Many of the flowers in bloom right now are very hot colors.
This photo is of the 'Bengal Tiger' Canaan Lilly and a Blackberry Lilly in front of it (named because the seed pods, as they mature, look like large blackberries).
The red Hibiscus in this photo is winter hardy in Atlanta. Next to it is the variety of Crocosmia known as 'Lucifer.' Crocosmia is lovely and somewhat invasive. Each flower turns into a prolific seed pod quickly filling any space. I've seen it growing in a cracked sidewalk.
Here, we have the coolness of a White Pee Gee Hydrangea and Shasta Daisy together. Not seen here is the lavendar Buddleia (butterfly bush) in the background. This is visually the coolest area of full sun on the Ashram grounds.
Hydrangeas should be deadheaded after they bloom.
The Cosmos in this photo are beginning to self seed. July is a great time to re-seed zinnias, also, for late summer blooms.
This is a good time of year to cut back herbs (about 1/3 their size), daisies, black eyed susans, salvias and asters. Also, it is a good practice to cut back some of the old wood of a Buddleia, which may be toooo heavy when filled with blooms, and have the potential of breaking from the weight of the flowers. Do not prune severely at this time of year!
Fertilize annuals and vegetables with an organic fertilizer, which is a slow release feeding that will not burn the plant material.
I, typically stop feeding / fertilizing by the end of July. I don't want tender, young new growth struggling during the winter's chill. Since I plant with the intention of 'survival of the fittest,' and pout when I loose my favorites, not forcing the plants to grow is a tender way to care for them.
Deeply water fruiting shrubs are trees throughout the remaining summer.
**Harvesting your vegetables and deadheading spent blooms on your flowers, regularly, extends their productivity.**
The Ashram looks great, due to the loving intention from those who tend it.
Thank you all.
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