Quite a cool morning in the garden!
At 6:30 this morning, just after the sun came up, the temperature was below 10C.  Since then things have begun warming but not to the extent experienced just last week!

Temperature 16C about 62F, humidity 82%
Barometer 101.9 and rising, Winds out of the N at 11km/h
While it was overcast earlier, the skies are now begining to clear. Warmer, more humid conditions are expected to return by the weekend - or was that a meteorologist's wishful thinking? Time will tell!

Now a bit more information for you about the hollyhock pictured here.  Of the genus; Alcea, and the family Malvaceae, the common name is Hollyhock. Fully hardy, sturdy plants that stand well in most weather conditions because of it's thick strong stalk as well as substantial root system.  Plants need full sun and well drained soil.  Usually gardeners can pick up one year old plants from local plant nurseries in the perennial section and keep in mind it's best to help the plant scatter it's seeds as they ripen in late summer to ensure a full bed of flowing plants the following year. 

If you're allergic to bee stings, as I am, I recommend making a truce with the buzzing beauties in your own garden as hollyhocks are sure to attract many varieties of bees. I don't recommend planting hollyhocks anywhere near mailboxes or areas were there is a good chance someone, less aware of the risk, could be stung. Also attracted by the huge and colourful flowers and the little bundles of seeds formed where the flower grew; hummingbirds, goldfinches and cardinals often frequent our hollyhock bed!

And speaking of visitors, my daughter and her family are heading up for a quick visit today.  We'll be scouring over some photographs taken a short while ago highlighting more interesting plants as well as insects, birds and Keisha our Jack Russell terrier, who loves playing with the lucky dragon in the garden, when the birds and squirrels aren't teasing her!

Hope you enjoyed your stay, come agin whenever the mood strikes you! (Nice thing about the internet - the pics from the garden are viewable rain or shine, night or day!)

Life is your dance. Live simply, live well and laugh, a LOT!

Cheryl and the enchanted garden crew!