As the sun rose overhead our day was met with rising temperatures, making us remember our distant friend summer. Remembering as if it were only yesterday, her visits were met most everyday while our feet were bare, our flower and vegetable gardens were overflowing, and the sprinklers were something to look forward to as much as a dance through the rain.
She is now here once again, this favored old friend 'summer' visiting with us on these days.
.: Dancing through the 'rain' :.
.: Tiny water droplets cooling us off on the warmth of this day! :.
Dancing, laughing, and running with the lush carpet of green grass underfoot, the
sun at their backs and the refreshing 'instant' rain pouring down upon
them reminds my children too of this season that is now upon us.
.: We are creating many new gardens and are enjoying finding toads and frogs residing among the new plants we have planted. :.
The green carpet outdoors holds within it many new friends. Frogs and toads are making themselves known more and more with each new day.
.: Daisies gathered from my mama's gardens so many years ago. They multiply very quickly and bring an instant air of happiness with them! :.
The gardens are bursting with color and grace. Each flower face is held up tall rejoicing in the sun above and the rich cool earth below.
.: Peonies make such an incredible statement. Like a shooting star, they do not last long enough, but I remember them fondly each new year! :.
Magnificent Peonies charm us with their frilly dress, sharing such beauty in the gardens (as well as gathered up on our table.)
.: We have also found white and yellow honeysuckle growing wildly around our home :.
Honeysuckle and birdhouses call forth creatures of the sky. Hummingbirds, butterflies and bird families abound and find their rest in the garden.
.: Recently thrifted cheerful curtains that now hang in a craft studio I am currently preparing! :.
.: These wooden clothespins do not have to wait very long to do their job! :.
The sun mixed with air this time of year creates a perfect climate for continuous drying on the line. As you know it is a sight I never tire of!
.: My youngest son claimed this spot for his own, proclaiming it 'His land' :.
Little ones make homes in and around the gardens, finding special spots to call their own. These Irises made for a pleasant surprise when they presented themselves this spring!
The Irises certainly like it here as they seem to have roamed and roamed all around this land creating breathtaking beauty all around.
.: A gift of Irises at this home. (I wonder if they have been here for one hundred years like the house?) :.
When I was a little girl my grandfather had incredible gardens. He would show me the faces on Pansies.
Now as an adult I see each flower as a beautiful lady, all dressed in her best and standing with grace and confidence. Each flower has a face to share with us their unique personalities!
.: Orange Poppies from Pa's garden, growing beautifully in this new place! :.
I carried some vivid orange Poppies from my grandfathers garden. These are the poppies of my childhood, now standing here to witness my own children's childhood.
In this new garden we have noticed that there are other poppies that were already planted here yet to bloom. With anticipation I look forward to seeing what colors they will don for their dresses!
.: The first year planting lettuce in these vintage wash buckets. They are providing beauty and health right at our kitchen door :.
The vegetables have been planted and are growing by leaps and bounds. I sit and daydream of the moment when we will venture out with gathering baskets in hand to harvest the rows and rows we have planted.
This lettuce has already been joining our table. This year I chose to plant in large vintage wash buckets. I imagined this when we first moved here, anticipating stepping outside our kitchen door to collect lettuce for meals and green smoothies--and now also for our little baby bunnies!
.: May the magic that is found in the gardens bring joy into your days! :.
