Summer is finally asserting itself. The days are becoming more familiar in their sunny aspects, and the atmosphere is heating up. We ricochet from extremes in this part of the country, experiencing hot, wet summers - particularly in the Ottawa Valley where humidity tends to be high -- and ferociously cold winters with plenty of snow to remind us that we're north of the 49th parallel.

This year, because of the record-breaking spring and early summer rainfall amounts, plants have grown larger, bloomed earlier, and spread with gusto, more so than in any other year in gardening memory for me. The monarda, now in bloom, reach to my shoulders in height, twice as tall as they usually grow.

The Stella d'Oro are in fine bloom, and can be depended upon unlike day lilies, to keep blooming all summer long. Surprisingly, all of our varied and many hostas are already in bloom.

Shasta daisies have been blooming in the garden, slightly tardier in appearance than the wildflowers that hastened to bloom in the ravine, at the edges of the forest.

The overwintered begonia bulbs that were planted in the backyard garden pots in early spring have now reached maturity and are blooming nicely. The many perennial cranesbill geraniums have been spreading their cheer for weeks throughout the garden.

Roses have done exceptionally well this year. One of our carpet roses has been completely inundated by the invasive but beautiful Harlequin vines that have been doing their utmost to take over the garden bed directly in front of and below the backyard deck. They've also put out their sweet little white blooms.

I stored the root system of two canna lilies and a calla lily overwinter to be re-planted in the spring. One of each has deigned to grace us with their presence; the third, though clearly alive, stubbornly clings to its hibernation state so I doubt it's worthwhile hanging on to it over another winter.

All together, a satisfying showing for the plants that we so value in the backyard beds and borders, allowing us to appreciate nature's helpfulness in growing our gardens for fun and pleasure.