In early July the gardens are full of flowers.    Most are planted perennials, some of which are long-term residents.  A few are native species, with seeds collected in the wild and propagated over the winter.   Featured here are a few, with photos taken by the author – yarrow (Achillea sp.), California primrose (Eulobus californicus), evening primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa), Clematis, showy mikweed (Asclepias speciosa), cupid’s dart (Catananche caerulea), Hosta, Astilbe (A. japonica), lily (Lilium bulbiferum), Prairie coneflower (Ratibida columnifera), blackeyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), borage (Borago officinalis), a swallowtail (Papillo canadensis) on petunias, spiked speedwell (Veronica spicata), Heliopsis, giant blazingstar (Mentzelia laevicaulis), and larkspur (Delphinium grandiflorum).

New to the gardens is giant blazing star, with seed collected late in summer the year before last, stratification over winter, seedlings in the greenhouse, then planted out when they are robust enough to go on their own.   They are biennials so they overwintered to flower this summer.

Pollinators are active all over the gardens, but their favorites appear to be borage, beebalm, and speedwell.

A Google Photos slideshow is provided below: