Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Hello Summer


Then followed that beautiful season... Summer....
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


The Rose of Sharons are in bloom, a fitting entrance for this first day of Summer.
Hopefully, the hummingbirds will be right behind, they have been a scarce sighting around the feeder.





Each year despite the lack of rain for days on end, we are graced with prolific blooms on the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus ) bushes.

This particular bush was a volunteer, a single seed or two carried by the wind or possibly a bird.
It is also a second generation plant, the original bush belonging to my husband's mother who shared it's propagated beauty from her garden to ours.
Oftentimes they are considered an invasive plant, because they tend to spread so easily, but not to this gardener, we enjoy those endless blooms throughout the whole month of July.




15 comments:

Christine said...

I love these wonderful blooms; the one in my dads yard changes color as the bloom grows older.

DJan said...

Beautiful! Happy summer days to you, Jo! Lovely Rose of Sharon, I must say. :-)

cheshire wife said...

I like the way you called a self set plant a volunteer. Often thy are weeds.

Patsy said...

We moved ours and didn't think it was going to bloom this year. Today I saw buds, they are a hardy plant. Yours are very pretty.

DeniseinVA said...

Glorious blooms Jo. Have a wonderful summer, it is starting off hot and humid up here.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Beautiful blooms, Jo... I don't have any hibiscus--but love seeing them...

We are desperate for rain also ---and are now watering the container plants/roses... AND--it's doggone hot here... I'm not a fan of summer due to the heat --but love the summer blooms.

Hugs,
Betsy

Nellie said...

I love Rose of Sharon. My grandmother had some growing around her house when I was younger. It's something I need to add here.
Happy first day of summer!

Terry said...

Happy summer, Jo!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful pictures !! I love hibiscus too. We don't have hummingbirds in The Netherlands. I wish we had. I really love the sight of them !!
Have a wonderful MidSummer !!

Mel said...

So lovely. My husband and I were just lamenting how we lost our Rose of Sharon when we moved homes. I really need to get some more.

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I love your photos, Jo! I'm reminded of why I love Rose of Sharon, and I'm reminded that I don't have it--When I'm in Kentucky next week, I'll have to see if my brother can part with one! :-)

I hope you're doing well!!

Mary Lou said...

I could be invaded by these any time. Beautiful post.

Vicki said...

We have Rose Of Sharon also. Aren't they easy to care for? As a matter of fact I trimmed ours back because ther were getting so big. You have the nicest posts and beautiful photos....

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Welcome summer! Enjoy your stay!
I love all your blooming flowers.
Mother Earth has painted your world with so many blossoms!
love
tweedles

L. D. said...

I have a hibiscus that is just now setting up buds. Your flowers look so great.