
“Soft fragrances wafting slow down my day, As I contemplate the clouds, and rest from my play.” ~ Donna Donabella, Summer Delights, A Journey of Seasonal Wisdom
It has been in the high 90s with a heat index of 110 degrees. The garden is struggling a bit, but we have had some rain. What was even more of a struggle was that our air conditioner broke down on Thursday afternoon. The repairman is hopefully coming today, and can fix it.

We have managed to get through the heat wave with a portable air conditioner. And my husband, always the trooper, has been watering the garden in this awful heat.

We are shifting from the 90s to the 70s and 80s so that will be more manageable for us and the garden. Of course with this heat and rain, some cutting flowers do tend to grow more so that is a bonus. Can’t wait.

For now I am enjoying this special clematis, “Chacewater”. Every year it flowers profusely making a stunning display. And I couldn’t resist adding some to this week’s vase.

I decided to also use some lace cap hydrangea blooms just starting to flower. Love the look.
And yes I have pansies blooming, in this heat, although the foliage is stressed. The flowers are perfect and tie it all together.

I have been adding pansies to my salads with nasturtiums which have a peppery flavor. There isn’t much flavor to the pansies but they look great adorning the salad.
With this vase, I am linking in with the wonderful meme, In A Vase On Monday, from Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.
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Lovely
Thanks so much Janice!
That Clematis is quite something Donna, and goes so well with the pansies!
It is amazing when you wander your garden and suddenly see the beauty. It has become one of my favorite vases.
That’s a lovely little arrangement Donna. Gorgeous clematis! You always present your flowers so beautifully and that flowery salad looks delicious!
You are too kind Cathy. That clematis is a rare beauty and I feel blessed it loves to bloom in my garden.
Your Clematis is beautiful, Donna! Actually, I love the entire mix of soft colors. I’m sorry to hear that the heat is on and I hope you get a break soon. It’s getting on the toasty side here but we haven’t been walloped (yet)
We had a wee break but back in the heat soon. Glad you enjoyed the vase.
Your salad looks yummy. I never have cut clematis for a vase, how does it last? Might be worth a try!
It was yummy. This clematis will last for at least a week or more. And buds bloom in the vase too.
Clematis look so lovely in a vase so your post is a good reminder of how useful they can be – the lacey hydrangea blooms are an inspired addition
I agree. It is fun to find and use other material from our gardens we don’t always think about for vases. Glad you enjoyed the Lacey hydrangea. They are so delicate.
Your flower arrangement has just the right tone of ‘coolness’ to help mitigate the heat. The clematis is a beauty and it can definetely spare a few blooms. The salad garnish of flowers is a delight too, and you have just reminded me that I could add some calendula petals to my salads. Hope it is a little cooler for you this coming week.
Thanks. I am awaiting my calendula for salad too!
The salad looks delicious! All the fresh food this time of year is so yummy. And your vase is lovely. 🙂
Thanks Beth! I have a veg patch of summer salad greens that I can’t wait to eat. Still will need a couple more weeks. Yum!