Gone To The Beach: 2026/08

Friday, August 7, 2026

Deck Garden in August and Posies Update

Hi everyone! Oh look it's already August.

Earlier this week we had almost 2" of rain finally. I'm dubious because no puddles no wet chair cushions, but the deck flowers were very happy. They just love a good soaking rain.

The first July heat wave and then the wildfire smoke event were quite hard on the flowers, esp my zinnies. Their centers turned all black and shrivelly. An intense deadheading happened and I'm so pleased they have come back beautifully.

Cute and colorful if not abundant.

These are Thumbelina, tiny. Cute but at the size of a dime [1/2''] they lack presence. I think the regular Lilliput variety, above, are better.

I thouht this pot had the bergamot, but looks like zinnias and some Baby Bear dwarf sunflowers.

This is a solo sunflower, moderately dwarf. They are so fussy and slow to bloom but charming.

Cosmos is temperamental here, too delicate for the high winds. Doesn't bloom til mid August. Saved from 2024/ 25 seeds mostly

Coreopsis is such a joy. Early bloom, re blooms all summer into fall.

I was disappointed that the chocolate coreopsis had not germinated. Note the pretty white ruffled edges w deep chocolate brown centers. I call them summer pansies, for their similar coloration.

So I as thrilled this morning to find it blooming in the red impatiens pot! How the seeds got there --wind?--is a mystery. Not where I sowed them! But so cute.

More colorful pots and tubs. I am enjoying the displays and my various tin folk art stakes. I esp love flowers and ladybugs. The Mr Sun is a cherished gift from my son.

The miniature petunias, adorable blue and white stripes did surprisingly well. First time they've succeeded for me. Same for impatiens. They must like the rather sheltered corner here.

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Posies is coming along nicely. If slowly, I guess.

I had a qualm about it as I edited these pics. Too bright, too cheery, too---unsophisticated? Too prim and cottage?

But it's supposed to capture my deck garden, probably my last as there are changes ahead. I think the colors are captured, the vibe is right. I'm pleased. Making memories, sewing a story of so many summers of quiet joy with my BabyMo .

The pattern's star border will be sparrows instead. I have coaxed the main pair of real life sparrows back again, especially the little female. She arrives promptly every day at 4 pm. I don't know why they were not coming, they miss Mo and his crumbs of daily jerky treat? His calm snoring presence made them feel safe?

The two that have arrived so far are so fussy. They only like the cheddar crackers which were my treat shared w Mo. I got them hulled sunflower seeds, to avoid mess [and bird feeding is prohibited here, so no evidence] but they scorn the seeds and peer at me til I produce the bright orange crumbs. They don't drink from the bowl I give them either. I can't leave it out because it draws ants. [they shared Mo's water bowl often].