What's looking good in July 2016?

[Becky]

Some photos from the weekend:

Rhapsody in blue rose:

An iris in our pond

Also was doing a bit of weeding and found this little horse chestnut tree (I guess a squirrel hid the conker because there isn't a tree it could have fallen from) - I always like seeing the growth from the original seed

 

[JBtheExplorer]

Purple Coneflower

 

[Fernsdaddy]

Just a few shots of the gardens.

 

[JBtheExplorer]

Wild Bergamot

Purple Coneflower

Grey-headed Coneflower

Orange Milkweed

 

[Fernsdaddy]

Texas star hibiscus white, first bloom. when it stat to cool down it will be planted in the ground. I have the red star in the gardens now.

 

[priticious]

Hibiscus , Rose and herbs

 

[Daren]

a few shots I took last night of my garden including Red Crocosmia, Canna lily a couple of my hydrangeas extra

 

[Beverly]

The Jatropha multifida has been growing like crazy this wet and warm July. I am not over-watering it, but the Powers that Be might. I hope not, so far it is looking lush and beautiful.

 

[Becky]

a few shots I took last night of my garden including Red Crocosmia, Canna lily a couple of my hydrangeas extra

Your hydrangeas are looking stunning!

 

[JBtheExplorer]

My Swamp Milkweed is looking great!

 

[Becky]

It sure is! What type of beetles are those?

 

[JBtheExplorer]

It sure is! What type of beetles are those?

Milkweed Bugs.

 

[Beth_B]

I planted milkweed this spring...and voila! Spotted a monarch caterpillar this morning!

 

[Beverly]

Oooooo, such a cutie pie! It is true, if you grow host plants they will come. Most butterflies are desperate for host plants, even with more people planting these days. I see them doing what i call "hey, i found a host plant" dance. They touch the plant and then fly up and down and all around. Then they fly back touch the plant again and the dance starts all over. They are more subdued when laying eggs. I can feel the joy. They really do need host plants more than they need food. They need very little nectar to survive...but they cannot survive without host plants for the babies. Is this the only one? or are there other caterpillars on the plants as well? Congratulations!

 

[Beth_B]

Thanks.
Actually milkweed grows wild here, it's all over the place, along roadsides and such. But I wanted to attract more butterflies to my little corner of the world so I was happy to see this guy. There are more.

Also finally I have frogs in my little pond this year! No pics, but little *plops* when I approach.