We’re in the middle of our summer here in Australia so most plants have “shut up shop” when it comes to perusing the flowering aisle. Those that bloomed in spring have now been blown away by the hot easterly winds while those that are preparing for autumn are still too insignificant to display.

Needless to say, my offering is very slim this month unless you wanted to see lots of foliage instead of blooms. I thought not.

Bromeliad sp.

This is one of my bromeliads that have sent out two very phallic-looking blooms and which have just opened up in the last week. It is so splendid with its array of colours: red, green, blue, creamy white. Here it’s being supported by the hellebores which are preparing themselves for some winter flowers of their own.

Cushion Bush – Leucophyta Brownii

I really enjoy this perennial coastal shrub for its spindly grey foliage and then this flourish of minute flower puffs. It’s quite common along some of our coastline and often underappreciated by beach-goers. Yet it’s a resilient plant that can grow in the harshest conditions and contrasts beautifully with many of our other native species.

Butterfly Bush – Buddleia davidii

Needing no introduction amongst home gardeners this butterfly bush is really enjoying the warmth of our summer. We had a hedge of these growing along one of our back fences but decided to rip it out as it was growing too unwieldy. This one is planted in another bed so gets to stay.

Crepe myrtle – Lagerstroemia indica

One of the highlights of summer is when the crepe myrtle decides to flower. It’s gorgeous buds look resplendent against the crispy soft blooms as they split open. While most of our other plants are taking some down-time to defend themselves against the heat, our crepe myrtle seems to relish the warmth and parades beautifully.

Apart from the flowers, our herbs are all doing well; bay, oregano, marjoram, basil, coriander (cilantro) and even the lemon thyme. Plus, many of our natives have exploded with growth including the Eremophila “Kalbarri Carpet” (yet to show you in bloom), Thryptomene saxicona and Westringia “Karbeethong”. We also bought a new climber to cover one of our fences – Clerodendrum Thomsoniae – which I hope to get a few blooms out of before the end of the season.

If you want to participate in Garden Blogger’s Bloom Day – the brainchild of Carol from May Dreams Garden – all you need to do is share what’s flowering in your garden on the 15th of each month.