Pond Update

The pond water has remained crystal clear with the bio-filter going. I have added a bubble fountain as I missed the sound of the water movement. The above ground filter is just to quiet.

The water lettuce is multiplying quickly. It needs thinned out at least once a week or the entire pond would be covered.

I finally saw a frog a few weeks ago. The fish are doing great too.

Mystery Plant Identified !

I finally found the label for this mystery plant. It is Helenium 'Mardi Gras' . Commonly known as, "Helen's Flower" or "Sneezeweed". I love this plant. The flowers are unusually shaped and the colors are bold and really stand out in the garden. I have saved seed and tried to increase the plantings with no luck. I bought this plant over two years ago and have not seen it in any of the local nurseries since. Darn it!

Mid-summer Update

It's been a few weeks since my last post. It has turned warm and muggy but we are still getting enough rain to keep everything green. The beds are looking good and the vinca barrels are finally starting to grow now that it has warmed up. We got a hard rain about 3am and the clouds are still hanging around this afternoon. I took advantage of the soft light to get these photos.

A honey bee on orange flower.

Lavender Clematis

This urn of lime green Coleus has gone nuts.

I gotta find the tag for these colorful flowers. I want more!

A double Balloon Flower

Lavender Phlox

Yellow Rose Moss

The pond water is now clear enough to see fish on the bottom!