Halifax is hopping! The tall ships have been here all weekend and will be sailing away today.The 35th Annual Summer Craft Show took place in Victoria Park outside the main gates of the Gardens. The weather was  perfect to enjoy all the outdoor activities (including the band concert at the bandstand in the Gardens).
Alas our farmers, foresters and gardeners are crying the blues because of the lack of rain. Time to do a rain dance. I wonder if there is a particular move which brings lots of rain, but only between midnight and 6AM.

The annual beds and containers are looking gorgeous thanks to the efforts of gardeners who continue to water them. The sunshine and warm weather result in optimum growth and plenty of admirers.

I go behind the scenes to capture different views and find some cooling photo ops.

These Hemerocallis (Daylilies) may be a common variety but they make a large statement when planted in large swaths.

Earlier this spring I posted a photo of this tree which had been set on fire by vandals. The burnt bark has peeled off, but to my untrained eye, the phloem or inner bark,(which carried  the food supply from the leaves to the rest of the tree) appears intact. We’ll continue to keep an eye on it and see if it can recover.

Speaking of dead trees… I noticed a thick vine growing up a tree. It made an interesting sight, especially with the tropical plants and hostas planted around the base. On closer inspection (I wanted to identify the tree), I realized that the vine was growing up a dead trunk and had completely covered it, making it look alive. A lot cheaper than building a trellis.

The roses continue to draw cameras and noses.

The ornamental vegetable bed producing its bounty.

Ornamental vegetables also grace the annual beds. The colorful stems of the Chard compliment the Celosia and Lantana standard.

This spring the orange reflection across the pond was due to the Azaleas, now the Hemerocallis (Daylilies) are making a splash on Griffin’s Pond.

Using edible plants for ornamentation seems to be a theme at the Gardens this year. These  Begonias are mixed with Parsley and Rosemary (among others) in the urns surrounding the bandstand.

Just inside the main gates (on the right) one is greeted with the wonderful smell from this Lavender hedge and the climbing roses.

The rain dance is working (partially). Tomorrow our gardens should get some relief (though not through the night as I wished… Oh well…)
Safe travels to the tall ships who will be putting on a parade on their way out of Halifax today.

There is nothing better than a versatile plant. Like vegetables, which are good for you and your garden. Use them in your borders and containers, then harvest them and eat them. You’ll both be better for it.