Recent weather: highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, lows in the 60s, with sufficient rain
July is the start of garden fireworks among the prairie plants in Northern Illinois, and my front mini/faux prairie garden has made the transition. The above photo shows the Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) coming into full bloom and a non-native Allium in bloom, with the native Allium cernum forming buds below it. Also in bud are the wands of Liatris spicata.
Among other bloomers in the front sunny garden are the native Verbena hastata. (Click on photos to enlarge
While it is a native, attracts butterflies, butterflies and blooms for a long time, the foliage quickly becomes mildewed or bug ravaged. Another long bloomer in the sun is this Malva zebrina.
Clockwise from left are Alchemilla mollis, Astrantia species, Hydrangea macrophylla 'Penny Mac,' and Astilbe 'Veronica Klose.'
Astilbe 'Visions' is past its peak bloom and the Columbines are winding down.
The big, bold beautiful native Spikenard, Aralia racemosa.
Believe it or not, this plant dies completely to the ground each year. All the rain has caused it to assume shrub-like proportions. Here's a closeup of the flowers.
Corydalis 'Blackberry Wine' and Geranium 'Rozanne.'
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snow Queen' with the Daylily 'Chosen Love.'
The first of the Phlox paniculata to bloom, 'Nicky.'
This is Phlox maculata not Rosalinde.
Campanula 'Sarastro' is still going strong.
This is the first time blooming for both Clematis 'Rhapsody'
and Clematis 'Madame Julia Correvon.'
Some people don't like Hosta blooms, but these on 'Maui Buttercups' are great.
Last Bloom Day, I thought this plant was nearly done flowering, but this Calycanthus floridus 'Athens' has just kept right on blooming and has more buds on the way.
These 'Black Dragon Strain' Trumpet Lilies are nearly done, but their scent still perfumes the whole garden.
Campanula 'Samantha'
Finally, just about to bloom, is Actaea racemosa (Bugbane).
Things still in bloom from last month:
Heucherella 'Burnished Bronze'
Heucheras 'Hollywood,' Heuchera 'Raspberry Ice,' and 'Smoky Rose'
Clematis 'Silver Moon'
Clematis 'Betty Corning'
Aquilegia 'Sunburst Ruby'
Aquilegia 'Leprechaun Gold'
Stylophorum diphyllum
Geranium nodosum 'Svelte Lilac'
Geum triflorum (Prairie Smoke)
Dicentra 'Zestful,' 'Candy Hearts,' and 'King of Hearts'
Campanula persicifolia 'Alba' and 'Telham Blue'
a lone double Thalictrum thalictroides/Anemonella thalictroides
Also in bloom:
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmer' (Endless Summer)
Ruellia humilis
Most of my Daylilies, which will be the subject of a post
Hosta 'Candy Hearts'
Heuchera 'Palace Purple'
Astrantia 'Rainbow' and 'Primadonna'
For all the Bloom Day fun, use google to go to May Dreams Gardens, brought to you by Carol, rock star of garden blogging. Thanks, Carol!