Hummingbird Bush

A friend gave me this pretty bush which has clusters of white flowers and very green shiny leaves.  She said its name was hummingbird bush.

 Much to my surprise my shrub book shows a red-flowering bush quite unlike my small shrub and calls it a hummingbird bird bush.  I am still searching for a reference and perhaps another name.

Meanwhile it has been blooming this July.  It will die back for the winter very late.  It is somewhat hardy.

Incidentally, it produces many small offspring by sending out roots--plenty to share but not enough to be annoying.

Cucumber Basket

Cucumbers can be planted in a hanging basket.  They may need a little shade and water. 

 A handy shepherd's crook can also provide support.

Poppy and Gold Finch

This bedraggled poppy was once quite pretty.  It came up as a volunteer and since my philosophy of gardening includes letting things grow where they come up as much as possible, there it is at our back door. 

It is now quite ugly, but it will remain there because beautiful gold finches like the seeds. 

My husband caught a finch dining.

Acoustic Lily

It was hard to resist this beautiful lily which survived excessive heat, heavy rain, and some hail.  A maple limb gave it a little protection, and it must be tougher than it looks.  It is an Oriental lily--Lilium Acoustic.  Really, that's the name on the tag.  Notice that the leaves are a bit different from some other tropical lilies.