It’s only mid-July, and temperatures here have been soaring since May. The best time to be out in the garden at the moment? First thing in the morning or in the evening. The back garden faces eastwards, so it gets the morning sun but is in shadow by the evening. Yesterday, there was even a bit of a breeze, and it was very welcome!
I was in Finland in mid-May, so the dahlia tubers were a little late being planted, meaning they’re also a little late flowering. One or two have already flowered, and the rest look like they’ll be in bloom any day now. I ordered some new tubers this year, so hopefully I’ll have some different dahlias to show you.
My one and only sunflower has shot up. It’s well over 6ft and has bloomed already. I’m tempted to see if I can grow some more before the summer is out.
The bees are loving the alliums and seem to spend most of the day buzzing around them. A variety of ladybirds have also been enjoying the alliums and other plants in the garden.
The butterflies are a little more hyper at the moment and don’t tend to stop still for long. Still, more and more are visiting as the days go by.
If you’d like to see some more photos and videos from around the garden, head on over to my Instagram profile. I try to capture some of the garden wildlife in motion.
The back garden is currently getting a bit of a make-over, so I’m not sure how many decent photos I’ll be able to get during the next couple of weeks. I think I may have to get creative!
What fantastic garden photos. Your photos are simply breathtaking. Thanks for sharing and for swinging by Tails Around the Ranch. We visitors.
Thank you!
It’s great to see all those insects in your yard. Enlightened gardeners can do a lot to help with the insect apocalypse that is gripping the entire world. Stay cool in that dreadful heat. It’s very hot here, too. I am looking forward to the first frost! Best wishes – David
Indeed! I try to get plants which attract the pollenators. Hopefully the work we’re having done at the moment won’t disturb them too much.
Stunning flowers, absolutely beautiful. Love seeing all the insects enjoying your garden. It’s been hot here too but cooling down at night. Stay cool and enjoy your week.
Thanks! I think it’s starting to cool down here too.
So much detail in the close up shots,I could almost reach out and touch the plants. Your garden photos are stunning and vibrant, Nikki. My favourites are the furry bee and the detail on the back of the leaf in the last image.
Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. 🙂
Beautiful flowers and and all the little lady bugs! Thanks for visiting my blog!
Beautiful photos.
Your flowers are beautiful. The world would be a lesser place without flowers.
Take care.
Neil S.
What a delightful post this is, Nikki. Your flowers are doing an amazing job in making you happy with their shapes and colours. Your pictures are just spot on. That sunflowers is a real “grown-up”. In the Netherlands there was (maybe still is) a competition who can grow the tallest sunflower.
Have a wonderful day.
Just gorgeous flowers and their colours, just beautiful.
Love the insects, the ladybirds 🙂 haven’t seen one of those for a long time.
Your flowers are aa credit to you.
Your dahlias and alliums are spectacular, Nikki. Great to see all that buzzing around! xx
Your flower photos are gorgeous, the ones with insects even more so.
Gorgeous flowers! Your garden is beautiful. I really enjoy these updates.
Yesterdays weather was perfect here, warm with a bit of a breeze. Your garden is beautiful! I have sunflowers growing, they’re almost as tall as me at 5ft 5 but haven’t bloomed yet. I love seeing bees and butterflies in my garden, I know what you mean about them being hyper. I’ve not been able to get a photo of them yet because they don’t stay still long enough.
Your Dahlias are just lovely! I love seeing the insects in your garden.
I’ve missed your blog and so glad to see this! Your flower images are always so spectacular! These continue that tradition!
Wonderful photos. My garden has been neglected for a fortnight while we’ve been away and the sun has wreaked havoc. It needs a lot of nurturing now to see how many plants I can revive.
It’s fantastic to have a haven for both humans and flora/fauna!
A glorious selection of pictures.
I wish my summer garden were as colorful, Nikki! My dahlias got a late start this year as well, although that was the result of landing in a hospital and rehab center for some time. I’m also playing catch-up and hoping the rest of my dahlias come through within the next several weeks. I should have a “midterm” post up tomorrow 😉
You take such stunning photos in your garden. I don’t know which I like better… the flowers or the insects! I’m always impressed with the variety of dahlias you share. We just don’t have those around here and I think they’re beautiful.
I love dahlias. Mine survived their first winter and are all shooting up again, although a long way from flowering.
Your garden is looking terrific!
Nice to see more painted ladies this year.
Will check out your instagram.
Your garden looks thriving in the heat, and how nice to see a Painted Lady
Beautiful photos! I do love bumblebees. Also pleased to hear you are able to enjoy your garden first thing and in the evening. We finally got a breeze here on Monday.
Your photos of the beautiful flora and those pollinator friends are a true delight. Thank you for sharing!
Beautiful blossoms. Your garden looks full of colour. Glad to see that the bees and butterflies are enjoying it too.
Wow, beautiful captures! Nature is so breathtaking. Thank you for sharing with us Nikki!
Beautiful photographs 🙂
Despite the heat you are doing well taking care of your garden. The flowers and the plants look so vibrant.
-Soma
Wow, your photos are stunning. Loving those vibrant colors!
Beautiful garden subjects and excellent photos too!