Late July. Aside from the zing of color from the potted plants, the front garden is mostly shades of green. Soothing in its own way, but the front garden certainly doesn’t have the same punch as it did when the evening primroses were in bloom.
On the other hand, the back garden—with its begonias, lilies, bee balm, and black-eyed Susan’s—is pretty much at its best. With our daughter Dee home, we are having lunch, drinks, and dinner on the patio where we can admire the flowers and watch the comings and goings of the hummingbirds, the bees, the chipmunks, other birds, and various insect visitors.
Here are close-ups of some the flowers.
Despite the heat, despite the humidity, despite the haze that is blowing in from the fires in the western United States, summer is such a sweet time.
Notes From the Hinterland 
It is,isn’t it! Such a sweet time here in Michigan too, where our weather is sort of likeyours, only maybe not as extreme in the winter. We hope. I’m afraid to go look at my garden because I haven’t weeded it in a couple weeks. They say it will get cooler by the end of this week. That’s what I’m waiting for. Yes, that’s it. 🙂 We DO like to sit on the deck and watch the antics of our birds and squirrels though. Your gardens are lovely! I wish they could stay like this for a few more months.
Thanks so much! I, too, wish the gardens could stay like this for a few more months.
Looking lovely Laurie and it sounds as if you’re making the most of your time with your daughter.
We certainly are! Many thanks.
Oh, my goodness! What beautiful flowers.
Many thanks!
Today we have had rain but the last couple of weeks were hot and sunny and I lived outside just as you are doing. There is always so much to see and enjoy with birds and insects as well as the flowers and shifting patterns of shade. Your garden looks lovely and colourful and I am so glad you are making the most of the time with Dee.
Thanks so much! In Maine, where the winters are long and cold, being outside in the summer is especially cherished.
And all the sweeter for being enjoyed with good company. The garden looks so cheery – those daylilies are splendid.
Many thanks!
Such lovely garden photos. Love that first close-up of the flowers with two shades of pink and green in the center.
Thanks so much!
Dining and relaxing on patios can’t be beat. Enjoy!
You bet! Many thanks.
It looks beautiful Laurie and what a treat to share this haven with family and all the wildlife too 💚
Thanks so much! It certainly is.
Beautiful summer and your wonderful paradise of a garden – with the added bonus of your daughter being there to share it with you. This post gladdens my heart, Laurie.
Oh, how nice! Thanks, Anne.
Your gardens are beautiful, and I can certainly see why you’d want to enjoy your meals outside. I’m guessing they are way more fun with your special guest. Happy summer with your daughter.
Thanks so much, Judy. Wonderful to share our garden and patio with Dee.
Great gardens, back and front. Loved the closeups too.
Thanks, Susan!
Beautiful gardens, Laurie! Best year ever, I think! SO nice you get to enjoy this special time with Dee.
Many thanks, Jodie!
xo
Very pretty, Laurie. I love the pop of color the begonias add out front, as well as in the back. I bet the hummers are enjoying that red bee balm!
Thanks, Eliza! Those begonias certainly brighten the yard. Yes, the hummers love the bee balm.
A good place to sit.
It certainly is. Thanks, Tootlepedal.
Laurie, your gardens are beautiful! And how wonderful that your daughter is home to enjoy them with you right now. It’s been so hot — and sticky — here that the best I’ve been able to muster is watering my flowers. Those weeds are going to have to wait until this wretchedness abates!
Thanks so much! When the weather is hot and sticky, it’s hard to muster the energy to do much of anything.
Lovely looking summer garden – rewarding your hard work.
Many thanks!
That back garden particularly looks just luscious to me. I’d be more than happy to sit there for a time and admire your handiwork. There’s some good planning that’s evident in your photos.
Thanks so much! A sweet place to sit and enjoy summer.
Summer is such a sweet time. Welcome home to Dee!
Thank you, thank you!
I can imagine the three of you enjoying al fresco meals in your patio … lingering, chatting, enjoying each other … lovely!
We absolutely are! Thanks, Ju-Lyn.
You do so well in the short time available
Thanks, Derrick! Gardening time in Maine is short but oh so sweet.
Your gardens are lovely! I remember photos of retreating snow, not that long ago it seems. The time has passed quickly this year. How is the latest book coming?
Tempus fugit! The latest book is coming along. Not as fast as I would like, but I am about halfway done. Thanks for asking!
Lovely to see your lush garden, it is very cold and wet here, so it hardly seems believable that we will have greenery and flowers in a few months. Enjoy your wonderful summer!
oh Laurie! How beautiful!
Everything looks so beautiful and how wonderful you’ve been able to enjoy the backyard visitors and beauty no matter what our very strange weather and world brings!
Yes, yes! Perfectly put.
What a lovely garden! I am so pleased you have been enjoying time outside with Dee!
Thanks, Clare!
Looks fabulous!
Thanks, Jason! Wish those lilies would last longer.
I LOVE daylilies! The seem to grow in spite of me. ..Your garden looks lovely!
Many thanks!
Doesn’t have the punch? I don’t think I can agree with that. Both garden pics knocked me over with the abundance of blooms, Laurie!
Oh, thanks! How kind of you to like my tangly front garden.
Tangly is good.