Cactus in Bloom

My scree garden at the front.

Prickly-pear Cactus (Opuntia polyacantha) - the first time it has bloomed in several years!


This cactus is native to the southern area of Ontario, particularily  Pelee island.  It likes dry hot soil.  My soil is dry but a little too shady for it to bloom reliably.  The needles are deadly and hurt incredibily when they prick you.  It is almost impossible to get them out of your skin.  Use a tool to weed around them. They survive the winter very well. 

What a year for roses!

The roses this year are loaded with buds.  What will happen in July when the Japanese beetles arrive? But right now we can appreciate them.

Climbing hydrangea - japanese beetles love to eat these too!

John Cabot rose, totally covers the arbour.

Clematis are lovely this year.

Building a Pondless Waterfall

The beginning of construction.  Yes I have help! (young help)

We built a pondless waterfall for someone who wanted to mask the sound of a neighbour's air conditioner. It's very exciting to start from scratch and to create something, where there was nothing.  As soon as the plants grow in it will seem so much more tranquil. I want to do more of them.  It was very fun to create.

Pondless waterfall fits into a small corner.

Fieldstone patio connects the shed and the deck. 

An interest point in the yard.

Lights add mystery at night.

Views from the Back Garden

Love that clematis! It's the first one I've grown that is really 

vigorous

Climbing hydrangea in bloom.

John Cabot rose.

New Irises

New iris, huge flower!

Early iris small size

Anemones. You can plant them, but they will wander where they want in your garden! Each year you will be surprised where you find them.