Stop the presses!
It’s my favorite week of the year.
Because:
And because:
And because:
And because:
Not to mention these, which are blooming everywhere:
And these buds on the catalpa tree, which will open this week and fill the property with their glorious scent.
None of which, by the way, I had anything to do with. The wild roses were already established (and they’re invasive,) the peonies were planted long ago by previous home owner, and the catalpa has been here (along with four other catalpas up in the woods) for years and years.
This week, when they all take off and blossom, is my happiest week in the garden. Frothy little white flowers on all the edges of the property, beautiful peonies down by the entrance to the driveway, and beautiful blossoms high up in the catalpa tree.
I texted a photo of a peony to Don last night, with the caption “They’re here!”
It’s also a simply beautiful morning. I’ve been sitting on the glider for about two hours now. I don’t want to leave. So I went inside and grabbed the laptop so I could write today’s post outside. Birds are singing, the bullfrog is doing his thing, cyclists – both bicycle and motorcycle – are passing by.
I’m going to stay out here most of the day. Tomorrow morning, I’m going into the city for a couple of days, returning Tuesday. Since Don’s time there is limited now, I know he wants to lap up all he can, while he can, so I decided I would go to him. Then it will be back home to start the mowing process again. I’m not complaining. I come alive in the spring and summer.
Yesterday, I stopped at my local nursery and picked up a few more plants. I planted some additional coneflowers in the big garden bed because I love them and I know they reseed and will go a long way toward filling up the side of the bed that’s closest to the maple tree. I also bought another hollyhock.
And these, for the vintage plant stand:
More lobelia, which will get bigger and spread and the tendrils will hopefully go between the wires (I’m already training them.) This must be the summer of lobelia: my hanging plants, the pot on the table, which is full of purple and white lobelia, and these newest additions. There’s something romantic about lobelia in this kind of rusty vintage plant stand. I like it.
We’re slowly getting used to ETM closing. But it’s very hard for the cast. No one would know watching it, but the joy has diminished a bit. How could it not? We’re in mourning but time helps ease the pain a bit. I would do anything to protect my husband from this. But I can’t. I can be with him as much as I can, however. Meanwhile, the landlord has begun showing the apartment and that makes Don sad. He really loves that apartment and I know he’d give anything to keep it. If we were wealthy, we’d rent it. But it rents for more than our hefty mortgage payment. The whole thing makes me unbelievably sad. I cry a lot.
Okay. I’m going to hang out here today, along with a little garden work and weed pulling.
Happy Saturday.
i can see why that’s your happiest garden week (thanks for the pretty photos)! your new/old plant stand looks great empty and even better with blooms. glad you can spend much of the day outside.
and that you can enjoy more time with don in nyc. travel safe.
kathy in iowa
Thank you, Kathy. Have a lovely weekend.
Spectacular garden pictures. And enjoy your day outside. I find being able to go sit outdoors at the end of a work day does wonders for my blood pressure. And that plant stand! So jealous ;-)
I’m hoping it does wonders for mine! Thanks so much, Kay..
Those are simply gorgeous peonies….such a vibrant color. My neighbor’s…which I’ve always enjoyed…can’t hold a candle to yours. Are they scented? And that lobelia looks perfect in your antique plant stand. You needed something frilly in it I think.
I’m glad to hear you are going to see Don…take advantage as much as you can of your city dwelling…and your park! Enjoy your day on the porch…I envy you…you have shade. Shade doesn’t come to our deck til about 2…so I’ll have to wait for my time! ;)
Yes! They have an intoxicatingly lovely scent. I walk down there simply to inhale them.
This porch is something I am thankful for every day. Especially this time of the year! Enjoy your deck later on today!
Enjoy your glorious week of blooms! My peonies didn’t flower last year but it was the first year I planted them. This year they are leading in quite fully but no blooms yet. My dahlias though are budding and I’m hoping they bloom before I leave next week. Since I’ll be gone a month, I may miss most of the blooms. Enjoy your time in NYC with Don. Make lots of memories to help you both get through this sad period.
Will someone be able to take pictures for you while you’re away?
Good idea, Claudia. I’ll ask my friend who will be looking after my animals and house.
XO
You have such a lovely garden and porch. And woods and driveway and front yard. It’s all so lovely and your summer will be so wonderful with all that natural beauty. I need to see what you are going to cook on Stella. I think my husband will cry if he sees another pot of taco soup simmering on the stove. Maybe my stove needs a name. Will keep you informed.
I have no idea what I’m going to cook on Stella. Though I am having a craving for biscuits today – for the first time in a long time!
Our peonies opened this week, also. The scent!!!! Sadly, we had some rain yesterday, and it seems to be the enemy of peonies as their blooming “heads” are so heavy, the smallest amounts of rain bring them to the ground, it seems. Last year I staked them with some old tomato cages and that seemed to help. This year I never thought about it. sigh.
That is so funny you talked about the summer of Lobelia. I have planted more this year than I ever have. I love how airy and tiny the flowers are. And the blue….. it is just stunning.
So glad you are going into the city to take advantage of the time to be there together. And happy to think of you spending time on your lovely porch. Enjoy your Saturday. And safe travels tomorrow.
I dread it when rains come because I know that my peonies are going to suffer. I’m sorry yours are drooping.
I’m looking forward to seeing my husband tomorrow. Thanks, Chris.
Everything is so lovely! Sometimes I wish I could live where it would be spring or summer all year long, but I would probably get tired of that, too. Have a good time in the city with Don. You have a beautiful cottage to come home to.
Having lived in San Diego for eight years, I can attest to the fact that I missed the seasons. As much as I complain about them, I think we need them. I know I do.
But you’re healing, Claudia; I can ‘hear’ it in your words. Bravo. Nature alone is a healer, isn’t it!
Slowly. Three steps forward and two steps back. The next month, until we pack up Don’s apartment and move him back home on the 8th, will be tough. Watching the closing performance and my husband on that stage, along with all the wonderful people in that cast, will be tough. But nature helps.
You will get through it. You can do it. Your garden, for both of you, will be a tonic. Don really hasn’t had any time in it since the landscape was bleak; winter. You will be okay. You will be together again. You will transition. Times flies at our age; before you know it, so fast you blink, autumn will arrive and you’ll both be Baking With Stella. Roasting some root veggies; and, oh, those Cloud Biscuits.
Thankfully, more often than not, things have a way of working out.
If only we weren’t losing the income.
Those flowers are gorgeous. You have a beautiful garden. Enjoy your time in New York City.
Marilyn
I love my garden, Marilyn – it keeps me sane! Thank you!
Your blooms are so beautiful Claudia…My wild roses keep spreading and are now down by the little stream that runs through here…I love it…and the smell…heavenly!…Nature is very healing…it’s hard to see and smell the beauty of flowers without smiling…I hope you and Don spend some time at that lovely garden there…may it take away a bit of your worries for a while…
I’m sure we’ll visit the garden on Monday. Thanks, Nancy.
Other than Don living away from you on a regular basis, you’ve had the best of two worlds. Your lovely cottage in the country, and the excitement of city life with Don. That in itself is hard to part ways. Not to mention the show closing. Oh my! I feel your pain. I hate change. For some reason, I was sure the show would go on forever. Music makes the spirit soar. I have hope this is not the end. How wonderful you have your garden to enjoy during this stressful time. Sending good thoughts from Calif. All my best!
Thank you, Lyndia.
I adore peonies but don’t have any here. They are so pretty. Your yard is magical! I love the lobelia in that planter. Perfect choice, vintage looking. I had a good birthday. Ashleigh and I spent the day catching up. Then dinner with the whole family. Scout and Tiger helped me eat my slice of birthday chocolate mousse cake…so good!! I’m so blessed to have my family around me! Enjoy some time with Don in the city. I still can’t believe the show is closing so quickly. Wrong, just wrong! Hugs!
So glad you had a wonderful birthday, Linda!
Glad those flowers bring you joy! Have a wonderful time with Don! Hurrah for summer and its flowers.
Thank you, Judy!
I completely agree with you, Claudia! I wait all year to see my peonies bloom – they make me very happy! I can almost smell them just looking at your photos :)