One of only two peonies this year. I usually see five or six times as many blooms. The peonies, along with the lilac and the bridal veil spirea all suffered from that late frost we had in MAY, of all things. The other plants seem to be fine. But it really impacted these hard workers.

All that being said, this flower is beautiful and the scent – as always – is heavenly. Don leans down to sniff them when he returns from his morning walk.

Yesterday was crazy – torrential rain and high humidity. I stayed inside except to water the porch plants and take some pictures.

The hollyhock that I planted last year in this galvanized tub came back this year. It’s right by the kitchen door and throughout the winter it stayed there, exposed to all the elements. But some of the leaves never died and I kept seeing new leaves – even in the midst of late winter. Hollyhocks are biennials; they take two years to complete their life cycle. As the weather got warmer, this plant shot up and has three stems.

I don’t mind saying that I’m thrilled, especially since it was in a pot and ignored throughout the winter.

The same thing happened with my lavender, which looked, after being left on the porch throughout the winter, like it was a goner. Closer examination this spring showed a tiny hint of green, so I put it back on the bench on the funky patio. I cut back the part of the plant that had died and waited. Now it’s green and beautiful and growing tall.

You never know, do you?

I saw the groundhog this morning but he had run away by the time I came back with my camera. Also saw a catbird bathing in the birdbath.

A good way to start the day!

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.