“I grow plants for many reasons: to please my eye or to please my soul, to challenge the elements or to
challenge my patience, for novelty or for nostalgia, but mostly for the joy in seeing them grow.”
- David Hobson -
Many hours have been put into the garden this spring. And every single one has been soul satisfying. The sounds, the smells, the sights; the feel of the earth between my fingers; the flutter of activity as my backyard friends scurry by; the birds feeding their young; the wind caressing my hair; the sun kissing my cheeks...it is all spectacular. I am so grateful for this piece of paradise right in my own backyard.
I selected a few shots to share with you today, and invite you to take a stroll with me through the garden.
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No garden is complete without an assortment of columbines.
This is Aquilegia vulgaris 'Winky Blue-White' |
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| Hosta 'Fire and Ice' is bold and beautiful. |
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| A sign that the newly-added Rosa Grandiflora 'Tournament of Roses' is happy to be in my garden. |
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| The large and lovely pale lavender-pink flowers of Clematis ‘Louise Rowe’. |
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| This is a beautiful variegated Sedum, but I'm not sure what type. Anyone? |
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| This is the lovely Iris pallida ‘Aureo Variegata. |
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| The gorgeous foliage of a Japanese Painted Fern. |
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| Gaillardia 'Arizona Apricot' preparing to bloom. |
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| Gaillardia 'Arizona Apricot' opening up a flower. This plant will bloom continuously until the fall. |
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| A velvety leaf of a Cimicifuga (bugbane). |
There are many more images I’d love to share, but it’s been really busy, and I haven’t had time to sort through all the shots I’ve taken. I’ve also fallen behind on emails and the reading of blogs, but I will catch up as soon as I can.
In the meantime, I thank you for stopping by, and I wish you all a beautiful day!
How awesome when all of your hard work pays off like this - I can definitely tell that you've put in some extremely hard work in your garden and it's paying dividends galore!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great feeling when you see results from your hard work. Right now I have the time to spend in the garden, so it's responding to my efforts. If I return to the workforce, things will go downhill fast out there...LOL...
DeleteYour floral photography is always spectacular!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debra! The garden is a great place to practice taking photos.
DeleteGlad to hear you have been enjoying your garden! Sadly, mine's been neglected but I'm just heading out now to clear some weeds and help it look happier. I know exactly what you mean about the soil in your fingers! Enjoy this beautiful day, Martha!
ReplyDeleteI know you've been very busy, Cathy, so that's understandable. I have the time right now to pamper my garden, but if my schedule changes, it won't be as happy anymore!
DeleteWow - wonderful photos! You must have a fabulous garden. Thanks for sharing your pics.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Linda! The garden is growing happily, and I'm grateful for that.
Deletestunning shots today Martha, I really enjoyed every single one! Of course, flowers are my weakness.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christine. I know what you mean. I love flowers, too.
DeleteMy goodness, your flowers are gorgeous!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteStunning shots, Martha
Thanks, Margie. I hope you are enjoying your blog break.
DeleteMagnificent photos. Isn't nature extraordinary!
ReplyDeleteIt sure is, Wendy! Adds so much beauty to life.
Deletenice flowers
ReplyDeleteThank you, Adam
DeleteAll looking good there ! Nice photos ! I to have been busy in my gardens . Thanks for sharing , Have a good day !
ReplyDeleteIt's that time of year, Country Gal, where we spend oodles of time pampering our gardens. The best time of year!
DeleteYour macro shots are just stunning! I love columbine, but the only ones I can get to come back are the wild ones. I love that blue one! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteColumbines are favourites of mine. I have them scattered all over the garden. I wonder why yours won't come back.
DeleteLove it. The pictures are wonderful and there's nothing like working outside.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been able to garden but I do get to write outside on our little cafe
table and like you, I feel happy and content.
Happy and content...the best state to be in. Sitting outside and writing is heavenly. I sit outside and read, which is equally satisfying. And I always have my camera right there with me in case a little critter appears. Gotta take photos of my backyard friends!
DeleteMe too on the reading and the camera. Even yesterday on the couch with Bug.
DeleteI always have it near by. It's fun.
How did I miss this, it is beyond stunning, i love your photos oh so much Martha, you make me happy
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lorraine. We all need pretty flowers, now and again. They make us happy :)
DeleteSimply beautiful, Martha.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jim. You certainly know how pleasing a garden can be.
DeleteI was just sneaking some pictures of our Japanese Painted Fern last night as I jumped (sort of) out of the car after visiting MacDonald Hill with Mocha and Sophie. The sunset was illuminating the fronds. Don't you just love this plant.
ReplyDeleteYour flowers are much further along than ours but Mother Nature will catch us up soon I suspect!!
Ron
Yes, I certainly do love this plant! So gorgeous, and so easy to grow. I think our weather has been a little better, although this spring has not been the best. The plants haven't minded. The cooler days have encouraged them to bloom longer, which is fine by me!
DeleteGardening is indeed a wonderful hobby and lovely, lovely pics!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Chirasree! Yes, gardening is a wonderful hobby...if you like it.
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