A Midsummer Garden's Blooms

· Dahlias. They have been in bloom for several weeks and will continue until first frost. Competitive dahlia growers dig tubers and store in winter, though many Washington area gardeners leave them in ground. They generally grow back if planted in well-drained soil, and they will provide five to six months of flowers every year, as long as deer can't get them.

· Hostas. This perennial should also be separated from deer. Hostas grow in clumps; their leaves range in size from minute (two to three inches) to huge (eight to 12 inches). The foliage can be so showy, you almost forget about the flowers -- until now. Hosta flowers just began opening on long spikes above foliage in purple, lavender-pink and white. Hybrids of a species named fragrant hosta ( H. plantaginea) are sweet smelling. When you see a fresh flower opening, give a sniff. Fragrant ones begin blooming in late July to early August.

· Hydrangeas. You should be noticing hydrangeas in bloom now. The most noticeable are big-leaf, or florist, hydrangeas ( H. macrophylla). Color can vary each year -- and even on the same plant. It is dictated by the amount of aluminum in the soil. The more aluminum, generally found in acidic soil, the bluer the flowers. To ensure that flowering is as full as possible next year, don't prune faded flowers from this season. They are better left on the plant through winter to protect flower buds that formed this year. Clip faded flowers and dead wood coming out of winter. It needs no pruning other than that and grows about four feet high and wide at maturity.

· Gooseneck loosestrife ( Lysimachia clethroides). This plant spreads by rhizomes and colonizes areas with good moisture and full sun. The collection of stems can be perceived as a weed, but masses of graceful, nodding, white, "gooseneck"-shaped inflorescence make a showy appearance in the heat of summer. It's also an excellent cut flower that holds for a couple of weeks.

· Gladiolus. This fine summer flower just opened. Its hybrids sport large maroon, white, pink, red or purple flowers. They are root hardy and can be grown as true perennials in our region but should be dug and stored in colder climates. They are a long-lasting cut flower.

· Goblin blanketflower ( Gaillardia X grandiflora"Goblin"). This low-growing perennial is drought-tolerant and brilliantly colored. It's starting to flower now and will continue into fall. It's a good foil for tall, leggy plants, but be careful mixing these bright, large flowers with red petals and yellow tips with other brilliantly colored flowers. Goblin grows and looks best against flowers with more muted tones.