When the results are this lush and beautiful, I wouldn't try to resist, either, Neal.

? blank space--what is that? hahaha
I can't do it either

Money plant (Lunaria annua) appears to be a favorite of black swallowtails- I see one fluttering around them every day.

Tis the season...

I was beginning to get concerned about the hummingbirds because I typically see them in April and hadn't yet. Saw my first yesterday hovering around the red trumpet honeysuckle.

Has bloom been later than usual at your place? Might explain it. Happy to that you saw the first of the season.

I'd say bloom times have been about normal this year, even though it was a colder than normal winter. I have seen hummingbirds visit daffodils in years past, but they waited till the daffodils were done this year.

Saw my first firefly of the year too!


This clematis was a self sown seedling!

New Summer Love clematis in her new home.


A house mate left a stack of cinder block toppers by the entrance, and now is injured and can't move them. My back wasn't really up for it either, so they became risers for pots.

Some shots I took standing on the porch.

Random beauty.
Champagne Elegance


no id historic


Inspired


Frisky Frolic

You have some dreamy views, Neal.

Love the photos, Neal. You just gave me an idea. I have cinder blocks and toppers lying around waiting for DH to move. They should be great for placing plants that love heat on. I'm going to check them out. for sharing your inspiring photos.

Great photos, Neal! I love a mixed garden and I am like you about blank spots. On the rare occasion when I find one it is like finding and excuse to get a new plant and I get all happy. I am going to have to severely cut back some old rambling rose bushes that have rambled into other beds. I will wait until after they bloom.

Deb, I'm all about using what I have on hand. Unfortunately that is often various piles of lumber, building material, etc. from various projects a house mate is working on. Even though no neighbors can see anywhere around the house, I see those messes, and it drives me kinda nuts. I have learned to make the best of it, though it often leaves me asking myself "am I polishing a turd here?" LOL

Thanks Bonnie, blank spots are like canvases ready for color aren't they! I've got an old bourbon rose, Banshee, that is stoloniferous and will need to be tamed after blooming. It is a once bloomer, and fills the area with classic rose fragrance. It is the only rose I have that proved cane hardy to 18 below zero. Let me know if you'd like a sucker from it. Its full of buds, I'll post pics here when it blooms.

gemini_sage said:Some shots I took standing on the porch.

So pretty!

Tis the season for irises, everywhere...

Loved all your pictures! And I have a special place in my heart for all things purple.

GASP! What are those dark purple ones in the middle photograph, first line?!? Be still my heart!
(really like all the two purples in the last line, too. )

Most of my irises are noids, and those that have multiplied most vigorously and that I also like the best have been spread around the garden in various spots. The majority came from trades and gifts from other gardeners, or dug from abandoned home sites or the road side (hmmm...guess that means some were stolen, although I prefer to think of it as a rescue mission).

Last year I started purchasing some bearded varieties (Mid America Gardens and Schreiners), and some of those are blooming this year. As I see how they perform, and which ones are most vigorous and garden worthy, I will gradually start replacing some of the clumps of noids that are growing in more than one spot with modern named varieties. I still love my noids, but being such a lover of variety, I'd like to maximize the use of my garden space.

Cherub's Smile from Schreiners and Simply Coral from Mid America