There are over 200 species of hibiscus, and they are beloved because of their big showy flowers and green, clean-looking foliage. They fall into three different major categories: tropical, perennial and hardy.

Cottage gardens are the product of the homeowner's own work and vision, and William Robinson advised, "Let the flowers tell their story to the heart."

Later in the summer when garden flowers are less abundant, I look for foliage and other things to use as filler in my vases of cut flowers.

English Lord Holland wrote a poem about his wife who got dahlia seeds from Madrid (via the New World): “The dahlias you brought to our isle, your praises forever shall speak; mid gardens as sweet as your smile, and color as bright as your cheek."

Some types of birds prefer ground level water sources also, so even a plant pot saucer can serve during hot days. You don't need feeders during the summer, but water is crucial in times of drought.

Each of these three types of geraniums is associated with long-billed wading birds.

Canna comes from the Greek word spelled kanna, which means reed, though the canna plant does not have narrow reed-like leaves.

These flowers grow wild, creating deep velvet-red carpets in Nebraskan pastures.

Oenothera fruticosa's common name is sundrops, and its nectar attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

A suitable habitat for birds includes predictable water sources, an open area of lawn, some dense shrubs for cover, some tall trees, plants with berries, and nesting places for ground birds.