Our yard greeted me with my Magnolia Tree in bloom, my Dogwood and Azaleas bursting, and the spring flowers – Lily of the Valley, Iris, Lilies and Hostas. The Hydrangeas are sprouting leaves, and of course – Tulips, Daffodils, Crocus, Pansies, Mums and Hyacinth. The cool thing is that most of my perennials have come from other yards of my family and friends. I think of them each time they bloom.
And now we’re getting into summer! Summertime and the living is easy! This is the perfect time of year to go outside and enjoy the weather. It is also fun (and great exercise!) to garden. It is good for the mind and the soul as well!
Our house has lots of outdoor living space so I have more places to surround myself with flowers. The front porch is silly but still nice to have; there are pots of Begonia and Roses along with a plastic goose full of a variety of flowers. It has a huge American flag hanging, as does the side porch.
The side porch is covered; it was a great “playpen” when the kids were little. There are double Begonias hanging. The back patio is now covered thanks to the deck; next to the patio is our garden. This year, we planted vegetables.
Ryanna wanted me to plant all that she needs to make her pasta sauce (ask Ryan, it is the best sauce!). We planted five varieties of tomatoes, bell peppers, hot peppers, jalapeno peppers, cucumbers, zucchini and squash! The outside perimeter is lined with Marigolds and cayenne pepper (I hear deer don’t like Marigolds and bunnies don’t like cayenne pepper).
The deck has pots with basil, oregano, cilantro, parsley and mint as well as a potted Sunflower. There is also an aloe plant that fascinates Ryanna. She is also quite impressed with my Hibiscus plant; the flowers remind one of the tropics! I also just learned that the Rose of Sharon is a type of Hibiscus, I guess the northern version?
Most of our flowers are in the front yard and lining the side of the house. The kids and I planted Begonias, Ageratum, Vinca, Dahlias, Petunias (my Mom’s favorite and they still have a lovely scent), and Sunflower seeds.
The Magnolia Tree in the front yard near the right of the house has a decorative bench surrounded by flowers – Pansies, Vinca, Petunia and Ageratum plus rocks from Geneva. Two swings hang from the tree! One more flower bed to go! Perhaps Impatiens?
Trips to the local nursery, Root 88 Dupree’s, is always fun. The kids enjoy choosing their plants and flowers. Another project for the kids was making bags that fool carpenter bees and other flying insects into believing that it is a wasp nest. Supposedly, the others will respect their space and leave. We shall see!
There is now a birds’ nest under the deck (but clearly visible from the patio). It was so cool the first time the kids saw the babies! We were sitting on the deck playing at the sand table. We noticed mama bird with a worm and sure enough, three little beaks appeared.
Ah, the simple things in life. Even though life is so challenging these days, please try to enjoy! Sunrises, sunsets, the innocence of youth, the moon, fresh air, nature in full bloom. Hopefully, you are enjoying your yard as well. I would love to hear about your favorite plants and flowers!
Peace! Czolem!