May 31st, 2012

The last day of May in the garden and it holds some lovely surprises.

The single white peony that Sharon gave me from her garden bloomed this morning - I am so happy that I was able to identify it when I moved peonies from the Hill Garden last fall!

and so did the tall yellow iris, joining the pretty mauve iris from up above....

none of the other iris that I replanted last fall show any sign of blooming, although they look healthy and quite sturdy.  I wait anxiously to see if I captured the corm of that gorgeous rusty that is so beautiful.

If I didn't I can always do the whole exercise over again, marking it when it is in bloom

The most splendid surprise of all that greeted

me this morning was the Abraham Darby, - all its leaves bright, shining and green, - and at least two blooms fully open and glorious in the morning sun.

and the poppies - very exotic with their darkened petals around the black fringe of their eye -

skirts all scarlet and swirled.  Very gay and seductive.

The pink climbers and the Red Blaze next to the garden shed

are getting ready for the June show

A flicker stops to drink from The Lady's  water bowl 

and appears to express his appreciation with a sweet kiss

We spent the morning in the garden, getting water and sprinklers organized

and it was time I feel we are so blessed to have.

May 20th, 2012

The last three weeks in the garden where magical things are happening.

It was such a pleasure to come upon all the spring bulbs that spent the fall and winter

underground, gathering all the energy and beauty of the good rich earth

and springing forth to delight us in April and May

Some great-grandchildren came to gambol amongst them, like little spring lambs

and Bruce too, of course, who also had big kisses for Grandpa

the anemones outside the white picket fence put on a good show for passers-by at the beginning of May

over the fence in the neighbour's yard the apple blossoms  delighted us, and the neighbour's cat

(under the tree) 

while the birds dropped in for a little rendezvous and treat , tucked away amongst the evergreens

More tulips joined the chorus line

the quince blossomed, intertwined with a delicate white flowered vine not known to me - yet

and the tall long-legged tulip that grows amongst the climbing roses at the head of the side yard waved gracefully, half-way up the fence

lovely things began to happen in the raised bed that holds all the plants from the 

garden on the hill

the bleeding heart bloomed profusely, and the oriental peony with somewhat more restraing

from the tender big leafed rhubarb at the end of the b ed

we had our first rhubarb crisp

and then it was lilac time, and the mountain ash blossomed along with them

to add a beautiful creamy contrast to the rich royal purple

 the peonies began to blossom

 

 and the sweet peas I had planted behind the pansies poked their little double leaves up through the top soil

lovely volunteers

and a dainty columbine, quite different from what I am familiar with

oh, here are the allium, - stgately yet delicate

and the red willow that Charles tidied up so nicely is all abloom

as are the coral bells

the hosta has taken quite well to it's new home in the shady corner

and the peonies grow larger and more elegant each day, - these are the peonies who have made their home here for a few years, - I am anxious to know how the plants from the hill will adapt, and did I get the beautiful white one???

it is still early days, - the poppies are pregnant with promises

and the lilies too

this purple clematis by the front gate is pushing forth buds

Frank helped me plant a golden honeysuckle today, and another pale clematis

and in a week the roses will be out, even the new Abraham Darby

it is quite fun in the garden these days!