Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Outdoor Wednesday....backyard style...


It has been cool , damp and gloomy here the past few days and I haven't done a whole lot of gardening. I did manage to go out and weed and dead head my flowers a bit, and of course I always take my camera with me. Our artichokes are done for the year and we always let a couple go to flower because they are so pretty. The top picture is the flower and the bottom one is what they look like just before they start to flower. We got so many artichokes this year. It is just our second season with them and we have cut down almost all the plants. We are already seeing new shoots starting!

I have a lot of lavender in my yard because it grows so well here. It attracts the bees, which are wonderful to have in the yard. I also get a lot of hummingbirds but they won't stay still for a picture. I will keep trying to catch one!



The zinnias are starting to show up. I have planted seeds everywhere.



Snapdragons are still around because of the cool weather, but not too many left!



This is a Summer Snapdragon. It will stick around through Fall and then die back, although I have had a couple of them stay around longer.





Of course I love the Gerber Daisies! This one is such a bright pink. I have many Gerber Daisies through out my back and front yards. They just make me happy!







17 comments:

Kris said...

Purty! I too love Gerberas and have them in my front planters. And I love zinnias but did not plant any this year. What was I thinking?

ellen b. said...

Hi Linda! Gerber Daisies always make me smile, too! You've got some great flowers in your yard. Hope you get some real California summer weather soon...

Chookyblue...... said...

the artichoke flower looks a little like our scotch thistles flower........

Cyndi said...

Your flowers are beautiful! I love zinnias...they are one of my all-time favorites. And I agree with Chookyblue...that artichoke flower does look like a thistle flower...lovely!

XOXO,

Cyndi

Sharon said...

Linda, your flowers are so pretty. Love them all.

Lady Farmer said...

Hi Linda~
Thanks for taking time to drop by my blog and leave a comment! That always makes me smile! :~P
Your flowers are lovely! Our lavender is just at bloom time now also! I love making different things with it ~ sachets and wands and stuff!
Oohhh! That summer snapdragon is gorgeous! Looks like an orchid! I would love to find some plants like that to put in my garden! Thanks for sharing your beauties!

Maboe said...

Interesting to learn about artichokes, pretty flowers!

jlshall said...

That pink daisy is really spectacular - don't think I've ever seen one with such bright color before. Thanks for the lovely garden tour, and for visiting my blog.

Happy summertime! from Joy @ Joysweb

Charity said...

I've never seen an artichoke flower - it's beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Linda: Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Oh yes, lavender and then snapdragons are some of my most favorite flowers...and so easy to grow. Nice pictures!

May said...

You have such a lovely yard! Beautiful. Gardening is my passion and I enjoyed reading a few posts of yours. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog!!!

Pat said...

Artichokes! wonder if they'd grow in VA?

puna said...

Oh I think you take beautiful photos!

Lee Prairie Designs said...

Beautiful photos--your flowers are wonderful! Love your purse! Thanks for your lovely blog and pictures you are sharing with your blogging friends. Carolyn

Jocelyn said...

Very lovely flowers. Great pictures.

Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

Debbiedoos said...

YUMMY! I literally can taste this apple pie...love green apples and love apple pie. Thanks for stopping by today....neat to hear about what your son does too, very cool! Hope to see you again. Debbie

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Your flowers are stunning! And that bag!! LOVE IT!!!

Thank you so much for visiting my blog today, it led me to yours! I am a follower :)

Lou Cinda :)