It is a shock to see actual healthy looking blooms out in the yard this time of year. Even a blind squirrel ...
OK, enough of the false modesty, here is what I am seeing in good old rural New Jersey this early summer 2013:
Yes, they are everywhere, but I still love the combo of purple coneflowers and russian sage, especially when the coneflowers actively re-seed, giving it all a much more natural look:
Monarda (Bee Balm) 'Colrain Red' in front of a soon to be blooming Clethra 'Hummingbird':
The first signs of bloom on 'Baby Joe' Joe Pye Weed. I am so psyched to have located these dwarf versions of the original:
Plant name, no idea; it is everywhere in the wild growth around my property and some snuck into my man-made garden. Pretty cool:
Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) emerging (in front of Panicum 'Northwind'):
Mountain Mint is so understated but that is why I love it ... that and all the bugs it attracts:
I have no idea which phlox this is; got three for $1.99 and I couldn't resist, powdery mildew be damned: