Monday, July 11, 2011

Summer pleasures

These pretty flowers are Helenium, and since they were photographed in England, they are probably the well-known garden hybrid called "Moerheim Beauty."

This genus is native to Texas, Northern Mexico, and the Southwest of the U.S. They are members of the Aster family. Somewhat drought tolerant, they like full sun and look great with other hot, dry summer flowers like dahlias, yarrows, black-eyed Susans, and crocosmias.

I love their cheerful bright color and the prominent round central cone - it feels like a chenille-covered button under your finger.

What says "summer" to you, in your personal landscape?
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8 comments:

  1. ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®©July 11, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    Butterflies!

    I haven't seen so many yet here, though.
    ~

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  2. Mrs. G.July 11, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    Basil in the ground does it for me!

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  3. shrink on the couchJuly 11, 2011 at 10:51 PM

    Mexican Bird of Paradise. I can't get enough of it (nor grow enough of it as the deer like to nibble on it).

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  4. smalltownmeJuly 12, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Tomatoes.

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  5. Big Bad Bald BastardJuly 12, 2011 at 12:04 PM

    Wild raspberries- I always look for briars in my rambles.

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  6. Big Bad Bald BastardJuly 12, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    Can I request a "mulligan"? I should have written:

    I always look for brambles in my rambles.

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  7. 21 WitsJuly 12, 2011 at 6:15 PM

    ...hummingbirds...and three or more birds in our bird bath...and the lack of white stuff piled high in my yard! lol

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  8. AnonymousJuly 13, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    Beautiful flower picture!! Roses speak summer to me.

    ReplyDelete