Loud

The alliums are past their peak now, but the ranunculus flowers just keep on coming, undaunted by anything that the weather throws at them. What a glorious clash! There are a few lemons and creamy whites, but the strong saffrons keep predominating, opening in ever greater numbers, along with fuchsia, bright pink, deep orange-red, and just plain red red without blue. This may be the showiest year we've had for these in decades. There are still anemones, some pink with white picot edges. Blue Dutch irises are coming into their peak display. It appears that yellow ones will be next. All the lantanas are blooming. We continue to see monarch butterflies, one or two at a time. Hyacinths and leucojums are done. We still have Thalias, more than there've been for a few years. Our one-dollar clematis from the market loves this weather. Two of three plants have appeared, and they're growing apace. Last year's nasturtiums and geraniums are covered with flowers, good and raucous together. Lettuce is getting ready to bolt soon.