Hello, It's Me!

Peonies and Roses

Yes, I was absent for a while, but I'm back with lots to share.  I just hit a temporary lull, where I wasn't feeling terribly inspired to blog.  Real life gets in the way, too.  So, I hope that I still have some followers left who would like to see some pretty flowers!

These are a combination of shots taken with my phone and a regular DSLR camera. . .

Back in May, around Mother's Day, the tulips all came out:

Parrot Tulips nodding their heads

Does it seem eccentric to put a flower bed smack dab in the middle of one's front yard?  That is just was we did.  Last fall, I had Carl dig a plot for some tulip bulbs that I was eager to try out.  Previously, any tulips we would plant would do well for a year or two, and then either not come up, or get lost.  This year, I decided that I would pay closer attention to what tulips need to thrive.  One interesting thing I read, was that they should be given their own space, if possible. . .and, that you do not want the bulbs to get watered during the summer months, or they'll rot.  Having tulips in a bed with later blooming flowers that need lots of water would be bad news.

Haven't figured out what I'll do with that "hole" in the yard this Summer, but everyone in the neighborhood stopped to let me know how much they loved the display!  I must say, I am a fan of the parrot tulips. . .These are called "Apricot Parrot".  I also had planted "Red Lizard" and "Black Parrot".  Each was successful, and this fall, I want more, more, more!  LOL!  We may just have to get rid of the grass in the front yard. . .

These two flowers broke off the stems, so I brought them in to enjoy and study their unique beauty.  I can definitely see why artists have been intrigued by the tulip for centuries.

And then there were the Peonies!  Again, I think I will be increasing the amount of plants for next year.  

Peonies just emerging

Looking Blowzy!

I love how these look as they are finishing up for the year

Seems unfair that these beauties are only around for a short time.  I must have lucked out though with the varieties I've chosen, because just as these pink are finishing, the white ones come out.  There are a couple more bushes that will also be coming into flower in the next week or two.

Anyone try that trick with their peonies?  The one where you cut them when they're not quite open and bring them indoors to bloom?  Apparently, that will keep down the amount of ants (ick!) that come into the house.  With these open-faced peonies, it's not much of a problem. . .I can see the ants and shake them off.  But those which have many petals. . .like the white in the first image. . .not so easy to catch those bugs!

Little bouquet of peonies

Hope everyone is having a marvelous June!  The weather has been lovely in Northern Ohio.  Not too hot, not too cool!  

Here's a parting shot of the sunset from last month, before the leaves on the trees were out:

View from the deck

Thank you for visiting with me today!  If you stopped by, please let me know.  And if you have a blog that I'm not already following, I'd like to add you to my list!

Cynthia