Monday, June 14, 2010

Flag Day flowers

Today is Flag Day in the United States. It was this day in 1777 when the flag was officially adopted, and in 1916 Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day. My downstairs neighbor flies his flag all summer long, and I tried to get a picture of it while showing the flowers in my planter. Some of the flowers came up again from last year, and the long blade-like ones were planted from bulbs that I got at the Seattle Flower Show in February. Here's a closeup, and you can also click any picture to enlarge.
I had accused the squirrels of eating the bulbs, but now, every single one I planted has finally come up. Never mind, I can accuse the squirrels anyway. I'm having so much fun, by the way, with my Super Soaker (see previous post) and the squirrels. As soon as one will come to the porch, I feel like the dog in the animated movie "Up" by perking up ("Squirrel??"), grabbing the Soaker, hoping to get a good squirt at one of them.  So far, the squirrels have gotten a few squirts on their backsides, but the neighbors are looking at me strangely as I run after the furry critters.
These flowers are on the back porch on the way to the laundry room. I know what the bleeding heart flower is, but I can't identify the purple one behind it. I heard that it only blooms every other year, and I know I didn't see it last year, so I'm wondering if anyone knows what it is. Oh, and Happy Flag Day, everyone!
:-)

16 comments:

  1. Your flowers are gorgeous, and as I expected you and the squirrels are having the time of your life.

    I'm sure the squirrels talk about you when you go inside. They probably have their heads together now figuring a way to out fox you and your water blaster.

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  2. The blue flowers look like Canterbury Bells, but I can't see them closely enough to be sure. Maybe they're called something different over here. I haven't read your previous post yet, so I am a bit puzzled about squirrels getting wet bottoms! Must go now and take a look.
    The 'love lies ableeding' flowers look gorgeous, don't they.
    Blessings, Star

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  3. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Super soaker and squirrels...TOO perfect!!!!!!!!!! You are extraordinary! And that photo of the flowers is absolutely exquisite!! I could just sit here and stare at it all day...but sorry to say, I'm not quite sure what those purple flowers are...your guess is as good as mine!!! Happy Flag Day, dear DJ! Love you, Janine XO

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  4. Your flowers are beautiful! I haven't had a chance to get any planted in planters yet, but hopefully next week. My goal is to finish emptying the boxes this week. (Yes, it has been 10 days!)

    The super soaker won't hurt them - they'll just have to deal with it. I loved UP! btw.

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  5. Purple hearts go beautifully with purple I see. I must keep that in mind for next year's perennial bed. I am wondering if the purple flowers are Fox Gloves or Canterbury Bells?

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  6. Loved the photos of your flowers and backtracked a bit to a post I missed with you standing at the ready with your super soaker! Now that was a picture..poor squirrels. Just kidding!

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  7. I think they are C. bells too....very pretty with the bleeding hearts next to them!

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  8. Now, I feel like going to Home Depot and buying some potted flowers for my patio!!! Thanks for the inspiration.

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  9. Definately Canterbury Bells. I had missed the war you are having with squirrels. I have benn having a battle too with them eating the echiveria I planted along the front walk. That is a tropical type of hen and chicks. The squirrels were eating them like artichokes! I got some nasty repellant spray that seems to be working.

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  10. Flag Day? I don't remember that one... must have too young!
    It has always seemed strange to me to see the abundance of American flags floating off houses in US TV shows and movies... in (most of) Europe flags are only displayed on official governement buildings... and waved everywhere during the World Cup matches (so now).

    Those are beautiful flowers! Good thing the squirrels didn't get them. Keep shooting! ;o)

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  11. My g/sons were permitted to shoot at the squirrels that wondered to our porch with very weak plastic pellet guns. No harm was done but the sound and and little yellow balls coming at them taught the young squirrels to STAY OFF THE PORCH. We had to do this each spring for the new offspring! We do enjoy the squirrels and their antics though!

    Glad your flowers came back...beautiful photo of the Bleeding Hearts!

    ♥...Wanda

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  12. You flowers are beautiful! I haven't done much of anything this year...seeing yours makes me want to kick it into gear!

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  13. Your flowers are so vibrant! I have no clue what they are, but I'm not a well informed gardner. I'm glad you're having fun with the super soaker. If your neighbors aren't looking at you strangely then you aren't having enough fun!

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  14. Definitely Canterbury Bells, my mother's garden in the UK was full of them. I wish I had a display like that.

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  15. Beautiful flowers, I really like the bleeding hearts. You have a really nice view from your balcony.

    I am enjoying the image of you doing the battle of the squirrels with your supersoaker. Are you keeping score?

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