Flower Frenzy Friday

I don't know a better way to share with you the feeling in the garden other then posting this wonderful collage exploding with color.

Happy Friday Dear Friends!

First Russian in 2009

One of my new additions to heirloom tomato varieties in our veggie garden put off its' first piece of fruit today. I am super excited not only because it is known for a long producing season but because it is the FIRST TOMATO on the year. The description that came with the start plant from the Mulberry Creek Herb Farm reads : This Russian heirloom produces a long and steady crop of 2-inch elongated plum-shaped fruits colored a beautiful deep-mahogany with dusky-green shoulders. Fruit resembles a small paste tomato but with thinner walls. Unique sweet tangy flavor. In the photo above you can see me holding this cute little plum in front of a portion of the veggie garden that I spend three hours watering by hand last night. We need rain 'big time' in my neck of the woods.
The collage collection of Rudebeckia has to be my favorite bloom this week. I love the rich fall tons and the massive amount this one plant is shooting out. I swear I counted over 20 blooms measuring at least 4" wide on this perennial. The Rudebeckia plant has been one of my favorites in the country garden since I was introduced to it about three years ago. Since then I have added 4 different varieties growing in random locations on our property. This zone 5 grower can tolerate poor growing conditions as well but my #1 reason for loving this bloomer is it blooms most of the summer. Below is the a coneflower bloom I wanted to include to this blog entry from this late mornings walk in the garden.

Echinacea / Coneflower says ' Good Morning'

It was only his shadow!

Flower Frenzy Friday

Hollyhocks in Bloom

Seeing many shades of Red and White on this Friday before the 4th of July!

Seeing GIANTS on Bloom Tuesday

Giant Spinner Gerber Daisies to celebrate this Bloom Tuesday on the last day of June.

I have never seen such a bloom.... wonderful! Reminds me a little of the giant Dahlia flower.

This afternoon Hubby and I took a wonderful drive out to Mugg'zs adorable cafe ( thank you KYLEE!) and enjoyed a fabulous bowl of Tomato Basil Soup. I couldn't help but imagine recreating this fabulous soup as soon as Tomato season arrives in my neck of the woods. It won't be long and we will have plenty of tomatos. During the trip I brought my camera along and snapped a few shots of this cute corner garden that has won an award from the Toledo Botanical Gardens! How Awesome is that?!!! Can't wait to brew up a pitcher of some wonderful hibiscus Blueberry Tea I brought home from her large selection.


GIANT yellow lily from my garden on Bloom Tuesday and I had to give this poor GIANT Spinner (photo below) another chance to shine.............................


Happy Bloom Tuesday!

Lacey Sun Combo

Lacey Sun in June

It is no wonder the Rudbeckia hirta 'Prairie Sun' perennial has won a few awards in this decade. Paired up with the Sambucus nigra (black lace) and you are sure to have a winning look in the garden. This morning I am sharing with you a little corner of my Master bedroom garden located along the back wood line of our yard. I am in love with the Proven Winner Elderberry bush having to stop myself from purchasing 'too many' of the same shrub. Is it possible to have too much of a good thing?!!! I had to share the new growth featured in the collage above. This shrub is similar to the Japanese Maple only I just read that according to the Humane Society of American Sambucus leaves, bark, roots, and buds can be toxic to pets. This is means that the plants are generally identified as having the capability for producing a toxic reaction. hmmm.....

Does the image above say SUMMER or what?!

I want to make note that this seed spreads easily so you will be guaranteed years of blooms. This beauty has been in this location for 3 years now.

Lacey Sun dressing up the corner of the landscaping in the photo to the left.

Not sure where all my little kitty friends are after their breakfast was served this morning but this pretty little butterfly stopped by to say 'Good Morning' as I snapped my Lacey Sun photos to share with you this weekend.

What are some of your favorite combinations in your garden this summer? I would love to hear from you.