Six on Saturday: July 11

We had a much-needed break from the 90s this week. Even temps in the mid- to high-80s with lower humidity felt comfortable compared to the high 90s with 80-90% humidity. But alas, all good things must end and the 90s are coming back next week, although thankfully it's not forecast to last as long.

We also received nearly a half-inch of rain yesterday and the garden really benefitted from getting a drink.

My gladioli started blooming this week. I love them, but so do the deer. Seeing other Six on Saturday participants sharing their gladioli last week prompted me to spray them with deterrent so I get to enjoy the blooms. It's also lucky I took this photo before yesterday's rain, because I didn't remember to stake them and they're looking a little worse for the wear today.

The first (and only so far) zinnia also bloomed this week. Zinnias are a must-have plant for me and I can't wait for more to start blooming.

The butterfly delphinium (Delphinum grandiflorum) are having a good year and I enjoy their brilliant blue color. They also look striking with this Firefly Fuchsia yarrow.

I'm not sure which mallow this is, but it cracked me up to see it for sale at the garden center for a pretty penny when it just pops up in my garden.

The wild petunia (ruellia humilis) also started blooming. I have to cage it to protect it from the deer, a common theme in this garden, no?

This balloon flower is one of the oldest plants in my garden. There used to be two, but only this one has survived. It was looking pretty desperate last year, but has enjoyed all the rain we've gotten this year.

That's my six for this week, visit Garden Ruminations to visit more gardens from around the globe.