Oh What a Beautiful Morning

Our recent rains have given way to a fresh, clean landscape.

The pollen has been washed away, our dreaded humidity hasn't surfaced yet and this morning was as close to perfect as it gets, in my humble opinion.

So, with camera in hand, I took an early morning stroll through the garden taking note of the wonders of nature.  The peonies are loaded with buds just waiting to open.  I'm making a mental note to find an ideal vase for them.  I'll leave most of them outside, but I can't resist bringing in at least one bouquet.

 The hostas are emerging from their winter homes.

They look so fresh and healthy now before the summer heat and little critters get to them.

I picked up this container at Walmart recently.

I love this combination of colors.

 Speaking of containers, I tried a new-to-me color combination on the patio this year.  I wouldn't have thought to mix these plants together.  The idea is loosely based on a photo I took at a garden walk a few years ago.  I love the inspiration that can be found at the local garden walks.  Sadly, I just learned that the one I've enjoyed for several years is going to be discontinued.  Boo Hoo!

 For the center of the patio table I bought a hanging basket filled with these mini petunias (I think they're called Supertunias).  I then removed them from the hanging basket and put them into my existing glazed pot.  This turned out to be less expensive than buying several individual plants and much easier too.

 

The cost of flowers can add up fast, so I cut corners where I can.

For instance, our Lowe's always has plants in the very back of the garden center that have been reduced to clearance prices.  Some of them look like they're not long for this world, but others are just a bit ragged.  Nothing a bit of TLC can't cure.  The gerbera daisies pictured above were all reduced to $2.50 per pot.  I honestly couldn't see anything wrong with them.  I also purchased two hanging baskets filled with begonias for $2.50.  I plan to separate them to line the edge of my herb bed.

  

On a final note, I took a picture of my one and only iris.

The year before last we divided our big clump of them.

It had been growing in the same spot for 8 years and wasn't producing as many flowers as I thought it should have.  I read that they needed to be divided every few years.

Last year we didn't get any blooms, which I think is to be expected.

This year we have several healthy looking clumps scattered about the garden.  However, only one big bloom and another bud getting ready to bloom.  Oh well, it's a mighty pretty bloom and there's always next year.  

Thank you for sharing this beautiful morning with me.