July 15th - it briefly stops raining

What's in bloom on July 15th.
Hosta. I just planted these a few weeks ago in a shady spot on the side of the house.
Lupines -- not quite in bloom, but they will be any day. Their colour is lovely.
Creeping Jenny -- I know many people consider this plant not much more than a weed, but I like it. The little yellow flowers are so delicate.
Pink catchfly, an heirloom variety from Heritage Harvest seed.

The pots behind the garage, in the alley. The succulents on the left having the beginnings of blooms on them, as well. This seems late compared to last year, but I guess that isn't surprising, with the way things have been going.

In bloom on July 9th

In bloom on July 9th - old-fashioned vining petunias. I raised these plants from seed, starting them in the house months ago. It was not worth the effort.
Sweet peas, of course. I planted a flat of these from Holes earlier in the spring, scattering them throughout my garden. They are now in bloom everywhere. Beautiful!
And a bizarre succulent that looked like Hen & Chicks in the store, but when I planted it it began to grow two of these giant spikes, and now the spikes have beautiful, delicate pink flowers on them. Since it didn't have a tag, I shall name this plant "Space Oddity."

I got at least three mosquito bites in the process of running outside and taking these few pictures. Also it is raining. Normally Edmonton has one of these shortcomings at a time in summer, so both at once is interesting.

Lots of other things are on the brink of blooming, including lots of other succulents and the lupines, but in order to photograph them I have to order a telephoto lens from Amazon since I am OBVIOUSLY not going outside.

In bloom | June 1

In bloom | June 1, originally uploaded by jocelynb.
Phlox (I think?? I forget), strawberries, chives, blueberries. 
My blueberries have never bloomed before (I just planted them last year). I was not expecting the tiny flowers. They remind me of old-timey bloomers.


I've been having a stressful time at work recently. The garden is a very welcome distraction. I wish it was more pleasant to be outside, but the bugs have been intense. Note to self: plant more carnivorous plants. Earlier today I killed a mosquito, and I gave it to Emma, just for revenge.

what's in bloom - may28

what's in bloom - may28, originally uploaded by jocelynb.

From left to right:
Bleeding Hearts - I believe the variety is "Galaxy Red"
Crabapple - Although we don't have many blossoms this year.
What I believe is arctic campion
Lilacs. I am not particularly fond of lilac flowers, but I love the smell at this time of year -- you can catch it on the air sometimes, without even seeing a bush nearby.