Come July and, in the bottom corner of the garden, the mallow Ice White has burst into flower. It’s supposedly a compact variety, and I’m hoping it has reached its limit. At the moment it is contesting space with the Polka raspberries, both parties clearly making good use of the farmyard manure deposited on the raspberry bed back in early spring. The individual mallow flowers are very beautiful. I forgive the plant for being pushy.
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Another bright bloomer in the bottom of the garden is this orange Asiatic lily.
Last summer I received the bulbs by mistake (as mentioned last week). The chap who had mixed up the on-line order told me to plant them, rather than return them. Not to look gift horses in mouths, but at the time, this was easier said than done. I couldn’t think where to put them, or if I really wanted them enough to solve the location problem. In the end I planted the ones I most liked the sound of in a big pot, and popped the remainder under the apple tree, not expecting them to do much in a dry and overshadowed spot.
In fact I’d forgotten I’d done this. Anyway, now it’s flowering, I’m warming to it somewhat. It does look lovely in the late afternoon sunshine.
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These days we’re seeing more butterflies in the garden– not only the annoying cabbage whites (hopefully the greens are sufficiently well netted) but also Painted Ladies, some returning Holly Blues and yesterday this lovely Comma butterfly.
It was zipping around the back garden at high speed, impossible to photograph, but then was finally captivated with the Erigeron Azure Fairy , staying just long enough to have its portrait taken. (Ann Thomson geranium looking on).
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Since the late June hot spell, the weather has been comfortably tepid. The downside though is that we’ve hardly had a spit of rain. Now I’m panicking over the news of next week’s repeat frying. The recent return of blustery wind doesn’t help either. The surface soil is dry as dust and much of the earlier mulch seems to have disappeared.
I’ve been spot-watering plants that look stressed. Now, though, I’m in the middle of mining my compost bin. The grass cutting deposits from our neighbours’ very mossy lawn have kindly rotted down to produce some loamy stuff that looks suitable for another mulch campaign. The digging out and the spreading of same is giving the blackbirds much joy. They scuttle around after me, peeping happily, as they rake up worms and grubs.
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July is also phlox paniculata time, probably my favourite summer flowers (if forced to choose). At the moment I seem to have purple-pink ones all over the place. I’m not sure how this happened. I suspect I’d put in a number of large plugs not long after we moved into The Gables. They certainly didn’t do much over the last couple years, succumbing to slugs and mildew, but now they have begun to bulk up well, looking good alongside Verbena. Their colour in the photo doesn’t really do them justice. They actually have richer, more wine coloured tones.
Also here on the front drive border between Oregano Kent Beauty and Lavender. Behind the deep red phlox is a clump of the taller variegated phlox, Nora Leigh, yet to flower.
And behind Nora Leigh, is Phlox Adessa, a delicate smallish-flowered white with a tiny pink eye, just starting out:
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I also mentioned in earlier posts that last year’s several varieties of sunflowers had seeded themselves all over the garden. The tallest one by the old apple tree is at least 8 feet and still going. Then by the sweet pea obelisk there are at least six more sturdy plants (not so tall). I meant to transplant them, but they grew too large before I remembered to attempt it. And then I thought, they’ll be great to follow on from the sweet peas, and I can tether them to the obelisk if need be. Hopefully, they will keep going into the autumn.
This is the first one to flower. (Parentage uncertain).
copyright 2026 Tish Farrell
Six on Saturday 4th July Among other wonderful things, Jim has some stunning tiger lilies on show this week.
Sounds like you’re having California weather Tish. I love that sunflower!
The sunflower’s a whizz, isn’t it. A perfect face 🙂
😍
Chasing fast butterflies… Yes, I can relate to this.
Your garden is an absolute delight, Tish.
Thank you, Ark. Much to be said for chasing butterflies, methinks 🙂
Looking good Tish. I need to find a sunny place for my oregano.
Thanks, Jude. And it’s thanks to you that I have Kent Beauty.
Wow, nice bit of color, nice to seee the butterflies
I was so pleased too, when the Comma stayed still 🙂
That was certainly fortunate
Your photo of the Comma butterfly is magical. Isn’t it a joy to have butterflies in the garden? It makes it such a special place. Love the Sunflower and the Lilies, too!
So much to love here, the phlox/verbena combo is wonderful, as is the erigeron/comma. At least we have a little respite from the weather to regroup, hope it doesn’t hit you too hard. Have a lovely week.
Many thanks for the good weather wishes (likewise in your location). Last night I discovered the blackbirds had been busy re-delivering my mulch – to the lawn! Best laid plans etc.
It’s joyful, isn’t it? All that beauty fighting for space xx
A floral free-for-all, Jo 🙂
You may be struggling, and the garden too. But it really doesn’t show. A wonderful set of blooms.
Many thanks, Margaret. There are some really good bits 🙂
I love Kent Beauty too. Well done on keeping your lovely phloxes going through the heat and drought. I love the white mallow.
It’s good that both the Kent Beauty and the phloxes seem fairly resilient. The white mallow has just been spoiled, consuming the raspberries muck, which doubtless the busy blackbirds have distributed in its direction.
Among all these vibrant flowers I think I like the white mallow best of all! And you’ve done very well to capture that butterfly 🙂
The mallow is lovely, even better today.
Gorgeous flowers! Love the orange sunflower and the butterfly on the purple flower.
Thanks, Jennie. That butterfly is a star. I’ve not had a Comma in my garden before.
Ah! Lucky you!
so many lovely unplanned or forgotten happenings – I’ve come to the conclusion you garden like the lady of the manor as the plants seems to do so much for you to just stand and admire – even the lily beetles keep away 😦
I think maybe my photos are somewhat selective of the whole, Laura, though the lady-of-the-manor mode of gardening made me smile. My own sense is that it’s all slightly bonkers, and altogether random, but then the fact that it’s a new garden may have something to do with that, and there are many plants coming on, and provisionally sited. Also I’m still suffering from allotment withdrawal symptoms, and have still to accept that there are only so many things one can grow in a confined space. Of course a plan would help!
I think your allotmenteering experience shows – the garden seems to know its in capable hands, kid gloved or grubby!
I’m actually thinking the sunflowers might be taking advantage. I’m now finding they’ve sneaked into every pot, whether there’s room there or not 🙂
its your sunny disposition spreading the word around 🙂
🙂 🙂 🙂
Gorgeous garden, Tish and I love the way the butterfly was captured so unexpectedly.
Many thanks. That Comma moment was a good one, Flavia 🙂