Bloom Day North - September 15

This September's Bloom Day in Chester was marked by a series of changing weather patterns, beginning with a sunny morning that gave way to heavy clouds by early afternoon, which brought heavy rain and thunderstorms, followed by sunny skies and cooler temperatures. Despite the vagaries of weather, we managed to get a few shots of blooms in a local garden.

The sunny yellow day lily ("Sweet Child") is one that was part of a mass purchase by members of the Chester Garden Club two years ago. It has continued to produce blooms for several weeks in late summer.

The pink floribunda ("Knockout" if the garden records are accurate) has been prolific this year and, having survived Hurricane Earl, continues to bloom, whatever the weather.

The rose hips of the Rosa Rugosa ("Pink Pavement"), on the fence below, have proved to be very tempting morsels to the resident squirrels and chipmunks, all of whom leave the residue from their lunches on garden chairs and tables. Members of the Garden Club may find themselves competing for those rose hips to make a healthy tea if our speaker mentions them on September 20th in relation to his topic - the medicinal qualities of plants.

Last but not least, in addition to the annuals such as snapdraggon, nasturtiums and coleus that are still producing blooms, Chester gardeners are not above adding a few more exotic varieties to their planters and hanging baskets. The fuschia below has been a steady performer all summer long and shows no sign of letting up.