[Bon of Babble]

I have a number of very shady areas in my yards. During heat waves the air can get very hot - it has always been very difficult to find plants to put in those areas, lots of trial and error. I do not want to cut back the trees because they shade my house. Have had luck with begonias and coral bells, also succulents.

Meanwhile, the rest of the garden is in bloom (before the heat sets in).

Hibiscus:

Roses, "Scentsational" and "French Lace":

And these volunteers: Sticky Monkey Flower, Verbena and giant Hollyhocks:

[FamiliarFace]

Beautiful! Do you need to deadhead the verbena?

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Beautiful as always! Your ‘Garden Helpers’ must be relaxing in the A/C. ;)

I LOVE those ‘black’ Hollyhocks so much! We are remodeling/upgrading our barn, and there is a spot just BEGGING to be filled with Hollyhocks when the walls and roof are re-painted.