What's Blooming

A couple of weeks have gone by since I've done a blooms post, so I thought I'd catch you up. Several flowers are starting to look spent, but there's still a few new ones popping up to take their place.

There is an annual coreopsis that looks a little like my black-eyed susans:

Speaking of black-eyed susans, this lovely "Autumn" variety (also an annual that reseeds itself) has bloomed. It was hiding in my other flowers, so it's probably been in bloom for more than a few weeks - but it's a new sight for me:

The hostas, although burning from the scorching sun, are still blooming:

These are miniature hollyhocks. I planted them this year and they are adorable little things. They don't like to stay still for pictures, though, so I'm afraid this isn't the best view of them:

And finally, the strange plant that I still can't identify. It popped up last year with the wildflowers and I hoped against hope that it would come back. It did, and it brought friends.

Tomorrow I'll share our trip to California - the reason I'm so behind in showing you our flowers!

Family Pictures Revealed!

I know you're just dying to see our family pictures (I certainly was!), so I thought I'd start out the week with them! First, the whole family...

Then the two that started it all:

This picture is so obviously touched-up, it's a little funny. But I love it anyway. Then, the sisters...

And the brothers...

And individual pictures.

Fun, huh? Have a great week!

What's Blooming

Honestly, the whole yard is still in bloom. The daisies are just loving life and sharing their exuberance with any and all who pass.

But there's only one new plant that is blooming...the white lavender.

This is just a little thing, only about fourteen inches high. I think it is beautiful, but the smell of lavender makes me a little ill. So, I think I'm going to say farewell to it this year and move it to my neighbor's yard. She has a nice spot that isn't too close to where anyone walks...so the only ones that will have to smell it are people who want to.

Most people like the smell of lavender, so yes, I know I'm weird. I just like the look of the plant, and thought I could get over the smell. Or plant just a small amount. It is a very aromatic plant, though.

Very.

Anyway, I hope you have a lovely week. I'm spending a few days with my sisters, which is just lovely. It's also nice to have a break from the kids. They have been a little overwhelming this summer. Here's to an underwhelming few days to balance everything out.