Blue September

Just when so many of the flowers in the garden are starting to look a little tired, the Caryopteris is at it's magnificent peak.  This deciduous shrub starts to bud in late July and blooms in mid-August and then blooms it's head off all through September.  I cut it way back this spring because it wasn't looking very good and perhaps that's what it needed because this year it looks better than ever.

It also pretty to cut and makes a perky little bouquet for my kitchen table. 
I took this with a flash and love the way the background diffused to black.
We are having a spectacular weather weekend here in the Northeast.  I feel so sorry for those in Louisiana and elsewhere who are bracing for yet another hurricane.  At least they are prepared this time, but it still must be heartbreaking.