"YELLO!"

This month's HOT! LOUD! and PROUD! features

the blazing color of YELLOW!

Do you remember the movie, "Secret of My Success"

starring Michael J. Foxx? Here's the famous limousine scene...

Yes, this video is blazing hot, as is the Swiss band "Yello"  who recorded the tune in 1985 on their "Stella" album (yes, it was an album back then).  The song is more widely known for it's role in the cult hit "Ferris Beuhler's Day Off" (fantastic production filmed in my home base of Chicago starring the adorable Matthew Broderick).

Yellow is by far my favorite color in the garden. 
It brightens every corner, even the smallest.

Bulbine is best appreciated up close.

No need for binoculars to spot this proud Allamanda vine!

The butterflies spot the Tropical Milkweed from miles away!

Maui Yellow Ixora proudly exhibits it's blooms in large clusters!

Beach sunflowers (Helianthus debilis) 

are not only Hot, Loud and Proud, they're hardy as well!

The Chrysopsis stands up to the sand and salt!

This little Tickseed makes a bold statement with it's

symetrically sculptured petals!

The Lantana Gold Mound is bright, cheerful and hardy also!

This Yellow Hibiscus with it's Rosey center is the spotlight of my

HOT yellow garden!

But, selfishly, I cannot in good conscience discuss  HOT YELLOW
without including my HOT! VERY LOUD! and PROUD garden companion, LOLA! 

Notice her blazing yellow underside.  She's brilliant!

What?!  Your HOT! LOUD! and PROUD appetite isn't filled?!  You crave MORE?! 
Well, then, I suggest you hop right over to
Neol's monthly HOT! LOUD! and PROUD meme
to digest more blazing hot posts!!!
(Noel's meme is the last day of every month if you'd like to join in!)

ER and Therapy

My life is not always action packed.  Sometimes it's downright boring...well, not really, but there's quiet times and there's times of much action in my household.  Lately, we've had plenty of action...injuries, extended family situations, big fish,

preteen drama, work-related hurdles, personal goals and challenges,

and early morning emergency room visits.

This photo shows my husband being transferred from the local ER branch to the hospital where he was admitted for an allergic reaction to prescribed medication.  He woke up to his throat swelling closed and choking.  It was a dramatic start to our weekend.

After all this hubbub, I needed a quiet walk through my garden to regroup.  I was not disappointed.  Cheerful, colorful faces greeted me from every direction.

Pretty, happy Vinca Punch pops with color and excitement.

Vinca Titan Pure White adds an elegant brilliance that is soothing and calming.

This Fuschia and White Vinca blends the energetic vibrance of fuschia with the soothing, classic color of white.

I'm not sure if this is the pretty Purple Halo Vinca, but it definitely wraps me in comfort as it reminds me of the country and my parent's farm.

The purple vincas surround the pink Mandavilla vine.  These buds remind me of something I'd get at Dairy Queen!   Hmmmmm.....comfort food!!

As I continue my garden walk, I'm encouraged by the survivers in my garden.  This croton all but completely gave up this last winter.  Crotons are not cold hardy and we experienced several hard frosts.  But, just like Old Glory, she now stands tall in full color!

I kept my fingers crossed for my young Firebush when it's branches turned dark brown and brittle.  But it bounced back and displays a lovely show this summer.

 

These Heliconia were new additions just before the frosts plagued tropical South Florida.  I thought they were lost for sure.  But this one sent up a bud this afternoon!

The various Caladiums popped up throughout the garden.

Lovely colors!

And so many different kinds!

Heartwarming!

The Butterfly garden is a tough rival.  The Lantana is a favorite of mine as well as countless varieties of butterflies and bees.

The vibrant Tropical Milkweed...

is a Monarch Butterfly magnet!

No butterfly can resist the Gaillardia Fanfare!

Or the Gaillardia Mesa Yellow!  I love Yellow in the Garden!!

Yellow Bulbine is a tiny bloom, but I love them!  What a happy little lass!

The happy pom pons of the Gomphrena, my newest addition, also attract butterflies.

The Heliconia Aemygdiana, another new addition, is thriving in a brightly lit space in my garden.  The twirling red stem is a bright contrast to the variegated green and white leaves.

These purple berries are hanging on the American Beautyberry bush I am rooting.  Who can resist a smile when faced with bright purple berries?!

What Dairy Queen delicacy is complete without a cherry on top? 

This Tillandsia bloom was just that in my garden today!

So I checked out some of my other air plants...

Seems like it's contageous!!

So is the joy that lives in my garden...just the therapy I needed!!! 

My Favorites THIS Month!

I'm not happy.  I can't hide it. I'm supposed to be showing all my June favorites, along with everyone else at Simply Susan's monthly meme, but I can't because some of them just didn't show up.  Actually NONE of my daylilies have bloomed. I was excited that I'd be able to share my Butterscotch daylily, as it was budding last week. When I checked it last night, it simply wasn't there. Vanished...without a trace.  Maybe the rabbit is the culprit?! I don't know.  This is what it looked like LAST YEAR. 

I expected to showcase the cool blue Lily of the Nile, but no.  IF it were in bloom, I'd show it here.

Enough pouting.  Let me show you my favorites that ARE in bloom!

The dwarf Powder Puff gets the 1st place award.  I love the soft little tufts!

And my new curbside prize bromelaid is sending up a trophy. 

She's thanking me for saving her from the dump. 

The new butterfly milkweed

The petite little Purple Queen is dainty and beautiful in a grouping.

And the yellow Bulbine displayed pretty yellow stalks for the first time.

My favorite crinums opened up this week too!

Blazing hot yellow Allamanda

And the multi-colored crotons are finally looking strong after a

slow recuperation from the winter cold.

A few additional faves that deserve the spotlight...

Thanks for joining me for my June favorites.  Until next time...!