August and the the heat is still on. Many of the blooms are fading but look 
	  at the bounty in the kitchen. Fresh salsa, fresh black berries and an 
	  artichoke. Bang, here comes the big Phlox. Below, the ornamental grasses 
	  and peaches are taking over the show from the tiger lilies.
	  
	  Let's back up and enjoy the foliage as August can only provide. Grapes, 
	  Castor Beans, Banana's, Tai giant Elephant Ears,  Hosta's, and 
	  ornamental grasses.  It takes height and width to achieve a shady 
	  tropical look. Thank you, heat and humidity, at least it's good for 
	  something. 
	  
	  A new little grass year was Evergold Carex (a water lover). Next door is a blooming 
	  Hens & Chicks. Below are a 2-year old Butterfly bush, a Peppermint Swirl 
	  Hibiscus and a Cleome.
	  Side to side are Black-eyed Susan and a pot of mixed Coleus that we 
	  proudly started from seed. Below are 2010 pics. Verbena's planted in the rock 
         borders are finally blooming. After two years, a Peppermint Swirl Hibiscus is 
	  also showing off. To 
         it's right is a clump of Oat Grass. 
	  
	  The red and yellow Helenium are huge. Below, the red Impatiens and ivy 
	  surround the pond. The Revenae grass is beginning to tower over everthing 
	  around it. Last is the fast growing Red Emperor Bean coving a 7ft tall 
	  trellis. August is 1/2 over.
	  Closing out August with some elephant ears and giant Russian Cannas. Late 
	  Summer is less about blooms and more about tall broad plants, leaves and 
	  textures.