The Lavender Allee

Mid-July in my part of Oregon means Lavender time. Within the last week the lavender has gotten its color and the blooms are opening up. I can't tell you exactly what variety I have pictured. Right after we bought this property I started to plant a long lavender allee up the side of a spur road. I purchased 5 plants the first year and then added many more the next 2 years. The problem became apparent as they matured and bloomed. While all 3 year's plants were labeled "Hidcote" I ended up with 3 very different varieties of lavender. I do believe that the first year's plants were a true "Hidcote". Unfortunately, I lost them all this past Winter with our  unusually long, hard freeze. The lavender that I had planted in year 2 all survived. They are a dwarf variety, with beautiful dark, deep purple blooms.

I was pleased to see many honey bees working the blooms but was upset that I could only find one bumble bee.

Just as I was about to put my camera away, I spied this little guy!