Looking close in early August

A quick look at a few things from the garden this week. This is Hydrangea paniculata 'Quickfire', much smaller trusses than the regular PeeGee, but will show color sooner. Click the link below.

Looking close in early August - Garden Gallery - Canadian Gardening Forums

A few Hydrangeas -

It seems to be getting to hydrangea season. This is Hydrangea serrata 'Bluebird', just getting started.

Hydrangea serrata 'Bluebird'

The tiny flowers that make up the centre of these lacecaps are quite intriguing.

Blue hydrangea seem to be a challenge. 
The hydrangea 'Endless Summer' which is touted as blooming on both old and new growth seems convinced it shouldn't bloom on either! The plant has grown very well, but shows no sign of flower buds yet.

We have quite a nice Nikko Blue that blooms dependably, but it is essentially captive in the "holding" ditch. Another Nikko in a pot is decidedly "unblue". The soil mix in the pot must a bit towards the alkaline side.

H. macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'

There are quite forests of H. arborescens 'Grandiflora'. Bill has grown many(perhaps too many!) from cuttings. They make huge trusses.

Check the link for more.
A few Hydrangeas - Garden Gallery - Canadian Gardening Forums

Lamentable Lily

The Golden Star Gazer is the first of our Oriental lilies to bloom and is also quite damaged by the horrid Red Lily beetle...
see more below.

Lamentable Lily - Garden Gallery - Canadian Gardening Forums

Peonies seem a little subdued -

Peony 'Gay Paree', in way too much shade!

Peony season has been just a little disappointing. Check the discussion. 

Peonies seem a little subdued - Garden Gallery - Canadian Gardening Forums

Could 'Red River' be our favorite rhododendron?

'Red River' is among our favourite rhodies, partly because of its late bloom time, partly because it is just plain beautiful!

They say "save the best for last"! Perhaps this is true for Red River, a late blooming R. maximum hybrid. This year it has amazed us more than usual!

It has handsome big, red buds.

These have opened all over the plant, except for one small area near the bottom of the plant, which has lots of new growth.

Each truss seems beautifully complete.

The florets have an interesting bit of white on the face.

It rather makes up for the near end of rhodie season.....still one or two to bloom.