July's Lilies, Roses, Clematis and More

Morden Ruby Rose bush

July 24th Flowers
July is always the most beautiful time in my flower garden. I always hate to be away then, and this year is no exception. With so many family things going on, I have missed 2 weeks of the best of the blooming time and enjoyment of the fruits of my spring labours.  Most of the roses have finished blooming now except for my Morden Ruby which continues to out do any of the others. Admittedly, it was the last rose bush to start blooming.
My Morden Sunrise has opened more blossoms now, too, its second batch but it has only a few compared to the first round of blossoms in late June.

Morden Ruby rose

The first Clematis flowers opened the first week of July, a bit later than most years, but it seems as the trees are growing in the yard, the sunlight is diminishing to the side of the house where the Clematises are growing; Plus we have had an inordinate amount of rain this summer and nowhere near as much sunshine as a result.

July 14th Clematis blossoms:

July 14 General Sikorska Clematis on left, Jackimanii Clematis on right

July 24 Hollyhocks on left, Clematises in centre, yellow false sunflowers on right

My first dahlia of the season bloomed on about July 14th as well, the Firebird dahlia located in my stack stone bed near the house. As of July 24th, it is looking even more spectacular. My other Firebird dahlia which is planted in the big tub planter in the yard, is much taller than usual and has started blooming as well. (photos soon)

First Firebird Dahlia blossom of 2013

My yellow day lilies are looking so huge and gorgeous. The 2 clumps at the foot of my rock garden are covered in numerous beautiful blossoms. I wish they would last longer. They were at their most beautiful on the 24th. The day lilies near the pond are opening up now, as well as the 2 smaller clusters in my triangle bed.

Yellow day lilies

View from the deck July 24/13

Red pot lilies-July 14, 2013

The red pot lilies in my stack stone bed popped open almost all at once on July 14 and they looked spectacular, but they were all finished by the 24th when I returned home. I'm sad that I missed seeing their spectacular show for the most part during my absence. 

Red Maltese crosses and purple monkshood in bloom. 

The Monkshood is tall and steely and the red/ orange Maltese Cross is at its best. The butterflies and hummingbirds are enjoying them. Next week I will have to start cutting the maltese crosses down though since they like to spread their seeds all over the flower bed given half a chance. 

The white daises are all but finished now and I ruthlessly cut most of them off to try and prevent a massive seeding. I know I have missed cutting some of them though, and I always get far more tiny re-seeded daisies than I want. The pretty columbines are finished blooming now as well. much of the maltese cross has fallen over on top of it and will need to be cut off.

I am also still putting mulch on the flower beds. Yes, it's rather later than it should be, but it seems the summer is speeding by faster than usual, especially when a person is away for part of it.

Hardy hollyhocks

Last but not least I want to mention my gigantic gorgeous hollyhocks. They started to bloom just before we left on vacation( again about the 14th or 15th of July) and now they are massive and stunningly beautiful, covered in numerous healthy huge flowers. I have never seen my hollyhocks look this thick and this fabulous! :)

Looking forward to the rest of the summer!

Non-stop pink tuberous begonia