Zephyr Lily

Yesterday we went outside to check out the garden before the big thunderstorm rolled through. I was glad we did, because I found this zephyr lily blooming. Their blooms are very short-lived, and if I hadn't gone out I probably wouldn't have seen it. It was so beautiful, it almost seemed to glow in the sunlight, with little droplets of water on it. This is one of those plants that you forget is there until it blooms.

Cowpeas!

This year I planted some 'Ozark Razorback' cowpeas. I didn't think they were going to make it through an aphid infestation in July, but they have put on quite a lot of peas anyway. The Gnomeslayer was fascinated by cowpeas, and wanted to help me shell them. I have never seen anything keep her attention for so long. There was something almost magical about pulling open the pods and having bright red and white cowpeas inside. :)

Harbinger

My favorite sign that autumn is nearby is blooming in the front garden now. I remember seeing these at a local nursery and having to ask what they were. There aren't many plants still blooming this time of year here. :)

Sigh of Relief

I'm breathing a sigh of relief because it is now mid-August. We've had a slight break from the terrible heat and humidity, and even had a light rain a couple of times. I discovered our new garden visitor above when I almost walked into her. She built her web across the pathway behind 'Elle', shown in flower below. The roses have started blooming again and are doing a lot better since the Japanese beetles are gone. It's actually been pleasant enough the last few days to go outside and work in the evening. I keep getting hints that fall is on its way soon, and can't wait. I'm already looking through catalogs for fall planting. I actually only have two or so spots that I need to fill, so I'm going to have to keep myself in check. Really.