For those folks who have spent the last couple of days cursing the sun and its hot, hot rays, this post I dedicate to you. To temper the heat, cool your jets with these white blooming natives. Feel that icy chill as you witness the massive snowball otherwise known as Eriogonum giganteum 'St. Catherine's Lace'. Growing to 10 feet wide in one year (from a 5 gallon container, but still!), this beauty covers herself with layers of snowflakes for the longer months of the summer.
If you manage not to cut all the flowers for arrangements (looks so pretty with roses), the blooms age gradually to a pinkish rust. Despite the aging flowers, the bees continue their frantic visits.
Can't even deal with being in the sun? This shady lady will give you the shivers. Walk towards the Clematis ligusticifolia in bloom and the sweet scent hits about 10 feet away. Standing next to it, the fragrance is intoxicating. Oh, heavenly!
The sweet little flowers have a magical look close up- as if they'll spin in circles and fly away! Stand back, and you're in for a breathtaking view. Take a snip of one and keep it by the bed in a small vase. Sigh. Inhale the scent. Repeat. I'd love a mixologist to design a cocktail based on this flower.
So for all you foggy folks out there hiding out until our Summer (finally, Summer!) retreats into cooler Autumn days, I hope I've offered a little solace for a blazing afternoon.
