What's been going on around here?

The garden is looking pretty good these days but a lot of the flowers are finished. We had to cut most of the hydrangeas because they were turning brown and all went crispy on top from the unrelenting heat.

The Daisies finally made their appearance they are also done now so the only real colour we have in the garden right now are some orange Day Lilies and whatever we have planted in our pots. It's been a bit difficult keeping everybody happy in the extreme heat we've been experiencing, plants and people, but I think we are all learning to adapt.

A couple of weeks ago we had the strangest thunder and lightening storm that lasted for hours and hours. I forgot that I had snapped some photos of the incredible sky that evening but found the photos when I was clearing off my camera this morning.

Late last night I heard a commotion in the front yard and was treated to a view of the critters we share our property with. This is a Momma and 3 or 4 babies you can just make out in the photo. I watched them scamper around the front yard and into the back yard for about an hour last night. They didn't seem to take any notice of me. I find them fascinating! I wonder how much longer they will all be together? The babies are almost as big as their Momma. I love the way they talk to each other with little chirping noises.

Superman starts his new job tomorrow and there is less than 6 weeks until our wedding. I'll update soon and show you what I've been up to on the wedding front. Lots to do but it's coming together. I am ready to start uploading some of the details as we get closer to the date.

Stay tuned, and if you are reading this, thanks for sticking around even though I haven't had much to say lately.

Can you take more garden pictures?

Well another perfect weekend has come and gone. The weather has been so amazing. I heard we have had 18 days of continuous sun here in rainy Vancouver and it feels more like mid summer than spring. On Friday I did a show at a country fair with Superman's band and on Saturday I just camped out in the sunny yard and enjoyed myself. Later in the afternoon my dear friend Robin popped in with refreshments and her usual good humour. We lazed in the sun sipping cocktails and reminiscing about our trip to Mexico last year. Later, the boys showed up and we played some bocche ball and badminton and ordered in some yummy Greek food for dinner. A day well spent and in bed by 11. Poor Superman now has the horrible cold that Jessie and I had so we are giving him lots of sympathy. He likes that.

Today was another sun day. Jessie and I had all kinds of plans for gardening but after we pruned the Mock Orange tree(thanks to Robin for identifying it) and filled some vases we just had to sit and admire our work. Yes, I took pictures.

Jessie made SM and I the best Indian dinner this evening with homemade chutney and riata, butter chicken, basmati rice and poppadoms. Super delicious!! While she was preparing our dinner I made a rhubarb and strawberry pie using rhubarb from her brothers garden. Yummy summer flavour and we are all just so stuffed with goodness.

I took this picture of the Mock Orange from inside the garage.

Here she is against the blue, blue sky.

So pretty!

The Hydrangeas have even started blooming. This is the first flower from the largest bush in the yard. I sure hope there are still lots of flowers left for the wedding in September.

Here's the wall of roses and there are so many more blooming every minute. I can't even describe how amazing the yard smells.

Here is a little bouquet of mock orange flowers on the dining room table and a huge bunch that is on the mantle. Ummm, I hope these aren't the reason Superman keeps sneezing.

How does your garden grow?

Everything is blooming like crazy and I just have to show you. It's all about the garden for me this summer and I have been blown away by the beauty that is in our back yard.

Here is the window box from Jesse and Martin. Makes me so happy every time I open the door to go outside.

Can you spot the two ladybugs?

This is our fabulous Smoke Tree! When we moved in we thought it was just a dead tree, it was completely bare. Now it is putting on an amazing display. I LOVE the Smoke Tree!

Here is a shot of our wall of Wild Roses. They are breathtaking and smell so beautiful. For every bloom you see there are 10 more waiting to burst open. The blooms are so delicate that they only last about a day and then sprinkle their petals onto the grass below.

This tree just started blooming and has the most delicate snowy white flowers. Does anyone know what it's called?

The Portulaca is growing like crazy in the front planter. My Mom told me that this was my Grandmas favourite flower. I love them too!

There you go. That's the garden update. I know there are many more surprises waiting for us and we have tons of Daisies just getting ready to open. I will keep you updated.

Enjoy your day and take some time to smell the roses!