This morning I bathed a hummingbird. While out watering my garden, with the fine shower spray, a heard the familiar humming of the hummingbird. I froze as I always do, not wanting to scare it away with any sudden movements. But this little bird wasn't easily frightened and after several seconds of flying around my head, it flew into the water spray.

	This persicara was planted this spring from a pot this large and as you can see, 'fast spreader' doesn't quite cover it.

First tentatively drinking, then flying back in forth, turning to each side, even flying backwards to get its back. It flew away a few times to shake its feathers out, but came right back in, even to 'ride' the top of the spray out as if it were surfing! By the time it was finished, it little feathers plastered down with water, it probably weighed more than its own body weight. I've never had a hummingbird fly so close to me for that long. It was just magical. And then I turned, slipped on the sidewalk and fell. That's gardening for you.

Rumex 'Rhubarb Pie' is a striking foliage plant with  deep red veining on its leaves.

   Its that time of year when the ash trees start dropping their leaves, and everything begins to look untidy. I need to get the deer netting out and spread it over the rock garden areas and junipers so leaf removal isn't such a chore. One quick shake, and the leaves are out of the beds. 

	The frosty blue color of lyme grass is a standout in the garden.

Don't give up on the watering. Its very dry, particularly under trees, and plants will becone stressed. New plantings will continue to need watering as well. As the temperatures start to cool down, you'll probably need to water less, though that depends on your soil.

Rudbeckia 'Henry Eilers' is a tall perennial with unusual quilled petals that give it more of a wild flower look. Place it in the back of the bed and combine it with ornamental grasses for a prairie look.