AUGUST HEAT

We’re having an unusual summer here on the river. 

In fact, we’re in the middle of what passes for a

 heat wave in the Vancouver Area. 

Any time the temperature rises over 

24 Celsius (75 Fahrenheit), panic sets in!
Here is this week in Ladner in both systems.

The weather is causing some strange growth in our garden.
Our Sweet Peas usually keep producing until the end of September

 and add their bewitching fragrance to Duck Inn Bouquets.

These ones, on the shady side of the house, still have lots of life left and 

are climbing into the hanging baskets and other plants. 

But alas, the main bed in the cutting garden has already bolted and gone to seed. 

Kelly is not very happy to be pulling the plants out this early.

And the lilies are blooming all at once instead of rewarding 

us with 3 or 4 fragrant blooms at a time.

 This Stargazer is climbing all over the Greedy Cat.

August Bouquets will have more lilies than usual!

The Supertunias have spilled out of their baskets 

all over the ivy on the Willow Cottage staircase.

Allen chomps on one while trying to keep up with their demand for water.

While some flowers are dying early, other plants are experiencing uncharacteristic growth.
Our Magnolia Tree normally bursts into glorious  bloom in the spring 

and then sits back and does nothing until the following year. 

Not this summer! Here it is, putting out a second batch of purple tulip shaped flowers.

 These Lanterns, which we count on for our Thanksgiving 

and Halloween displays, are already turning orange!

And on the river, this year’s cygnets, which were tiny puffballs in June,

  are almost as big as Mom now.

 Here they are in a feeding frenzy as our guests toss food to them.