Late summer and we’ve reached the eat-or-be-eaten portion of the year, with towering flower stalks and 1 kilo zucchinis around every corner. Here’s the six that wanted to be seen the most today!

One — The Mint That Won’t

Monarda fistulosa (wild bergamot), sown in 2023 and still coming back reliably every year, but not really spreading as much as I would like. Which is confusing, since it’s supposed to be related to mints. I like cutting some to take inside but the bees love it so much that I always feel bad grabbing them. I’d also like to get a few different colors, so that might be on the list for next spring.

Two — Wait, It Worked?

My freesias are flowering! I got a variety mix of these corms and figured I’d give them a try despite not expecting much from them. Might have somehow managed to crack the timing and light requirements this year, though, because I’m actually seeing flower spikes! Very excited to bring this one in so it can perfume my desk.

Three — The Sitting Tenants

Phlox paniculata is starting to bloom! I have a large patch of these that have lived in this bed for decades, since before we moved in. They were starting to get crowded out by the wild raspberries they were sharing with and some invasive goldenrod, so I pulled everything else out last month and replanted these guys back where they originally were. They have recovered well and are now looking quite perky with less root competition and a fresh layer of soil to stretch their feet in.

Four — The Show-Offs

The dahlias continue to steal the show in the front beds. Two massive ‘Café au Lait Royal’ flower heads have started opening (the streaky pink and cream ones) as well as this bright fuchsia ‘Fascination’ with the pretty dark foliage.

Five — Not a Dahlia

Calendula ‘Cantaloupe’, sown in May, is starting to bloom amongst the dahlias and looking quite charming with its ruffled double blooms.

Six — Mouse 1, Dino 0

Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ has put out its first flower spike this year! Hosta ‘T-Rex’ sitting behind it is showing no signs of doing so, though. There’s also an overachieving white dicentra in the background.

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Six on Saturday is hosted by Jim at Garden Ruminations — head over to see what everyone else’s August is doing.