While life seems pretty heavy right now, I want to show you that there is a lot to look forward to. The following are photos of plants I'm looking forward to seeing in bloom.

Blue Blazes Hyssop (Agastache 'Blue Blazes')

Blooming in the Water Conservation Garden, July to October.

This isn't the first time this plant has been featured on our bloom blog, and it won't be the last. Yes, botanists have favorites.

Mongolian Bells™ Clematis (Clematis integrifolia 'Psharlan')

Blooming in the Water Conservation Garden and Children's Garden, June to September.

This plant may be small, but you can't miss it, with its unusual purple-blue flowers and curly seed heads that follow.

Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro)

Blooming along the Floral Walk, July to September.

This bee knows it's hard to get alone time here, as people usually accumulate in awe of these vibrant flowers. But hey, after this social distancing is over that may not 'bee' such a bad thing!

Sacred Datura (Datura wrightii)

Blooming in the Water Conservation Garden in August.

This is a night bloomer, hence its white flower, which aids night pollinators in doing their magic.

Dakota Sunshine Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani 'Dakota Sunshine')

Blooming in the Water Conservation Garden, July to September.

Blue skies and sunflowers?! Yes, please.

This is just a glimpse of what the future holds. I hope it brightened your day. From all of us here at the Garden, we hope you and your loved ones stay healthy and safe. We hope to see you soon.

Photos by Heidi M. Simper