I have been enjoying my “S” plants this summer. I noticed how big the Salvia flowers have grown with all the rain as I walking the dog this morning. The resiliency of plants continually amazes me, last summer it was very dry – I had the same flowers, they were just half the size.
The Brown Eyed Girl Sunflowers are still blooming and have been since February. They are in a container in the sunniest part of the garden; seemingly not enjoying quite that much sun. They have grown over the side of the container into a shrub to get out the heat. The container features stems underplanted with groundcover bromeliads, a bit odd at this point, but I hate to disturb anything in July. Even the Lantana is taking a rest from flowering.
The vase reflects my simple scheme. The glass I drank my orange juice from was sitting on the counter when I came in with the flowers. It was rinsed and repurposed. I figured the flowers might enjoy a little OJ. I think this qualifies as a plonk.
Close ups:
The Brown Eyed Girl Sunflowers and seedheads. I saw several vases with seedheads last week, loved them and went looking for a few for my vase.
The Salvias: in red with long flowers, ‘Roman Red’, shorter red flowers are Tropical Red Salvia (Salvia coccinea). The ‘Roman Red’ is definitely not as hardy as the native Tropical Red, it has stopped flowering and appears to be shrinking. Oddly, the armadillos are attracted to it and dug both up, that may explain their unhappiness! In blue, “Mystic Spires’ Salvia; in white, Tropical Red Salvia that reseeded white.
I am thankful July is half over, it is the hottest month of the year in my garden. Adding insult to injury are the bugs this year. I am swarmed by no see ums after about 15 minutes outside and have to retreat. There will be loads of prunings and errant weeds in a few months.
Thanks to Cathy for hosting IAVOM. Visit her blog at ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com
Happy Gardening!!
The Shrub Queen 
That sunflower and its seed heads just on their own would look great, what great colours, however it was well worth adding the others. I smiled when you mentioned using your orange juice glass.
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Thanks, Noelle.
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Those salvias are amazing but oh that sunflower that is still going. In my old garden, mine would bloom until the first freeze in late October or November. Just love them!
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I do, too.
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If this is a ‘plonk’, the contents certainly wouldn’t have been any better if they had been ‘arranged’ instead – it looks great, and my goodness those sunflowers and salvias keep going! Lovely
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Thanks, Cathy. I am wondering if the sunflower is going to be a perennial. I cast some seeds around to see if they would germinate.
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And they did!
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Such a beautiful arrangement. Wonderful colours!
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Thank you!
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Well, that is an amazing plonk. I love all your salvias. You have armadillos digging up your plants? My goodness, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen one.
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Thanks, Liz. They call them rats with armor. Drive the dogs crazy.
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Lovely! I am hoping that my sunflowers will bloom soon.
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Thanks, Rosie. Good luck.
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Pretty and colorful as usual! Your ‘Mystic Blue’ Salvia is much more vigorous than mine. Mine might benefit from more water (but they probably won’t get it).
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Water is the key! Thanks,
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Red, white and blue with a bit of gold, quite festive with a patriotic bent. 🙂
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The Salvias are proud Americans!
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😀
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Again, this group of flowers looks more Midwestern than from Florida. It must be the sunflowers. Well, the salvias suit that style also. They certainly are pretty regardless.
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Oddly, after many years of being harassed by No See Um, this is the first year I ever heard a name for them. Your salvias are doing well. Mine usually sleep all summer.
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That is strange..a great name for an annoying creature.
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The sunflower has done so well. I must say I was skeptical when you first got it and were told it would flower all summer. It seems to be doing just that though! The seedheads are a great addition too. Naturally I am admiring your salvias as well. 😉
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Thanks, Cathy. Now I am wondering how long it will last?
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Between the heat and the rain, your garden seems not to mind. Everyone here is complaining about rabbits but no mention of armadillos.
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The garden does not mind and the weeds are joyful! We had a bumper crop of rabbits and then a bobcat showed up….there is one rabbit that likes my pot of basil still around.
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