as July slips away.
How did that happen??
With the toes of August peeping under the door, thoughts of summers end start creeping in.
Wishing for a way to put time on "pause" and fling those thoughts far out into the universe.
THESE are the days I want to "rest" in for awhile as long as possible.
Learning to live in the moment: a constant work in progress.
Validating the direction of my thoughts tho ~ Mature Bullock's Orioles departed from the garden this week and started their long journey south.
This years young remain but even they will soon follow the path of their parents.
Their three month residency, once again, over in the blink of an eye.
Clematis 'Purpurea Plena Elegans'
Tiny sweet blooms.
Majorly big impact.
Dahlia 'Big Brother'
Notice a theme??
Salmony/yellow bloomers were on the brain when orders were placed this spring. :)
Favorite Zinnia: 'Queen Red Lime'
Lilium 'Black Beauty'
Happy moment finding them blooming again.
Last year, a late, late frost killed the new growth. There was never any additional sign of life so obviously, no blooms. I thought they were gone.
Here's proof that one bad year does not mean the end....
Lemon Cypress & 'Cherry Star' Calibrachoa. Another favorite combo.
Little Myrtle topiary
Lovely new annual: Crazytunia 'Mandeville'
Water hyacinth ~ first year to bloom in my pond. Not sure why but not asking questions!
The garden has changed since I last posted.
One of the Pinyon Pines (planted by the previous owner) along the driveway had to be cut down. I knew the loss was inevitable ~ they are desert plants, not at all suited to the constant irrigation they receive from the neighbors sprinklers ~ consequently they've struggled the past several years. At some point the other will have to go as well. Their demise opens an opportunity for new landscaping. Considerable thought will go into a plan during the upcoming months.
In the kitchen, I've been overcome by a cooking spree. Fell in love with the above chicken/blueberry salad. Recipe found here.
Not necessarily the healthiest (i.e. dressing), but I'm making adaptations. The flavors however, are fabulous.
I think the taste was enhanced because the salad was accompanied by my new April Cornell table napkins!!! What do you think??!
Here's hoping August crawls by at a snails pace & that we remember to seize & savor every moment before the season truly is over...
Once again I come to your blog to be blown away by your awesome photos! It was such a treat to see many of these plants when I was up there recently. The lily is absolutely amazing!
So happy you found those perfect linens - it was meant to be. Thanks for making me smile this afternoon.
Posted by: Dana | July 31, 2015 at 03:08 PM
Well, I'm looking forward to the blooming of MY Cafe Au Lait dahlia, very pretty. It was a gift from a friend, and I didn't know they were hard to come by. I'm sure glad I have one!
Posted by: Robin | August 02, 2015 at 01:24 PM
Stopping by your blog always makes me feel like I've had a mini vacation - your garden looks beautiful! That Crazytunia?! wow... pinned it to remember it for next year.
We are finally tackling some long overdue landscaping projects. Stephen's grad party is a week from today so there is lots of incentive to finish! Hope you are doing well, my friend. xo
Posted by: Alice Golden | August 02, 2015 at 02:32 PM
Hello Kathleen girl !
You have some beautiful blooms going on here .. and that chicken looks scrumptious!
Can you drop by some time and let me know what type/brand camera you use and lens ? Your pictures are always so pretty and I am trying to find my way between the Nikon I have used for years and this new Canon that I am not in love with the EOS Reble Sl1
Thanks !
Joy : )
Posted by: Joy | August 11, 2015 at 04:28 PM