The Adirondacks got spruced up last week with new chair pillows.
They really need a paint touch-up but since I don't have time for that right now, I figured pillows would be the easiest, fastest fix.
The black & red fabric really "pops" against the lime green, don't you think?
and there's the vintage wheelbarrow but before we explore that further, see the plant in the purple pot??
That would be Echinacea 'Supreme Cantaloupe' ~ my first foray into the world of double flowered echinaceas.
The melon color swayed me.
I like it a lot newly blooming (as it is in the above photos), but we shall see how I feel when the top doubles and no longer has that traditional coneflower look!!!
Okay, now we can get back to the vintage wheelbarrow.
Planted this year with Salvia, Zinnias, calibrachoa and lantana.
I'm interested to see how the additions (Salvia & calibrachoa) look by summers end.
The bees are sure enjoying the Salvia addition and I'm thinking when the hummingbirds show up, they will too.
Finally, as promised, the orioles!
My daughter was in the hospital when they showed up this year. I'm glad they didn't give up on me when I wasn't here right away to feed them.
I think I have fewer pairs than normal but not by much.
In the above photos, the Bullock's oriole male is chattering/warning another male overhead, not to approach the feeder while he's there!
It worked too because this one only landed after the top male left!
One of the interesting things I've noted while watching them come to the feeders over the past years, is that there is definitely a pecking order with the males. But a female oriole always usurps a male. In other words, if a male is at the feeder when a female arrives, he leaves. Simple as that.
How gentlemanly is that??!!!
p.s. In case you're interested, Adirondack pillows were ordered from Improvements Catalog and they just happen to be having a sale right now! *wink, wink*
p.s.s. Thanks to everyone for your kind comments toward my daughter. She continues to have intensive therapy and things are slowly getting better.
Hello Kathleen girl !
I'm sorry I haven't been here sooner and missed what on earth happened to your daughter? .. In any case I hope she is on the path to feeling much better and the stress levels are lower.
When our kids get sick no matter the age .. we feel every bit of it too.
I love the pillows you have put with your chairs .. a perfect foil to that lovely green : )
The antique wheel barrow is gorgeous! .. I can't find stuff like that, you are a great garden accent hunter! haha
The plants should last you all summer and they look great in the barrow!
Yes .. I get so excited to see these caterpillars but I can't capture one yet to over winter .. too early .. has to be late August if possible .. fingers crossed !
All the best for your daughter Kathleen .. and you too girl !
Joy : )
PS .. haven't been able to get passion flowers for two years now .. not in the market place at all.
Posted by: Joy | June 30, 2014 at 05:22 AM
Kathleen, your echinacea and that oriole have matching outfits! Wonderful color!
I hope your daughter feels better!
Posted by: Tatyana@MySecretGarden | June 30, 2014 at 07:18 AM
I'm so glad to hear your daughter's health is improving! Kathleen, you are so creative! You're so talented with taking simple items and making them spectacular! And how wonderful to have orioles at this time of year. I've only seen them in the springtime here. Happy 4th!
Posted by: Beth @ PlantPostings | July 01, 2014 at 11:01 AM
Yay - a new post and it's a great one! Love the new pillows and thanks for saying where you got them because I was going to ask. They are perfect for the chairs. And the wheelbarrow is stunning! I am so happy you are able to find some time to garden while nursing Janae back to health. I am so jealous of your Oriole's...I have to find a way to get them in my yard! Can't wait until we can get together again - it's been way too long!
Posted by: Dana | July 01, 2014 at 07:23 PM
I hope your daughter is continuing to improve. What great photos. I love the color of the Adirondacks and the pillows really are nice. And the wheelbarrow is way cool. And the oriole visitors are quite handsome too. Great post.
Posted by: Grace Peterson | July 02, 2014 at 04:50 PM
Hi Kathleen. I enjoy your wonderful photos! and the gardening iteas--I really love the vintage wheelbarrow. Happy summer to you and your daughter.
Posted by: Karen (Horst) Hochstetler | July 05, 2014 at 07:52 PM
Now don't even tempt me with "fancy" coneflowers, because I've vowed to stick with the traditional. But that melon color is gorgeous! And I sure love that wheelbarrow, I'm very jealous! Great pillows against the lime green, did you make them yourself?
Posted by: Robin | July 07, 2014 at 06:40 PM