Wordless Wednesday: Aphids Aphids Everywhere

Yes We Still Have Tulips

The tulips are almost done, and late bloomers are putting on a show. Azalea and rhododendron buds are getting ready to burst open. The last magnolia blossoms are captured in still life for future viewing. I seem to be in a close up phase, and have a craving for a macro lens:).

Apricot Inspiration

I find the apricot color of these two plants to be very similar and eye catching. The first is a new daylily in my garden~ Zahadoom by Patrick Stamile. It has an unusual color and is quite dramatic when seen in person. I really like the look, and will hybridize with it this year. In fact I've already dabbed some pollen on it's pistol, and am hoping for a little seed pod to form. In this photo it is missing it's stamens, which have been carefully harvested for their pollen.

In the second photo Heuchera "Peach Melba" shows off it's apricot leaves. I had purchased a similar plant several years ago which did not survive our winter. Other heucheras have done well in our garden, so I'm giving it another try.

Yellow Bird Magnolia

I just discovered this little magnolia blooming. It has a pretty pale yellow flower which appears after the leaves are open, unlike the Cup and Saucer Magnolia which blooms before the leaves appear.

Blowing On Dandelion Seeds 101

It's not as easy as you think.


First you have to concentrate. Then take a deep breath and blowwww.


Try again. Everything takes practice.


Try not to eat them:).


Good attempt. By the end of the weekend you'll be an expert!

Wordless Wednesday: Dandelion Seeds

Dewy Morn

These dewy mornings never cease to amaze me. Looking closely at the plants, I'm always able to discover fabulous crystal like droplets of water, seemingly precisely placed like works of art. Quickly formed, and just as quickly evaporated, but thankfully captured, on camera.

Cherry Blossoms

It seems that the garden is beginning to explode with life. We're finally catching up! Simple spring cherry blossoms never cease to provide a sense of awe at their ability to produce such gorgeous sights within such a short period of time. Last week there were no leaves on the weeping cherry. Two days ago I noticed the leaves and flower buds...today the buds are opening. The cherry blossoms are in bloom. I hesitate to blink, just in case I miss something:).

Lilacs

It's almost time...just not quite yet. The lilac buds are growing, and within the week we will be finally able to enjoy their heavenly scent. Just a few days more:). I can hardly wait!

Magnolia

My magnolia had beautiful blooms this season, although somewhat limited due to a severe pruning last year. It had grown so large that it required a trimming twice in one season to keep it contained, so I'm sure that some of this years blooms were cut off. I love the large size and primitive structures of the blooms themselves. A very photogenic flower indeed.