the garden this morning

We finally received some rain, almost 2 inches last week. Plants are looking better, grass is a bit greener. Glowing Embers hydrangea bloomed beautifully this summer.

Limelight hydrangeas are looking pretty good despite drought.

Lantana love hot summer sun.

The prettier yellow water lilies flowers are not out right now, just a few white ones.

Limelights that bake in the sun on the hill among pachysandra.

Coneflowers are full of butterflies and bees.

Chimney pot conceals the well pipe. Rudbeckia make a nice companion.

Most days there are about a dozen frogs in the pond, they come and go. Not sure where they go! We never see them hopping away through the lawn.

Border is nice and full, it perseveres despite huge competition from roots and shade from the maples.

Wrought iron furniture purchased in the 1920's was my grandmother's, then in the sun room of the house I grew up in. We have enjoyed it on our patios in the three homes we have lived in since we were married. The cushion covers are about 20 years old, covered in the original Sunbrella fabric color. Akebia is on this arbor. Honeysuckle and clematis on the one in the background.

 We cannot remember what this fern variety is but it stays vibrant all summer long!

stylish serendipity photos

this morning in the garden

 The honeysuckle arbor has bloomed and the hummingbird has discovered it but have not been able to get my camera in time to capture it.

The water lilies are up and blooming.

The first hydrangea bloom is opening but this group is quite damaged from the early warm weather and then frost damage in April. We will get lots of blooms but this trio of shrubs  are not the size they usually are. Most years are huge, rounded and uniform.

The herbs are starting to grow.

Birdbath water must taste good.

Looking at the other Andy in the water.

First hosta bloom is opening.

Roped off akebia arbor to protect mama robin and her babies nestled within.

Geranium

stylish serendipity photos

rhodos are big here

Northeast Ohio is one of those places where rhododendren can get really big. The best ones are in old landscapes where they have been left alone. This very long row of them in my neck of the woods  lines a driveway to a trout club with a charming lodge and lake. Surprised there are no accidents there, I am surely not the only one craning my neck to check them out each time I drive by.

stylish serendipity photos


What's blooming in your neck of the woods? Have a great weekend everybody!

the garden this morning

 The siberian irises, huge leaved hostas(forgot the name) and clematis are up. The beech trees are now fully leaved out so we are at full privacy and shade.

 Akebia vine and clematis share this arbor with myrtle shading their feet. Andy looking toward the new yellow Butteflies magnolia planted in the lawn.

Baptisia and the later blooming white allium.

 Sarah Bernhardt peonies are always reliable next to the side yard patio. The peonies in the big border in the back yard are very slow in coming this year, we covered them in rich compost last fall and they seem to be somewhat smothered but have finally popped through.

Hoping for babies again this year. At least the goldfish all made it through the winter. We have about 40 of them. Amazed they can stay alive in there in  such cold water under the ice!

 Honeysuckle vine not blooming yet, Japanese maple looking gorgeous.

The Edulis Superba peonies in the front gardens.

Water lilies in bloom with flag irises and lots of frogs perched on the rocks on the edge of the pond right now keeping the fish company.

Variegated hostas are not fully up yet. They seem smothered by the compost we placed last fall but are finally opening. Their pattern pops against the shade of the maples and beeches.

Dutchman's pipe vine loves the shade and is starting to fill in. Brunnera covers the ground. Andy, my garden companion, surveying the woods, on the lookout for deer.

stylish serendipity photos

peonies in bloom

By laying its heavy long stemmed blooms so close to the ground, the peony says "go get the clippers and put these in a vase"!

stylish serendipity photos

the garden this morning

The ferns, irises, clematis and dogwoods have popped open and the arbors are starting to fill in.

 Nest in the akebia arbor.

stylish serendipity photos

Have a great weekend everybody!