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It's two degrees below zero outside, we're expecting 12-20 inches of snow in the next 24 hours, and we are still getting new flowers from the hibiscus Heather bought last spring.

I can't believe that it is August already and I haven't posted any pictures of my flowers this season! I've taken pictures every few weeks with intentions of posting them on here. Then, shortly after, I think 'I better take new pictures since the flowers have grown so much' and the cycle continues.

So, here are the most recent pictures of my flowers in the front of our house.

Here are a couple closer pictures. My rosebush and my new stacked pots of petunias. I found that idea at a craft fair this past spring. I thought it would be really cool and I'm happy with how it came out!

Today is the 4th straight day with rain in the beautiful Twin Cities and the 5-day forcast is not calling for any sun. Good thing I have a grow light for my little plants. Perhaps I'll sit under it for a while and get some sun.

Yesterday I bought some more seeds. Since I transplanted my herb seedlings last week, its time to start some new seeds. I am going to put Morning Glories in my rock beds out front. They will have the railing to the entryway to climb up. I loved the 'Milky Way' variety but wanted a bit more color, so I will also plant some of the 'Burpee's Mix'. I also couldn't turn down the Zinnia seeds. I love having cut flowers in the house and Zinnia's make a great cut flower!

My little seeds have taken off! The Basil was the first to show and it is doing well. I'm not too excited about the Parsley or Cilantro, they are mostly for Rex to enjoy. Sorry, Rex, I can almost smell the Pesto when looking at the Basil, so I guess you get just the left-overs.

The Begonias are showing life and the Rose bushes have alot of new growth. I'm still looking for recomendations for flowers that will do well in the direct sun.

We have had beautiful weather the past few days. Yesterday it even got up to 81! I think we skipped right over spring, into summer.

I turned part of our dining area into a place to house my plants until I can move them outside.

I have 3 Geraniums that I kept from last summer, two of which Leslie started from cuttings from her plants. Leslie and I planted Tuberious Begonias a couple weeks ago. I've got 3 different colors, can't wait until they bloom!

There are 2 Rose bushes from last year also. Can you believe one just bloomed? They were in the basement for the winter to go dormant for a while. Shortly before we went to NY, I started watering them. When we returned, there was a bud, almost ready to open. The first rose of the season was a yellow one. I was disappointed in the lack of fragrance, but it looked beautiful!

I also started some seeds. I started Basil, Cilantro, and Parsley. I hope to be able to make lots of pesto this summer and Rex will enjoy the herbs as well!

I'm looking forward to visiting the green houses in a few weeks and picking out some flowers for my hanging baskets. I'll be looking for trailing flowers that can stand hot direct heat for the pot that hangs on the front of the house. I tried Petunias last year, but I think the sun was too hot. Does anyone have any suggestions?