August blooms

I missed the August Bloom Day because I was in Alabama. The garden looks decent despite the terrible weather. Portland broke the record for the number of days over 90 degrees - 29! Blah! That plus the fact that there has been little rain since June. Michael has been great at keeping everything watered. There would be lots of dead plants if not for him.

We are now back to 70-ish temperatures and even had a light sprinkle last night. Still, no significant rain in the forecast.

Artichoke blooms are finishing up.
 I think these would make interesting dried flowers. Anyone tried that?

Just brought one of these home from work.
This is Allium 'Millinium', the Perennial of the Year for 2018. 

Lavender and Blanket Flower

The asters are starting to bloom again. This one is 'Kickin' Purple'.

Achillea (Yarrow) 'Terra Cotta'

Candy Lily (Iris x noorsii)

Clematis 'Multi-Blue'

The spent flowers are as pretty as the full ones.

Clematis 'Proteus' and Joe Pye Weed

Fuchsia 'Cardinal'

An unidentified Hebe, Euphorbia myrsinites and Potentilla 'Fireball'

The first year I grew Heliotrope, the plants were robust. This year, they are rather puny but blooming well. I am not sure why. 

Hydrangea 'Pistachio'

Another new Kniphofia, this one called 'Poco Sunset'

Pineapple Lily (Eucomis), my first time growing these. 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy