July 2017 In Photos

     In true Calgary style this summer has been the extreme opposite of last summer. Where last year we set records for rainfall from June to August, this year is shaping up to be the hottest on record! It has rained only a few days since May and the temperatures have ranged from about 25 to 35 C ( 78 to 96F) since then as well. The meteorologists say that August is on track for above normal temperatures so it will likely be the hottest summer ever recorded. Above a mixed perennial bed of Iris, Chicago Apache Daylily, Snow in Summer and Red Sedum.

The hottest temperature ever recorded in Calgary is around 39 degrees, it has never hit 40C or 100F because of our high elevation but 35 C is about as hot as a summer day can get in these parts.

This Adelaide Hoodless Rose bloomed quite nicely through July.

We are trying some Goose Necked Gourds this year, I don't think we have a long enough growing season for Gourds but the white flowers are quite interesting.

I recently planted a Pardon Me Daylily for a hot corner, they are supposed to have the reddest flower of the daylilies which is probably true, certainly the darkest.

Another experiment, Picotee Morning Glory, even though I started these early they don't seem to grow much, not like a vine at all. This one bloomed at only a few inches tall, colour me confused! I'm used to morning glories growing 4 or 5 feet tall so I don't think I would recommend this variety, nice flower though!

One of my favourites, Cockscomb Celosia, are excelling in the hot temperatures this year.

This Canna was given to us by my sister in law in Ottawa, it comes out of winter storage no problem for many years now. The tropical foliage is always a summer delight.

The wild Saskatoon berries were very nice this year perhaps due to warm weather while flowering. These "blueberries of the Prairies" are very nice in pies or other desserts, I picked and froze a large bag for later.

The Goldenrod is early and plentiful this year. I always thought it fun that European gardeners really fell in love with this plant while here it grows wild in any field.

The new vegetable patch has already given us Kale, Snap Peas and Swiss Chard, later we are hoping for Zucchini, Beans and Corn.

This Dr.Ruppel Clematis grows and blooms happily amongst the thorns of Japanese Aralia.

Chameleon Plant Houttuynia grows slowly in a moist and partly shaded spot, it's borderline hardy here so I'll let you know how it goes.

Looking Glass Brunnera brightens this shady corner.