I too love to see the progression through the seasons, Melissa. I cannot express how my plants enhance my life.

Yes, Melissa, you are exactly correct - gardens can be flowering for whatever their entire growing season is, with different plantings. One thing which I noticed gradually after we moved into our house (it took me years to pay enough attention to the garden) was that the several huge old bushes (each was 20 ft by 10 ft high by 10-15 ft wide) bloomed in exact succession, also in time with some of the flowering trees. My DH's grandparents and great grandparents were real gardeners!

I do not plan enough to have everything timed, but do enjoy the succession of early and late bulbs and iris and day lilies, as well of course as the fact that my once blooming roses all seem to bloom at different times - very clever of them.

Jackie

Jackie, Nature is quite good at this. I have a particular walk I do through the year, and it's noticeable how the wild flowers come and go with the seasons. Sheila, well said.

Sad to say, I can't help but feel envious of those of you with your gardens right outside your houses. Here the weather has been quite horrible: extremely hot and humid. I haven't been able to get out to my land since Monday,and rather dread trying to do so now with this terrible heat-and a viral sindrome bothering me as well. What a shame! my roses were looking SO glorious on May 21st; I fear that when next I see them they will be rather a mess due to the heat and humidity.

How sorely do I miss the old Italian climate! this new one sucks.

Total agreement, bart. It's been an early and a rather brief flowering, though ours is still going on with the later roses. It's hot and sticky here, too--and at the same time, and unfairly, dry--but at least I can run into the house to cool off.