flower garden tour

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Hello August. You seem to be the month where I ask, how are you here already?

There’s an undeniable shift at this point in the summer season. I feel it in the air this week as the temperatures have dropped from the heavy, hot, humid Pitta weather.

I hear it in the sounds of crickets and notice the light waning a bit earlier in the evening.

I see it as I walk through the gardens overflowing in the growth that only appears to be quickening. It’s a wild jungle in the vegetable garden, and the Zinnias and Cosmos are over my head.

Yellow Swallowtail Butterfly on ‘Oklahoma Salmon’ Zinnia

Butterflies and other winged pollinators busy themselves from bloom to bloom.

The rhythm has quickened as if everything must happen at once, and yet there’s a steady flow amidst the rush. I try to keep up and also remind myself to slow down. Don’t miss the beauty.

Shasta Daisies planted by my grandfather at Forest & Flowers Retreat

Flowers for the market: ‘Oklahoma Samon’ and ‘Queen Lime Blush’ Zinnias, White Gomphrena, ‘Flamingo Feather’ Celosia, ‘Pampas Plume’ Celosia

‘Cupcake Blush’ Cosmos & ‘Green Tails’ Amaranth

With that in mind, let’s take a stroll through one of the flower gardens, shall we?

Zinnias and Cosmos in full bloom, Celosia plumes, Basil, Gomphrena, Statice finishing up and cut for drying, and Amaranth trailing the pathways with its curious green texture that seems to captures everyone’s attention.

Dahlias are starting to open with French Cancan in shades of orange, and a surprise Dinnerplate Dahlia (‘White Perfection’?) that’s quite possibly the largest bloom I’ve ever held in my hand.

Flowers for donation to a local assisted living facility

I started the Pretty Petals Program to share the beauty and generosity of nature. Click here to learn more about how you can help Forest & Flowers Retreat donate flower bouquets throughout the season to local assisted living homes.

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