Hello Old Friends

Hello to all of my friends here.  It's been quite a while since I shared anything on my blog, though I have visited with a few of you.  This past year seems to have left me lacking in Joy which is the whole idea of my blog.  I am blessed beyond measure and am quite surprised at my lack of enthusiasm.  Maybe it's old age creeping in or just the same ole same ole around here.  I'm sure you didn't come here to hear complaints so I'll gather a few photos and try to get my groove back.  I truly have enjoyed sharing here and getting to know so many new friends.

My passion for gardening always seems to help my spirit.  We have been blessed with close to 5 inches of rain this month.  After a very dry May, this has been needed sorely.  It's really not a good idea to go into summer with a deficit of rain in our hot, humid area.  I do hope the abundance of rain has not affected you with flooding as has happened in our state.

The Jackmanii Clematis has certainly been happy with all the moisture.  She shares her home on the other side of the trellis with the Pinkie Climbing rose.  Grayden made this trellis for us over 30 years ago.  It's made of copper tubing and has turned verdigris that blends nicely with the climbers.

 The above photo was taken last month.  The roses are now over for the time being.  Yesterday I deadheaded and fertilized all the roses so I should get more blooms.  

The Eastern Redcedar is loaded with berries.  I enjoy seeing the different textures on this juniper (juniperus virginiana) which is actually not a cedar at all.  It's quite popular in the eastern part of North America.  I'm sure most were planted by the birds as they are seen along fence lines.  If you have fruit trees it is not a good idea to have redcedars as they seem to be the host for cedar apple rust that will destroy them.  But the redcedar has many good qualities that include great places for wildlife to rest.  It will grow in very poor soil as well and is known to live a very long time.  Some have been known to be around for hundreds of years.  They are often seen in old  cemeteries and on old undisturbed properties.

This year looks like it's going to be great for hydrangeas.  I love picking a blossom or two and bringing it indoors for the table.   

The Lacecap Hydrangea is enjoying the extra raindrops that fell.

You can spot the Oakleaf Hydrangea on the upper left.  She sure loves the hot, humid summers here.  The white vinca are beginning to grow as well as all the volunteers from past years!

Our resident bunny let me approach him very closely this morning!  We have observed him most mornings munching on grass and enjoying whatever he wants in the perennial garden.

Maybe he'll join me when I'm weeding this bed!  Can you spot him?

Thank you for stopping by, my friends.  I hope the upcoming summer days find you well.