August Update...

We have not much more than a month until the autumn equinox (Sept. 22 this year), and my garden is seriously flagging. Parts are overgrown, the broccolli and cilantro long since bolted; everything would have benefited from more trimming and editing than I've provided in this hot, dry summer.

But there are signs of hope - the raspberries are coming on deliciously, my dwarf blueberries and ever-bearing strawberries continue to produce. Apples and pumpkins are coloring up, a third sowing of lettuce is kicking in, hydrangeas are plumped up, and the agastache is luring hordes of feisty hummingbirds. Here's a selective look at what's happening out there on a mid-August afternoon:

A slug-riddled ligularia just coming into bloom next to a mop-head hydrangea- how come slugs are so huge and plentiful in such a droughty summer, anyway?

Pumpkins turning orange two months before Halloween...

Sweet peas persist alongside a mystery dahlia I found at a farmers' market here on Whidbey.

Echinacea 'Sunset' and orange hummingbird mint (Agastache aurantiaca 'Just Peachy')

I've bought artichokes to eat at farmers' markets, and left mine in the garden to develop purple fuzz. This is an Italian purple artichoke, growing here with Rudbeckia 'goldsturm'

Comments

[Ray Larson]

Hi Val,
Your 'mystery dahlia' looks a lot like 'Forncett Furnace'--one of my favorites and a vigorous grower. The late lamented Heronswood used to sell it, and Cistus Nursery in Oregon still does. The 'Furnace' moniker is certainly apt! Thanks for all of the great photos...

[valerie Easton]

Hey Ray,
I think you're right, I just looked at a bunch of photos - the dahlia IS 'Forncett Furnace' Vigorous is right, and very hardy, as it made it through last winter in a raised bed....
Thanks,
Val

[Terry Haugen]

Your August flowers are so lovely! I have some gorgeous Sunflowers that are reaching for heaven they are so tall. Sparkles

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[Charlie]

Your photos are gorgeous. I am always looking for new plants for next spring and this provides me with additional options. Thank you.