My monster lupine finally popped yesterday:


And the poppies are popping all over, too (these are from Leo and Iory's garden down the path)...


I just got my Fall '08 catalogs from Scheepers and Van Engelen, and am already thinking of what I might order for next season.  Things have come together this year sort of by accident (and sheer accumulation), but next year I'd like it to be more by design. 

This Fall I'm looking at bombing a couple of beds with Temple of Beauty tulips, a stand of white alliums, and a riot of poppies.  Two or three more herbaceous peonies (those bowl of beauties are looking pretty yummy), and some foxtail lilies (I'm partial to Cleopatras) might be in the works, too.

I'm trying hard to expand my pallet beyond shades of lavender.  It's a little embarrassing.  People passing by think I'm a lesbian.  I mean, everybody's really nice about it.  There's nothing wrong with lavender.  But it's time to move on dot org (as a friend of mine always says). 

Unfortunately, sometimes all you've got is hurry up and wait.  Late July will bring zinnias in an array of wonderful colors.  Until then I'll be here in my lavender no-man's land, weeding and waiting it out.