We arrived home late last night, and the first thing I did today was to take a walk around the yard. Joe’s mom did an excellent job at keeping things alive during our brief heatwave. I cannot believe what popped while we were away for only a few days. I thought I would share my findings here.
This lacecap Hydrangea impresses me each year. First, because of the violet color. Second, because of the size of the flowers.
One of my favorite easy-to-grow-from-seed flowers: Cosmos. Please excuse the shriveled one -- it's been a hot couple of days.
I'm not sure of the name of this plant, and I'm not sure if it's a curse or a blessing. It's practically invasive, spreading by means of runners. The clumps of pink flowers, however, are sweetly smelling and perfume the air, especially at night.
This is my reward for saving this Geranium each year. I actually planted this from seed several years ago, and I cannot part with the hot color.
I decided to give Sunflowers another try. According to the seed packet, this is "Italian White." Does this look white to you? Is yellow the new white in Italy?
Meet Nelly Moser. I thought I lost this Clematis over the winter after a wind storm ripped the trellis out of the ground. I put the trellis back into the ground, and "Whoa, Nelly," she returned.
I planted Morning Glory seeds around the same trellis as Nelly Moser. This is a double flowering variety.
Normally, I stick with traditional red Geraniums. This year, I started white ones from seed, and I'm glad I did. Seeing them poolside reminds me of the colors of Santorini.
Campanula ready to burst open.
Please, humor me with another Hydrangea photo. This is just outside of the front door, and began as one those Easter gift plants that was forced to bloom too early.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Man 
I don’t know which is more appealing, the white geranium or the cool pool in the background! I wonder if the Italian sun might bleach the yellow sunflower to a paler shade? A lot of yellow flowers turn white here when the hot summer sun gets to them.
I’m going to have to go with the pool — especially during the heatwave. As for the bleaching process — I’ve been wondering that myself, so I’ll keep my eyes open for it. In the meantime, I have a whole lot of yellow sunflowers staring at me.
Hooray for Joe’s mom!
You said it!
Kevin, I don’t know how you can tear yourself away from all that beauty — even for a few days. But what a treat to come home to.
Hi Lee, nice to hear from you. It’s not easy leaving the garden — but the homecoming is worth it.
Kevin
The white geranium is beautiful. I have never seen one in white before.
Everything else looks good, too! Think Joe’s mom would come here, too??
Hey, Maria. The white geranium also looks great at night — especially during a full moon. As for Joe's Mom . . . well, I'll be greedy and keep her all to myself. Stay cool.
One of the few consolations to returning from a fine vacation is the amazing garden transformation (as long as someone’s mother is caring for it ,,,). That geranium is HOT.
Hi, Stephanie. There is nothing like home sweet home — or garden sweet garden. As for that geranium — the picture just doesn’t do it justice. I was up close and personal with it earlier today, and the color is hot magenta, with a hot red-orange toward the middle. Sometimes, you just need a little spice.