Around the 4th of July we had a gorgeous, low humidity weekend. Now the humidity, bringing promise of severe weather, is back. Sadly, the severe weather struck Madison County in New York (near Syracuse) last night, killing at least four.
My thoughts go out to all affected by the storms last night, in New York and Ohio.
Taken by my son near Maine, NY |
My version, near Johnson City, NY |
We may not like that kind of weather but some plants just drink it up. Literally.
The milkweed is starting to bloom.
June 29 |
A different plant, July 6.
Meanwhile, roses are still in bloom, including the later hybrid and heirloom varieties, at the free of charge Cutler Botanic Gardens in Binghamton, New York.
This, the Elmshorn rose, is a hybrid dating from around 1951.
Crested Musk, an heirloom rose from 1827.
Birdie Blye, from 1901.
Raubritter, a David Austin recommended rose.
Alas, the Japanese beetles are out in force, too. When I first moved to upstate New York in the mid 1980's, they would arrive around July 4. Now, they come a little earlier. I saw a couple of rose bushes yesterday while exercise walking in the humid afternoon, and the rose flowers were infested. It isn't only roses they eat - we haven't been able to ever grow sorrel, which I love to make a cold soup with. The Japanese beetles consider it a gourmet delight.
So many flowers, so little time, as we continue to ramble through summer.
What have you been doing this summer?
Beautiful update, Alana. I love those milkweeds! I am cheered by how many of them I'm seeing around our place, too.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping it will be a good year for milkweed, Amy. The monarchs need all the help they can get.
DeleteI'm really late with my post today- late post, late comment!
ReplyDeleteI love your post Alana.
As always your pictures are fantastic!
Thank you for cyber visiting me from across the pond, Sophie. Your comments are always welcome!
DeleteGorgeous photos, Alana! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laurel. It is fun to take pictures of natural beauty and share them.
DeleteMy neighbor grows milkweed every year, but has yet to find any monarchs on them. I will try a visit to Cutler Botanical gardens this weekend and see how they recovered after the floods.
ReplyDelete-Ray
Cutler has recovered nicely from the 2011 flood, except I think they still don't have quite all the plant name tags restored. The master gardeners have done such a good job - they deserve a huge round of thanks!
DeleteIt been hot...in upper 90's and lower 100's...
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
Not quite as hot here in upstate New York, Dora - today it was in the 70's. Perfect weather, for me.
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