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What's not to like about a classic daisy? But like many old-fashioned perennials, they bloom all at once, like a cut bouquet, then they're unsightly for the rest of the summer. The water-hog hydrangeas are beautiful too this year-- the wet early summer was perfect for setting masses of flowers. At least those last for weeks.

As the garden transitions to August, the Asiatic lilies already look pretty rag tag. The final lily hurrah are the fragrant Asiatics like "Stargazer." John's favorite flowers. It's a challenge keeping everything watered by hand with temperatures in the 90's. Our neighbors across the street are out of town so I'm doing their yard also. 

The city nights are short, hot and noisy. For the sleep challenged, forget about solid rest. Add to that, the raccoons throw a party in our yard about 2:30 am. We hear them chewing things outside the window. What?  There's nothing here to eat, so they must carry in bits food and have a picnic in their their private "park." They like some old blue wine bottles I have in the garden. I heard them clinking and rolling around last night as they played some sort of game.

Of course, we're bleary eyed, and they're sound asleep somewhere now.