Garden in early July

 

Above is a new penstemon called Phoenix Violet. Then below one of the roses in the long border, Rosa chinensis, or Bengal rose.

Below is the Hydrangea macrophylla, much smaller than normal hydrangeas but neat and nice.

This year I remembered to support the achillea in the far round border with conical supports that have been in the garage for some years, bought especially for this plant. It should bush out soon. 

Next to it is the Lilium lancifolium Thumb, or tiger lily, that I think were tiny bulbs we won as part of a prize.

The echinacea "Sunseeker's White Perfection" by the side patio has grown since that photo in June and is amazingly healthy. I like how the flowers start with the petals turning upwards and then that unusual downturn.

It first arrived in the garden two years ago. This was how it looked then, so it must like it where it is. 

The agapanthus has been in this pot next to the back wall for a few years. I have always meant to transfer it into the garden, but while it flowers like this, I will probably leave it here.

It was Alison's sister who gave me the Salvia Amistad below. It really needs to go in the main border in the autumn.

The hostas Fire and Ice are coming into flower on the side patio. 

These dianthus love it in pots.

At the very far end, the Elaeagnus, or silverberry, has recovered from that hard pruning in the spring.

Next to it by the fence is an unexpected buddleia coming into flower.

It was only in March last year that it needed a major prune, so that must have done some good.

And last of all, the acanthus has spread with its usual number of flowering spikes.