Last night’s Fourth of July evening storm brought very little rain with it and behind the garden, fireworks went off on schedule in a nearby neighborhood. This morning the exposed ground was barely damp. Rains are possible all week and would be very welcome.

Rudbeckia Hirta ‘Irish Eyes’ is looming 6 feet tall, providing some height and color to the back of the western border as it begins to flower in earnest.  This perennial features golden yellow flowers with green centers. 

A lavender gladiolus looks fresh in the early morning sun.

Three little pieces of Nepata or Catmint from another location were planted in late winter or early spring and are thriving.

This Baptisia Australis or Blue False Indigo forms intriguing inky-colored seed pods. Elsewhere in the garden are two Baptisia ‘Purple Smoke’ hybrids (I think), which have not formed these pods.

The meditation circle with its plant-filled labyrinth remains a central focal point of the summer garden.