Late June's Profusion...

We are currently experiencing record high temperatures (which for the Seattle area, is in the 90s :-). I'm having to water more than normal, but the heat and sun is actually making the growing things out there pretty happy! Those of us in our non-air-conditioned houses, are less so... The air is still filled with butterflies and dragonflies and various other flying things (as long as they stay out of my phone!!)


The scarlet runner beans are 'running' and blooming. I'm growing them up a new archway this summer. I'll take a larger shot when they've covered it more - which may be this week at the current temperatures!


The poppies are huge (4 1/2 feet tall). I love the fat,celadon colored seed heads nearly as much as the blooms. When they dry, we will have MANY seeds.


The love-in-a-mist seeds pods are maturing as well. They get these lovely burgandy and green stripes which look great in arrangements. I think I *do* like their seed pods even better than their blossoms.


In addition to the strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, I'm trying out some less common fruiting bushes. These are jostaberries (a cross between a black currant and a gooseberry). They're supposed to taste good - they are almost ripe enough to try.


These are goumi berries. I sort of Japanese 'cherry' bush. With "tasty cherry-like fruit"... Well, maybe if you crossed a cherry with an unripe banana. The pectin content is *very* high - and you get that puckered mouth reaction when eating them.


The blue star creeper is completely flowering now as well. I have a carpet of it on my pathway to the backyard - and true to it's name, it is spreading and creeping out into the lawn. Attempting a take-over, I believe.

It is all lovely, lush and profusive. I'm happy to be able to enjoy it briefly today, despite the heat...