.

  • May Queen

    Daisies are growing wild here like nearly everywhere else.

    Last year planted some May Queens and they are blooming now. To be honest I expected them to have stronger stems. They do not take the rain and wind well.

    Must find a stronger variety to grow since the summer rains are not going to go away.

  • California Poppy

    The flies like it and so do I. There is something in the brightness of orange California Poppies have.

    Easy to grow and tolerate dryness.

    I have other colors coming this year just waiting for them to start blooming as well.

  • Cosmos

    The first cosmos started to bloom today and many more will follow soon.

    As always the ones that start the show are the ones that originate from the seeds that I got from my mom.

    It is a quick and resilient form of cosmos that suites well for this climate. I have other varieties growing and want to see how those will do.

  • Dukat

    It has been many many years since I have been able to harvest a good crop of dill.

    Finally this year all went well and dill Dukat succeeded .

    I do not know why but up here it is quite difficult to grow dill. Have not figured out why.

  • Water Lily

    Sometimes gardening is easy. You just go and sit by the lake and watch what Mother Nature has done.

    Water lilies are doing well this year.

    It is so relaxing just to sit and look what there is. Though now wondering from where to buy red ones to bloom by the white ones.

  • Blueberry

    One of the great benefits of living up here in the north is that you can just go to your backyard and start picking wild blueberries.

    Spending some time in the summer cottage and relaxing by harvesting berries.

    Just cannot wait to bake a blueberry pie. One of my favorites. Must fill my fridge with the berries.

  • Giant Blue Hosta

    Hostas are doing extremely well this year. I am a bit surprised because it has been dry. I guess the warmth suites them.

    The Giant Blue Hosta is my favorite. Unfortunately do not have many good spots to grow them.

    Trying a new variety by the lake this year. Hope it makes through the winter.