Barbara and I have returned home after nearly two weeks hiking up mountains and exploring gardens in Washington. We were sufficiently entertained so that I barely missed the garden but upon our return there is, as expected, plenty to do. Certainly, I’m happy our long travel day is over.

My priority this morning was to find spots for two creeping dogwoods (Cornus unalaschkensis, below) and a Peruvian lily (Alstromeria isabellana) hauled across the country in my carryon backpack. All survived with barely a lost leaf, though the dogwoods’ flowers are now fading. The lily will flower in the next few days as its flowering stalk grew taller every day of our travels.

The Peruvian lily is unusual, but the uncommon bunchberries (dogwoods) were the prized acquisition. I’ve researched as best I can (which is not much with little information available) to plant both in the best situation, well drained with a bit of sun but mostly shaded. Since I have not witnessed their native habitat, I base this on my observation of the many native creeping dogwoods seen on our recent hikes. Time will tell.

Before we left for the trip, I figured that several lilies would flower and fade while we were away, but most are nearing their peak. A few are leaning severely after storms that kept the garden well watered after several very dry weeks. I propped them up to clear the paths, but expect they’ll lean again with storms forecast again for tomorrow.

I was surprised that a few of the Japanese irises (Iris ensata) remain in bloom though we’re down to a scattered few after nearly two months of flowering. In late summer, several that are encroaching on paths in the lower rear garden will be divided and transplanted. This will complete coverage of bare soil that requires regular weeding.

At the end point of the path through the rear garden, I see that the St. John’s wort (Hypericum, below) has opened its first flower. I mention this only because Barbara marveled at these at several gardens we visited on our trip. I expect I’ll have to add a small collection for her benefit.

I caught up on weeding before we left, but with rain and warm temperatures weeds are going to grow. After planting the creeping dogwoods and Alstromeria I did a quick cleanup of crabgrass in the newly added border in the front garden, and that’s it. It’s like we never left.