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After a cold and rainy June (the noon temperature was 45 degrees one month ago), we've hit a hot spell with temperatures approaching 100 for the past few days. Neither extreme makes gardening very tempting, so there's plenty of deadheading and weeding to be done. But here's a few photos of the parts that look good. Above, the 'Eglantyne' rose shrub in the front yard is into its second flush of bloom next to a 'Rozanne' hardy geranium and 'Pink Double Delight' coneflowers.
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Lots of lilies are blooming in the west flagstone path bed, including 'Royal Sunset' above.
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The unnamed rosy-orange lilies won't last very long in this heat, but they'll look nice while they last.
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Those lilies are the same shade as the 'Lady Emma Hamilton' english rose, which continues to impress me this year with its quick repeat blooming, despite getting only afternoon sun.
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The shade garden in back is full of interesting leaves and a few flowers. I used 'Blue Angel' hosta flower stalks - still in bud - in a floral arrangement last week. They added an unexpected touch to roses, delphiniums, daisies and bellflowers. I gave the vase of flowers to a friend for her 80th birthday, and she made me write down all the flower names for her before sharing some chocolate cake. A good trade on my part, I think.