The flower garden has entered the summer stage, with not so many flowers as the spring but still a decent amount of bloom.

The Annabelle hydrangea, which is an older variety than the Endless Summer that is now all the rage, has been in bloom for a couple of weeks. The big, creamy white balls of flower will last into the winter, turning a tan to brown.

To the right of the Annabelle is some white astilbe, with spiky blooms. This plant tolerates shade but will stand mostly sun, as well. It has been a great year for astilbe, as well.

The bee balm, or monarda, is also in great bloom now. It is a fairly aggressive plant, but you can keep it from taking over. It attracts butterflies as well as bees, and is a good, rich red.

At the top of the photo, slightly to the right, the red leaves belong to a smokebush, or cotinus. This plant dies back in harsh winters, and has had three different locations, dying back to the ground several times, before becoming established in a protected area near our front porch.

The photos, as always, are from Nancy. I'll try to get her to send me more.

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