My enthusisam for gardening is temporarily on the decline. Mosquitos are aggressive, as are weeds and grass in the garden after a rainy spring and summer.  After weeks of daily rain storms a break from precipitation during the past three days brought welcome sunshine and blue sky, albeit with extreme heat and humidity.

It is an understatement to say spending time in the garden certainly is less compelling now than during those first warm weeks of spring when everything was fresh and young. I know dedicating even a few hours would benefit the overall appearance of the borders and help sustain the progress made to date in battling the Spiderwort, but procrastination is winning again today. Maybe tomorrow the call will come.

Despite my inattention the garden looks stronger than usual at this time of year. Pollinators are finding plenty of attractions. A few self-seeded Zinnias add extra color to the Western border.

Zinnia

Zinnia

Also self-seeded, Cleome abound. It is easy to see how the common name of Spider Flower originated. The complex structure of their flowers is fascinating.

Cleome hassleriana (Spider Flower)

Yellow rays and green disks of Rudbeckia hirta ‘Irish Eyes’ brighten the southern entrance to the garden. Recently more bees are arriving to enjoy them, equipping this plant with its own buzzing, humming soundtrack.

Rudbeckia hirta ‘Irish Eyes’

Leaves of Helianthus angustifolius (Swamp Sunflower) growing up through flowers of Rudbeckia hirta ‘Irish Eyes’