Our flowers haven’t won any prizes this year, so we have been enjoying the garden successes of others.

For some reason our crop has gone a bit wacky. Generally, there are very attractive patches of brightly colored and nicely formed blooms that pop up all around our house. This year they popped, then disintegrated, leaving challenged clusters of drooping attempts. The peonies were the bi exception, until the huge flowers collected too much rain. They were great while they lasted – one of my personal faves.

So we have taken to floral appreciation drive-bys. The black-eyed Susans, showing currently, seem to be having a good run. Recently I photographed a lovely gathering on Burnt Island with the Jones family, and the Susans there (above) were pretty happy. The blue hydrangeas of Spruce Point were stunning and many of the B&B gardens are extraordinary and well tended.

We do have some awesome blooms now on the hibiscus we moved outside. That plant likes the humidity and heat. Glad its good for something! I don’t think I’ve ever seen more beautiful flowers on what is left of a very old plant.

Keep up the good work everyone – we’re enjoying the fruits of your labors.