Garden Blogger's Bloom Day July 2013

Lisianthus

Some lovely plants are in bloom today although my garden is in a transitory state at the moment - much of the lush gorgeous June blooms have faded but the next set of deep summer blooms have yet to appear.

Having said that, please take a look at some the pretty ones that are showing off today:

The Oak Leaf Hydrangea at the front door is in full bloom

Climbing rose 'New Dawn' is producing abundant blooms

New red shrub rose is blooming nicely in light shade

The white shrub rose by the deck has its lovely apricot buds and white blossoms

Chinese Astilbe has deep fuchsia flowers that appear "fuzzy"

A number of snowball hydrangeas are in bloom

The daylilies are scrumptious!! All kinds of gorgeous hues and colours.

Most of my hostas, small and large, are in bloom. One is fabulously fragrant.

This delightful dainty Clematis is still clambouring all through the pussywillow branches

The first Rudbeckias opened today - good timing!

Daisies are everywhere

 I know it's a weed but Harebell looks great in most of the borders where it's self seeded itself.

'The Fairy' never disappoints and this year it's just gone wild.

A few lilies have made an appearance but are floppy and needed staking.

Last but not least, the white Lisianthus (Prairie Rose) from the local Farmer's Market are in bloom. Soon the deep purple/blue ones will be as well.

Garden Blogger's Bloom Day is a Meme created by May Dreams Garden

Gardeners post images of what's blooming in their garden on the 15th day of every month. All are welcome to participate.

Also, please check out my recipe blog Astrid's Home - the latest post is Devilled Eggs

One Lovely Blog Award!!

Early this year, I joined a garden blogger's website called Blotanical. I was immediately welcomed by some very sincere, very talented garden bloggers whose blogs are now an auto-read for me.
One of these wonderful gardeners is Helene Taylor who lives in England. Her garden shines like a small, precious jewel. Helene battles numerous health problems but you would never guess that, judging by her well kept-up garden full of exquisite, beautiful plants. Bookmark her blog http://graphicality-uk.blogspot.ca/ - it will soon become one of your favourites too!
It is an honour that Helene nominated me for the One Lovely Blog award! Thank you so much Helene!! I have been trying to improve my blog layout and photos and I guess she feels this has paid off! I now have another wonderful award to add to my credit.

The rules for the One Lovely Blog award are:

a) Thank the nominator and link to his/her site

b) Share 7 things about yourself

c) Nominate up to 10 other bloggers for the award

Here are 7 things you never knew about me:

1. My birthday is on the cusp of Taurus/Gemini, making me a stubborn dual-personality!

2. I just watched the movie Tangled with my granddaughter. I think I enjoyed the jokes and slapstick humour more than she did!!

3. On Pinterest, I have 43 Boards and have pinned (and repinned) a total of 3,513 items. A friend recently commented: "...Clearly you are retired" :)……..The link to my boards is on my Homepage.

4. I successfully baked and assembled a Gateau St. Honore for my Dad's 80th birthday!

5. I shoot pictures for my blog using a previously-owned Nikon D40

6. I hate tuna: fresh, grilled, canned and sushimi

7. I am obsessed with the Game of Thrones. I have watched both seasons on HBO and am now halfway through Book 3 Storm of Swords. I ADORE Arya, Tyrion and Jon Snow. I DETEST Joffrey and Theon (therefore both author and the series have portrayed them well, if they can elicit this type of emotion from me!)

I follow a number of very interesting blogs. Some of the bloggers have already received this award (and deservedly so) therefore:

I nominate the following blogs for the One Lovely Blog Award:

Jennifer at http://threedogsinagarden.blogspot.ca/

Nadezda at http://northern-garden.blogspot.ca

Cristina at http://www.therealgardener.com

Melissa Clark at    http://melissaclarkphotography.wordpress.com/

Donald at http://mymimicomaison.blogspot.ca/

Lee at   http://landscapedesignbylee.blogspot.ca/

Kate at http://gardeningandgardens.blogspot.ca/

Jean at http://jeansgarden.wordpress.com/

Jeff at http://hamptonsgarden.blogspot.ca/

So there you have it! 7 random things you never knew about me and a whole list of new, wonderful, LOVELY blogs to start following!!

(My only regret is that Blogger says I have "…exceeded my photo upload quota" and therefore will not be able to post the picture of the One Lovely Blog award on my right nav :(