Foamflower

Another scorcher of a day dawned so once again just after breakfast we set off for the ravine. Finding there along with mosquitoes, a very nice breeze that managed to mitigate both the early morning heat and the bloodsuckers to some degree. There was a handful of other old ravine acquaintances out early for the very same reason, two of them runners, their dogs loping alongside and loving it, albeit panting ferociously.

Spirea

I knew I'd be cleaning the house (since I do that every Monday), as soon as we returned from our ramble in the woods, but it just made sense to get out there early enough to beat the afternoon heat. Late yesterday afternoon there were encouraging signs for rain, thunderclouds had gathered overhead and two thunderheads in particular looked as though we'd be getting a good soaking, but all we got was the thrill of hearing those deep rolls of thunder, and elsewhere received the rain.

We did a circuit of the garden on our return, and that was pleasant, to see what was in early bloom. And so we found the pink tree peony had started its bloom, though the yellow one in the backyard hadn't yet.

Ajuga was blooming, and one of the rhododendrons had begun to open its blooms with a pink emphasis this year where those blooms are usually darker, carmine. The first of the Columbine is blooming, and the Phlox in the rock garden as well.

Bearded Irises have begun to open and so have the Siberian irises, their more delicate cousins.

Alongside the driveway the Wedding Veil Spirea has almost gained full bloom and it's a sight to behold. As is, actually the foamflower that I had transplanted a decade ago in the form of one little plant from the ravine, and which has since grown into a carpet under some very old conifers.

And the garden pots are beginning to thrive, though it's only been a week since they were all planted. Looks like a very good start to the summer blooming season.

And oh yes, the Jacks-in-the-Pulpit that we had also transplanted from the ravine which grow to an incredible giant size every summer since in the garden are showing off again.