I’m really enjoying these Ruby Meidiland roses — they seem brighter and heavier blooming this year than they’ve ever been. Maybe it’s the lingering effects of the horse manure I fed them two years ago? Anyway, aren’t they a perfect Fourth of July rose? This photo was taken on the Fourth of July, and they go so well with the flag. I’m also enjoying that my Shasta Daisies are in full bloom right now. Maybe I should have some of these out front near the flag, too.

And finally, here is a nice photo of the front yard flowerbed. I’m surprised the winter crop of pansies is still blooming fairly well, even with nearly a month of 90°+ temperatures. I’m also happy to see the California Poppies are growing well; these are seed from last year’s pink ‘Summer Sorbet’ planting, and I’m hoping they weren’t pollinated by any of the golden ones from the backyard. Hopefully, these come out with the pink flowers in a nice mass of color. Also see how well that big annual Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) is doing. I love the mass of yellow flowers. And below that is the maroon-colored semi-short Gaillardia plant that just showed up all by itself. I need to propagate it by cutting, since it’s such a cool specimen.