Sunny Boy

Just made it on time to the summer cottage to see the Sunny Boy (Dahlia ‘Sunny Boy’) to bloom before the frost got its hands on it.

Sometimes I wonder why do I bother to grow dahlias up here in the north. The summer is too short and they barely start to bloom and then they are gone. I guess the answer is simple. The blooms are just stunning.

I guess I need to start buying them cultivated in stead of trying to grow them from root balls. This way I could enjoy them all summer. The thing just is that growing plants is part of the fun and when buying them fully grown you loose that part of the enjoyment.

flower, gardening

Apricot Fudge

If you ever want a unique looking lily the Apricot Fudge (Lilium ‘Apricot Fudge’) is a safe choice.

I have had them for several years and they are doing well. Reliable bloomers and tolerate the coldness well.

The look is so unique that I am never quite sure if I like them or not. For sure they always stand out.

flower, gardening

Erfurter Orangefarbige

Erfurter Orangefarbige (Calendula officinalis ‘Erfurter Orangefarbige’) is a variety of calendula bred specifically for its medicinal virtues – astringent, vulnerary and anti-inflammatory. An ancient remedy for dermal wounds and irritation.

This variety of Pot Marigold is easy to grow and blooms early. I have other varieties planted as well but those are not even close to blooming.

My plan is to use the flower pedals for meals, just to bring some color.

flower, gardening

California Poppy

The California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica ‘Aurantiaca Orange’) are enjoying their spot in the full sun. Their roots grow deep and in this spot reach an endless supply of water.

They started to bloom few days ago and with good luck continue to do so for the next month. The flowers are in various shades of gold.

We have been promised dry weather which suits them well.

flower, gardening

Beauty of Apeldoorn

Tulips are still blooming up here in the north. This year the weather is warm and it will make the season a short one. Cannot complain, I just enjoy the sunshine.

Beauty of Apeldoorn (Tulipa ‘Beauty of Apeldoorn’) is doing well and displaying its beautiful colors.

Already made the tulip bulb order for the autumn and going to have two more varieties in the garden.

flower, gardening

Marinette

The spring flowers will soon be gone. The nice warm weather we are having will make sure of it.

The Marinettes (Narcissus jonquilla ‘Martinette’) are late bloomers and only made few flowers this year.

All the summer birds have now arrived and the black-throated loons (Gavia arctica) are swimming in the lake. They are quite many this year because the last year’s chicks are still with us before finding a lake of their own.

flower, gardening

Monal

It has been cooler and rainier up here in the north for the past week and it seems to continue like that.

The good thing is that it keeps the soil moist and gives a better chance for sown seeds to germinate.

Monal (Narcissus ’Monal’) which I planted last year made it through the winter and is now blooming by the lake. It has been a good year for the daffodils and have not lost a single variety.